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.