Sukhoi Su-2

The Sukhoi Su-2 (BB-1) was a close-support bomber and reconnaissance aircraft used by the Soviet Air Force during World War II. During the German invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941, it would also be employed as a fighter. It was the first Sukhoi aeroplane to see combat action.

Developed from the ANT-51, the Su-2, which had first been designated BB-1, entered service in April 1940. By September 1941, five aircraft were being built every day. Flying sorties in its original role, the plane was very effective and successful at the beginning, carrying out bombing raids, and reconnaissance and artillery-spotting missions. However, when it encountered the German Messerschmitt Bf 109, the result was catastrophic as losses began to mount.

Technical Characteristics

The Sukhoi Su-2 was a two-seat, single-engine monoplane built with a wooden fuselage. It was fitted with straight, low wings. Cockpit was spacious, for two persons, pilots and navigator, sitting in tandem. It also had retractable landing gear. For winter time operations, it was equipped with landing skies. The aircraft was powered by one 1,100-HP, Tumanskii M-88B, radial piston engine.

Specifications

Type: light bomber/reconnaissance

Length: 10.25 m (33 ft, 8 in)

Wingspan: 14.30 m (46 ft, 11 in)

Wing Area: 29 square meters (312 sq. ft.)

Height: 3.94 m (12 ft, 11 in)

Maximum Speed: 455 km/h (282 mph)

Range: 850 km (525 miles)

Crew: 2

Armament: six 7.62mm ShKAS machine guns, which were mounted four in wings, one in nose, and one in rear section of cockpit to shoot backwards. 600 kg of bombs.

Below, the Sukhoi Su-2 in Moscow. Photo taken after the war.

The BB-1 at a Russian military base in December 1941, during the war.