The Petlyakov Pe-2 was an original Soviet twin-engined aircraft design emerging in the late-1930s, becoming one of the most important aircraft of the Soviet effort during World War 2 (1939-1945). Initially conceived of as a dive bomber in the mold of the successful German Junkers Ju 87 "Stuka", the Pe-2 graduated to undertake a myriad of battlefield roles including fighter-bomber, light bomber, close support, reconnaissance and night fighter. For the heavy fighter/night fighter role, the aircraft was designated separately as the "Pe-3" and this version served in the Soviet aviation inventory until the end of the war in 1945. While the Pe-2 managed the astounding production total of 11,427 aircraft, the specialized Pe-3 was seen in just 360 units. Introduction was marked in 1941 with manufacture spanning from 1941 to 1944.
The Pe-2 naturally served as the basis for the Pe-3 sans its dive bombing capabilities and three-man crew. First flight was recorded on August 7th, 1941 and the aircraft's arrangement was largely faithful to the original. The crew of two sat back-to-back under a revised, framed canopy with the rear crewman serving as a dedicated machine gunner/observer. The bomb bay was outfitted with additional fuel stores to increased the aircraft's operational range. Armament was made up of 1 x 20mm cannon in the nose assembly coupled with 2 x 12.7mm UBK machine guns in fixed-forward firing mountings on the fuselage. The dorsal turret contained 1 x 12.7mm UBT machine gun while a tail unit was given a 7.62mm machine gun installation. A bomb load of up to 1,500lbs was possible as well, allowing for fighter-bomber strike sorties. Structurally, the Pe-3 followed the Pe-2 with its low-mounted wings, split rudder tail fin and wholly retractable "tail dragging" undercarriage.
Power was served through 2 x Klimov M-105RA V12 liquid-cooled inline engines of 1,100 horsepower each driving 3-bladed propellers. Maximum speed was 330 miles per hour with an operational range out to 930 miles. Its service ceiling was listed at 29,860 feet and could reach 16,400 feet in under seven minutes.
Production of the new aircraft began in the summer of 1941 to which deliveries ensued in August. As the Pe-3 was born of the Pe-2, they shared production lines and Pe-3s were simply modified for their heavy fighter/night fighter roles where they lay. The initial production version was designated simply as "Pe-3" and appeared in 207 examples. The Pe-3bis was an improved, upgraded form appearing in 1942 and seeing production reach 152 units. Subtle variations in the design ultimately produced the Pe-3M of 1944.
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AIR-TO-AIR COMBAT
General ability to actively engage other aircraft of similar form and function, typically through guns, missiles, and/or aerial rockets.
41.3 ft (12.60 meters) Length
56.2 ft (17.13 meters) Width/Span
11.2 ft (3.42 meters) Height
12,919 lb (5,860 kilograms) Empty Weight
17,637 lb (8,000 kilograms) Maximum Take-Off Weight
STANDARD:
1 x 20mm ShVAK cannon in nose assembly
2 x 12.7mm UBK heavy machine guns (fixed, forward-firing) in fuselage.
1 x 12.7mm UBT heavy machine gun in dorsal position.
1 x 7.62mm ShKAS machine gun in tail position
OPTIONAL:
Up to 1,540lbs of internal/external stores.
4 Hardpoints
Pe-2 - Original Dive Bomber Form from which the Pe-3 is derived from.
Pe-3 - Dedicated heavy fighter based on the Pe-2; original production models; appearing in 1941; night fighter form with specialized equipment also developed.
Pe-3bis - Improved, upgraded Pe-3 mounts appearing in 1942.
Pe-3M - Production models of 1944 onwards with subtle changes.
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