Petlyakov Pe-2

Petlyakov Pe-2
Country	Soviet Union
Class and type	Dive bomber
First flight	22 December 1939
Built	11000+

The Petlyakov Pe-2 (Russian: Петляков Пе-2) was a Soviet twin-engined dive bomber used during World War II. It was regarded as one of the best front-line medium bombers of the war and also proved successful as a heavy fighter, as a night fighter (Pe-3 variant) and as a reconnaissance aircraft.

Source: Petlyakov Pe-2 on Wikipedia

Petlyakov Pe-2 Walk Around
Photographer	Unknow
Localisation	Unknow
Photos	74

Petlyakov Pe-2 1

Petlyakov Pe-2 2

Petlyakov Pe-2 3

Petlyakov Pe-2 4

Petlyakov Pe-2 5

Petlyakov Pe-2 6

Petlyakov Pe-2 7

Petlyakov Pe-2 8

Petlyakov Pe-2 9

Click on a photo and use the mouse scroll to view all photos

Wait, Searching Petlyakov Pe-2…

General Characteristics and Role

The Petlyakov Pe-2, nicknamed “Peshka” (Pawn) by its crews, was a high-speed, twin-engine dive bomber used by the Soviet Air Forces (VVS) during World War II. It was one of the most important aircraft of the Soviet war effort and, after the Ilyushin Il-2, was the most numerous Soviet bomber of the conflict. The Pe-2 was originally conceived as a high-altitude fighter/escort, but after the start of the war, it was hastily re-engineered for the dive bombing role. It was highly valued for its speed, which often allowed it to evade early German fighter interception, and its rugged construction. Over 11,000 Pe-2s were built, seeing action on every front from the Battle of Moscow to the final capture of Berlin.

Property	Typical Value (Pe-2FT, a common variant)
Role	Dive Bomber, Reconnaissance, Heavy Fighter
National Origin	Soviet Union
Manufacturer	Petlyakov Design Bureau / Factories 22, 39, 124, 125, 40
Service Entry	1941
Crew	3 (Pilot, Navigator/Bombardier, Gunner/Radio Operator)
Length	12.40 m (40 ft 8 in)
Wingspan	17.16 m (56 ft 4 in)
Height	3.50 m (11 ft 6 in)
Empty Weight	5,870 kg (12,940 lb)
Max Takeoff Weight	8,500 kg (18,740 lb)

Powerplant and Performance

Engines: 2 x Klimov VK-105PF V-12 liquid-cooled piston engines.
Power Output (Each): 920 kW (1,240 hp).
Maximum Speed: 540 km/h (336 mph; 292 kn) at 4,000 m (13,123 ft).
Cruise Speed: Approx. 400 km/h (249 mph).
Range: 1,500 km (930 mi; 810 nmi).
Service Ceiling: 8,800 m (28,900 ft).

Armament and Bombload

Fixed Armament (Offensive): Typically 1 x 12.7 mm UBT machine gun and 1 x 7.62 mm ShKAS machine gun in the nose.
Defensive Armament: Multiple 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm machine guns in ventral, dorsal, and turret positions, which varied widely by model.
Bombload (Internal): Up to 600 kg (1,320 lb) carried in internal bomb bays in the fuselage and engine nacelles.
Bombload (External): Up to 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) on external racks, generally used for horizontal bombing missions.
Dive Brakes: Later models included hydraulic dive brakes, essential for accurate dive bombing, a key mission profile for the Pe-2.