| Plane type & model |
Light bomber (SB-2bis) |
At the beginninf of ´30s the Tupolev tech office studied the realisation of a light-fast bomber, utilizing the experience taken with the realization of previous bimotor fighters. The prototype, named ANT-40, flew initially with american Wright Cyclone engines, then 2 other prototypes recieved the national production M-84 engines and modifies to aereodinamic wing structure. The plane entered the production lines in 1935 and remained in production for 5 years, with continue improvements especially with engines. The SB-2 , that was firstly used in Spanish Civil War, was then used in orient and in the 39-40 Finnish war. Against Germany there was the SB-2bis version , that was largely used in first line squadrons then , after 1943, for night bombings. It was also built on license in Checoslovakia as B-71 in 111 exemplars. |
