Den FlugabwehrkanonenpanzerGepard ("anti-fly kanon tank Cheetah", bedre kendt som Flakpanzer Gepard) er en all-weather-kapabel tysk selvkørende anti-fly pistol (SPAAG). Det blev udviklet i 1960'erne og felttog i 1970'erne, og er blevet opgraderet flere gange med den nyeste elektronik. Det udgjorde en hjørnesten i luftforsvaret af den tyske hær (Bundeswehr) og en række andre NATO-lande. I Tyskland blev Gepard udfaset i slutningen af 2010 og erstattet af Wiesel 2 Ozelot Leichtes Flugabwehrsystem (LeFlaSys) med fire FIM-92 Stinger eller LFK NG missilkastere.
The Polikarpov Po-2, originally designated U-2 (for ‘Uchebnyy’ or ‘Training’), is a Soviet utility and trainer biplane designed by Nikolai Polikarpov. First flying in 1928, it became one of the most produced aircraft in history, with estimates up to 40,000 units built. Its simple, rugged, wood-and-fabric construction made it inexpensive, easy to maintain, and capable of operating from small, unprepared airfields (STOL capability). During World War II, despite being obsolete, it was effectively used as a light night bomber, liaison, medical evacuation, and reconnaissance aircraft. It was famously flown by the all-female 588th Night Bomber Regiment, nicknamed the “Night Witches” by the Germans, who also called the plane the “Nähmaschine” (sewing machine) due to the sound of its engine.
Property
Typical Value (Trainer/Light Bomber Variant)
Rolle
Trainer, Utility, Light Night Bomber, Liaison
National Origin
Soviet Union (USSR)
Designer
Nikolai Polikarpov
First Flight
January 7, 1928
Production Period
1929 – 1959 (Soviet Union & Poland)
No. Built
20,000 – 40,000 (across all variants, estimated)
Besætning
2 (Pilot, Observer/Gunner)
Empty Weight
Approx. 700–770 kg (1,540–1,700 lb)
Maximum Takeoff Weight
Approx. 1,350–1,400 kg (2,980–3,090 lb)
Powerplant and Performance
Engine: One Shvetsov M-11D / M-11FR 5-cylinder, air-cooled radial engine.
Power Output: Typically 93–119 kW (125–160 hp) depending on the variant.
Maximum Speed: Approx. 130–152 km/h (81–94 mph).
Cruising Speed: Approx. 100–110 km/h (62–68 mph).
Note: This slow speed was often an advantage against German fighters, whose stall speed was higher than the Po-2’s top speed.
Range: Approx. 450–630 km (280–390 mi).
Service Ceiling: Approx. 3,000–4,000 m (9,800–13,100 ft).
Key Design Feature: All-wood airframe with fabric covering, making it virtually invisible to early radar.
Armament (Light Bomber Variant)
Defensive Armament: One rear-facing 7.62 mm ShKAS machine gun in the observer’s cockpit (in U-2VS/Po-2 LNB variants).
Bombload (External): Up to 300–350 kg (660–770 lb) of bombs carried on racks beneath the lower wings and fuselage.
Typical load: Six FAB-50 (50 kg) bombs.
Combat Use: Used primarily for “nuisance raids” at night, often gliding silently over targets after cutting the engine.