Lla FlugabwehrkanonenpanzerGepard (« réservoir de canon antiaérène Cheetah », mieux connu sous le nom de Flakpanzer Gepard) est un canon antiaérien automoteur allemand (SPAAG) capable de tous les temps. Il a été développé dans les années 1960 et mis en service dans les années 1970, et a été mis à niveau plusieurs fois avec la dernière électronique. Il constituait une pierre angulaire de la défense aérienne de l’armée allemande (Bundeswehr) et d’un certain nombre d’autres pays de l’OTAN. En Allemagne, le Gepard a été progressivement abandonné fin 2010 et remplacé par Wiesel 2 Ozelot Leichtes Flugabwehrsystem (LeFlaSys) par quatre lance-missiles FIM-92 Stinger ou LFK NG.
The Polikarpov Po-2, originally designated U-2 (for ‘Uchebnyy’ Ou ‘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)
Rôle
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)
Crew
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.