Soviet Polikarpov U-2 bomber, trainer; Polikarpov Po-2 bomber, trainer

Design

The Polikarpov U-2 was to be a replacement for the U-1 trainer. Nikolai Polikarpov designed the plane in 1927.

Russian troops called the U-2 the Kukuruzhnik (corn cutter).

In 1944 the U-2 was renamed the Po-2 to recognize Polikarpov's role in its creation as he died on July 30, 1944.

Construction

The Po-2 had a composite skeleton and a fabric cover.

Engine

The engine did not have a cowling in most variants.

Cockpit

The pilot and the rear passenger each had a windscreen. A few models had enclosed cabins.

Wings

The wings each had ailerons that were connected by cables. The tips of the lower wings had skids that protected the wings if the undercarriage failed.

The wings were in a staggered layout. There was a single set of struts bracing the wings.

Fuselage

There were cables that went along the fuselage that connected to the elevators. One aircraft had the controls connected to the control column.

Tail

The rudder was tall with a broad chord. This was linked to the cockpit by control cables.

Prototype

The U-2PK prototype first flew in 1927. It had poor flight characteristics and the redesigned prototype flew on January 7, 1928.

Production

After World War II production was resumed.

• Total: >20,000, ~33,000, >40,000
  • Manufacturer: State Industries
  • Production: 1928 - 1944, 1928 - 1952

Invasion by Germany

By June 1941 there had been 13,000 U-2s produced.

Variants

A total of 80 variants were produced. Some of these were training, observation, light attack, night bombers, psychological warfare, crop dusting, float plane, and ambulances.

• Polikarpov U-2PK, Polikarpov U-2TPK: Prototype.
• Polikarpov U-2 / Polikarpov Po-2:
• Polikarpov U-2GN: Loudspeaker equipped.
• Polikarpov U-2LSh: A light Shturmovik.
• Polikarpov U-2LNB: Light bomber. Engine was silenced for night raids.
• Polikarpov U-2NAK: Air observation and night artillery direction.
• Polikarpov U-2P: Seaplane.
• Polikarpov U-2S: Ambulance.
• Polikarpov U-2SP: Three seats.
• Polikarpov U-2SPL: Passenger carrier. Rear cabin was enclosed for two passengers.
• Polikarpov U-2VS / Polikarpov Po-2VS:
• Polikarpov U-2UT: Trainer.
• Polikarpov Po-2ShS: Had an enclosed cabin and could cary the pilot and three passengers.
• Polikarpov Po-2SKF: Could carry two stretcher patients under the wings in pods.
• ???: Had floats installed with a Wright Cyclone 720 HP engine. Set altitude records for seaplanes in 1937.

Usage

Finland, Germany, Romania, and the Soviet Union used the Polikarpov U-2 during World War II.

Approximately 100 air regiments were equipped with the U-2.

Eastern Front

Some U-2s flew nighttime nuisance raids against the Axis forces in Russia.

After World War II

Production was resumed and NATO designated it "Mule" in 1954.

Poland and the Soviet Union produced the Po-2s from 1948 to 1953.

Korean War

Po-2s were used in the nighttime nuisance raids against UN forces in the Korean War.