Reading level:
Polikarpov Po-2
Polikarpov · Night Bomber / Trainer / Night Harassment Bomber / Trainer · USSR · Interwar (1919–1938)
The Polikarpov Po-2 was an all-weather multirole Soviet biplane, nicknamed Kukuruznik. The reliable, uncomplicated design of the Po-2 made it an ideal trainer aircraft, as well as doubling as a low-cost ground attack, aerial reconnaissance, psychological warfare and liaison aircraft during war, proving to be one of the most versatile light combat types to be built in the Soviet Union. As of 1978, it remained in production for a longer period of time than any other Soviet-era aircraft. It holds the distinction of being the only biplane to have taken down a jet aircraft.
Specifications
- Category
- Fixed Wing
- Sub-Category
- Bomber
- Domain
- Defence
- Era
- Interwar (1919–1938)
- Country
- USSR
- Manufacturer
- Polikarpov
- Operator
- Soviet Air Forces/many
- Primary Role
- Night Bomber / Trainer / Night Harassment Bomber / Trainer
- Status
- Retired
- Service Entry
- 1928
- Produced
- 33000
- Engine
- Shvetsov M-11D
- Thrust / Power
- 125 hp
- Launch
- Ground
- Length (ft)
- 26.4
- Wingspan (ft)
- 37.4
- Empty Weight (lb)
- 1543
- MTOW (lb)
- 2116
- Endurance (hr)
- 5
- Service Ceiling (ft)
- 13100
- Max Speed (mph)
- 94
- Armament
- 1x 7.62mm ShKAS; 772 lb bombs