The Tupolev SB-2 (SB = "Skorostnoi Bombardirovschik", translating to "fast bomber") was a light-/medium-class twin engine bomber serving Soviet forces during the Second World War (1939-1945). At the time of its introduction (1936), the aircraft was seen as an evolutionary design incorporating features such as a retractable undercarriage, enclosed cockpit, and all-metal skinning / construction - features not traditionally showcased during this time in aviation history. The SB-2 garnered a notable service record in the early going but would, over time, become obsolete with the arrival of more capable Axis fighters. Before then, however, the SB-2 was the day-bomber / attacker of choice for Soviet forces and the type went on to serve beyond Soviet borders and even into the post-war period for some.
The aircrafts origin stemmed from a pair of Tupolev light bomber prototypes designated "ANT-40". The second prototype was selected as the initial production model under the "SB-2" designation. The aircraft sported a pair of license-built Hispano-Suiza engines developing 830 horsepower each used to drive three-bladed propeller units. This arrangement gave the aircraft a top speed of over 200 miles-per-hour which was, at the time, faster than most frontline single-seat, single-engine fighters available in any one country. The maiden flight took place on October 7th, 1934 and the series arrived to frontline units in early-1936.
The SB-2's arrangement was typical of twin-engine light bombers of the period - the engines held outboard in nacelles embedded into the wing mainplanes. The nose section was heavily glazed to allow for viewing by the forward crewman and the cockpit was stepped, positioned aft and over the nose. The mainplanes were set low against the sides of the fuselage and the tail unit incorporated a single vertical tailplane with accompanying, low-mounted horizontal planes. The crew consisted of three specialists - a pilot, nose gunner, and a dorsal gunner and armament amounted to 2 x 7.62mm machine guns in the nose, 1 x 7.62mm machine gun in a dorsal gun position (sometimes fitted to a turret instead), and 1 x 7.62mm machine gun in a ventral, rear-facing gun position to protect the aircraft's more vulnerable belly. The maximum bombload was limited to 2,205lb of internally-held stores.
The SB-2's Baptism-of-Fire was with Soviet air crews during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) and the series went on to operate with success in the early years of World War 2. It proved a shock to adversarial Japanese airmen flying Nakajima Ki-27 ("Nate") fighters during the Sino-Japanese War when the two designs met over Chinese territory during December of 1937 - Soviet airmen at the controls of their proven SB-2s. The SB-2 so impressed the Japanese that authorities ordered a similar-performing aircraft to be developed - this became the Kawasaki Ki-48 ("Lily"). These lasted in frontline service until 1942 before they were reworked as kamikaze platforms for the IJA.
In the Europe, the series enjoyed its position in the skies until more capable and advanced German fighters - like the Messerschmitt Bf 109 - began to arrive in greater numbers. This showdown cleared highlighted the Soviet light bomber's limitations in a modern war.
The series was also fielded over Mongolia and in the Winter War against neighboring Finland.
In an effort to keep the aircraft viable for the foreseeable future, series was modified in a variety of ways - increased fuel capacity, structural reinforcements, Klimov M-103 series engines of 960 horsepower each. A dual-control trainer form existed as the "USB" - 120 examples being built. Nevertheless, the system still under-performed and began to take on heavy losses, particularly in its given day-bomber role. As such, the aircraft line was later relegated to low-light / night time work and operated as a dedicated night-fighter for the duration of the war.
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China; Czechoslovakia; Finland (captured); Nazi Germany (captured examples); Soviet Union
(OPERATORS list includes past, present, and future operators when applicable)
✓Ground Attack (Bombing, Strafing)
Ability to conduct aerial bombing of ground targets by way of (but not limited to) guns, bombs, missiles, rockets, and the like.
✓Close-Air Support (CAS)
Developed to operate in close proximity to active ground elements by way of a broad array of air-to-ground ordnance and munitions options.
✓Commercial Aviation
Used in roles serving the commercial aviation market, ferrying both passengers and goods over range.
✓Intelligence-Surveillance-Reconnaissance (ISR), Scout
Surveil ground targets / target areas to assess environmental threat levels, enemy strength, or enemy movement.
✓Training (General)
Developed ability to be used as a dedicated trainer for student pilots (typically under the supervision of an instructor).
Length
40.3 ft (12.27 m)
Width/Span
66.7 ft (20.33 m)
Height
10.7 ft (3.25 m)
MTOW
12,637 lb (5,732 kg)
(Showcased structural values pertain to the base Tupolev SB-2 production variant)
Installed:
2 x Klimov (Hispano-Suiza) M-100 V-12 piston engines developing 830 horsepower each driving three-bladed propeller units.
(Showcased performance specifications pertain to the base Tupolev SB-2 production variant. Performance specifications showcased above are subject to environmental factors as well as aircraft configuration. Estimates are made when Real Data not available. Compare this aircraft entry against any other in our database or View aircraft by powerplant type)
STANDARD:
2 x 7.62mm ShKAS machine guns in nose position.
1 x 7.62mm ShKAS machine gun in dorsal position.
1 x 7.62mm ShKAS machine gun in ventral position.
OPTIONAL:
Maximum conventional drop bomb load of up to 2,205lb.
Supported Types
(Not all ordnance types may be represented in the showcase above)
Hardpoint Mountings: 2
ANT-40 - Light Bomber Prototype of which two examples were produced.
SB-2 - Second Prototype Designated with "SB-2" Production Designation.
SB-2bis - Improved SB-2 with three-bladed propeller systems married to two M-103 960hp engines; variable pitch propellers; increased fuel caapcity and overall range.
PS-40 - Transport Conversion
PS-41 - Transport Conversion
SB-RK (Arkhangelskii Ar-2) - Converted SB-2bis models for dive-bomer duty; smaller wing area; fitted with supercharged M-105R powerplants.
B.71 - Czechoslovakian license-produced SB-2.
Ribbon graphics not necessarily indicative of actual historical campaign ribbons. Ribbons are clickable to their respective aerial campaigns / operations / aviation periods.
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China; Czechoslovakia; Finland (captured); Nazi Germany (captured examples); Soviet Union
