Tupolev DB-1

Tupolev Design Bureau

Industry	Aerospace
Founded	1922
Headquarters	Moscow , Soviet Union

Template:Infobox aircraft The Tupolev DB-1 (ANT-36) was a Soviet long-range bomber designed during the 1930s, evolving from the record-setting Tupolev ANT-25. Its development spanned several years, and by the time production commenced, it was already considered outdated. Only eighteen units were manufactured before all were retired from active duty in 1937.

Development

Early in the ANT-25’s design phase, the concept of substituting part of its fuel capacity with bombs or photographic equipment was identified. Consequently, the Soviet Air Forces (VVS) issued specifications for an aircraft capable of carrying 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) payload over a 2,000 km (1,200 mi) operational radius at a cruising speed of 200 km/h (120 mph). By August 1933, the Tupolev Design Bureau had formulated a design and constructed a full-scale mockup, internally designated ANT-36, which received approval from the VVS. Production of an initial series of 24 aircraft, part of a planned total of 50, began at the newly established Factory No. 18 in Voronezh in 1934; however, only eighteen were completed before the project was terminated.

The DB-1 retained much of the ANT-25’s airframe, powerplant, and crew layout with minimal modifications. Defensive armament was enhanced by fitting each of the co-pilot’s and navigator’s stations with a single 7.62 millimetres (0.300 in) DA (Degtyaryov) machine gun. Known in VVS service as the long-range bomber model 1, it featured smooth external skinning and incorporated a bomb bay within the wing center section designed to carry ten nose-up oriented FAB-100 bombs. Additionally, an AFA-14 camera was installed in the rear cockpit for reconnaissance purposes, although alternative cameras could be substituted in place of bombs when required.

Operational history

The DB-1 took to the skies for the first time in 1934, but it was not until late 1935 that the initial production model underwent testing. The aircraft failed to meet the standards of the VVS due to substandard manufacturing quality. Only a limited number of ten units were deployed, all assigned to a single regiment situated close to the Voronezh factory. These aircraft were withdrawn from service by 1937.

The remaining DB-1 planes served various secondary roles. One was equipped with the pioneering Charomskii AN-1 diesel engine that had received flight clearance, though this modification resulted in a shifted center of gravity, creating significant challenges and necessitating a fixed undercarriage instead of a retractable one. In 1938, two DB-1s were chosen for long-distance record attempts crewed exclusively by women; however, the Ilyushin DB-3 was eventually selected for these missions instead.

Bibliography

• Gordon, Yefim; Rigamant, Vladimir. OKB Tupolev: A History of the Design Bureau and its Aircraft. Hinckley, UK: Midland Publishing, 2005. ISBN 1-85780-214-4.
• Gunston, Bill. Tupolev Aircraft since 1922. Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press, 1995. ISBN 1-55750-882-8.