Difference between revisions of "Pe-2-110"

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{{About
 
{{About
 
| about = Soviet frontline bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| about = Soviet frontline bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other uses
+
| usage = other versions
 
| link = Pe-2 (Family)
 
| link = Pe-2 (Family)
 
}}
 
}}
Line 130: Line 130:
 
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
{{main|FAB-100sv (100 kg)|FAB-250sv (250 kg)|FAB-500sv (500 kg)|RBS-132|RS-132}}
 
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
* 6 x 100 kg FAB-100sv bombs (600 kg total)
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
* 2 x 250 kg FAB-250sv bombs + 4 x 100 kg FAB-100sv bombs (900 kg total)
+
|-
* 4 x 250 kg FAB-250sv bombs (1,000 kg total)
+
! !! width="5%" | 1 !! width="5%" | 2 !! width="5%" | 3 !! width="5%" | 4 !! width="5%" | 5 !! width="5%" | 6 !! width="5%" | 7 !! width="5%" | 8 !! width="5%" | 9
* 2 x 500 kg FAB-500sv bombs (1,000 kg total)
+
| rowspan="9" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_Pe-2-31.png]]</div>
* 10 x RS-132 rockets
+
|-
 +
! [[FAB-100M-43 (100 kg)|100 kg FAB-100M-43]] bombs
 +
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 4 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[FAB-250M-43 (250 kg)|250 kg FAB-250M-43]] bombs
 +
| || || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[BRAB-250 (250 kg)|250 kg BRAB-250]] bombs
 +
| || || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[FAB-500M-43 (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500M-43]] bombs
 +
| || || || 1 || || 1 || || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[BRAB-500 (500 kg)|500 kg BRAB-500]] bombs
 +
| || || || 1 || || 1 || || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[M-13UK]] rockets
 +
| 5 || || || || || || || || 5
 +
|-
 +
! [[RBS-132]] rockets
 +
| 5 || || || || || || || || 5
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="10" | Maximum permissible loadout weight: 1,050 kg
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
* Without load
 +
* 6 x 100 kg FAB-100M-43 bombs (600 kg total)
 +
* 10 x 100 kg FAB-100M-43 bombs (1,000 kg total)
 +
* 4 x 250 kg FAB-250M-43 bombs (1,000 kg total)
 +
* 4 x 250 kg BRAB-250 bombs (1,000 kg total)
 +
* 2 x 500 kg FAB-500M-43 bombs (1,000 kg total)
 +
* 2 x 500 kg BRAB-500 bombs (1,000 kg total)
 +
* 10 x M-13UK rockets
 
* 10 x RBS-132 rockets
 
* 10 x RBS-132 rockets
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
=== Defensive armament ===
 
=== Defensive armament ===
Line 200: Line 235:
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
[[File:Petlyakov Pe-2 Peshka (14467132393).jpg|thumbnail|Two Peshkas flying in formation. Likely to be two more out of the picture and therefore part of a flight of Pe-2s.]]
 
[[File:Petlyakov Pe-2 Peshka (14467132393).jpg|thumbnail|Two Peshkas flying in formation. Likely to be two more out of the picture and therefore part of a flight of Pe-2s.]]
Originally, the Petlyakov Pe-2 was not supposed to be a bomber at all. Its direct predecessor, designated VI-100, was designed by a prison design bureau team led by Vladimir Petlyakov as a high-altitude escort fighter. The VI-100 was very modern for its time, featuring a pressurized two-seat cockpit, electrically actuated systems and all-metal construction, and was powered by two supercharged Klimov M-105 V-12 inline engines producing 1100 horsepower each. The prototype was completed in 1939 and during its first test flight on 7th May 1939, it reached a top speed of 627.6 kph (390 mph) – an astounding performance for its time.  The results of flight tests were so promising that the VI-100 was ordered into production.
+
Originally, the Petlyakov Pe-2 was not supposed to be a bomber at all. Its direct predecessor, designated VI-100, was designed by a prison design bureau team led by Vladimir Petlyakov as a high-altitude escort fighter. The VI-100 was very modern for its time, featuring a pressurized two-seat cockpit, electrically actuated systems and all-metal construction, and was powered by two supercharged Klimov M-105 V-12 inline engines producing 1,100 horsepower each. The prototype was completed in 1939 and during its first test flight on 7th May 1939, it reached a top speed of 627.6 km/h (390 mph) – an astounding performance for its time.  The results of flight tests were so promising that the VI-100 was ordered into production.
  
However, Germany launched the "Blitzkrieg" campaign in September 1939. Aside from their revolutionary usage of tanks, the campaign in Poland featured notable usage of Ju 87 dive bombers and showed their potential. Consequently, the Soviet authorities ordered the VI-100 to be redesigned as a dive bomber. Pressurization equipment and engine superchargers were removed, dive brakes were installed under the wings and the bombardier position was added to the nose of the aircraft(raising the number of crew members to three). A ventral bomb bay was added along with the two smaller bomb positions located at the rear of engine nacelles.  Two rear-facing turrets, each armed by a single ShKAS machine gun, were installed to dorsal and ventral positions. Resulting aircraft, able to carry up to 1600 kg / 3520 lbs of bombs, was designated PB-100. The first prototype flew on 15th December 1940 and its performance (top speed of 540.7 kph/336 mph) was so good that Vladimir Petlyakov was released and the aircraft was named after him, thus receiving the designation Petlyakov Pe-2. The bomber was then rushed into serial production and deliveries to combat units began in the spring of 1941. The deliveries were, however, slow and by the time of the German invasion in June 1941, only about 458 Pe-2's were delivered.
+
However, Germany launched the "Blitzkrieg" campaign in September 1939. Aside from their revolutionary usage of tanks, the campaign in Poland featured notable usage of Ju 87 dive bombers and showed their potential. Consequently, the Soviet authorities ordered the VI-100 to be redesigned as a dive bomber. Pressurization equipment and engine superchargers were removed, dive brakes were installed under the wings and the bombardier position was added to the nose of the aircraft(raising the number of crew members to three). A ventral bomb bay was added along with the two smaller bomb positions located at the rear of engine nacelles.  Two rear-facing turrets, each armed by a single ShKAS machine gun, were installed to dorsal and ventral positions. Resulting aircraft, able to carry up to 1,600 kg (3,520 lb) of bombs, was designated PB-100. The first prototype flew on 15th December 1940 and its performance (top speed of 540.7 km/h / 336 mph) was so good that Vladimir Petlyakov was released and the aircraft was named after him, thus receiving the designation Petlyakov Pe-2. The bomber was then rushed into serial production and deliveries to combat units began in the spring of 1941. The deliveries were, however, slow and by the time of the German invasion in June 1941, only about 458 Pe-2's were delivered.
  
The Pe-2, nicknamed Peshka ("Pawn") by its crews, quickly proved itself to be an effective dive bomber and together with the Ilyushin Il-2 Sturmovik attacker, it became the most important offensive weapon of the Soviet Army Air Force. The bomber was fast and agile enough to be an elusive target for German fighters and also proved its versatility – it was used for reconnaissance and artillery spotting and also became the basis for the [[Pe-3bis|Pe-3]] heavy fighter. Losses were heavy, however. Crews often complained about a lack of armour protection for the cockpit and fuel tanks as well as poor defensive armament and unreliable dive brakes, which sometimes failed to retract and allowed top speeds of only around 300 kph (186.4 mph), making the fast bomber easy prey.
+
The Pe-2, nicknamed Peshka ("Pawn") by its crews, quickly proved itself to be an effective dive bomber and together with the Ilyushin Il-2 Sturmovik attacker, it became the most important offensive weapon of the Soviet Army Air Force. The bomber was fast and agile enough to be an elusive target for German fighters and also proved its versatility – it was used for reconnaissance and artillery spotting and also became the basis for the [[Pe-3bis|Pe-3]] heavy fighter. Losses were heavy, however. Crews often complained about a lack of armour protection for the cockpit and fuel tanks as well as poor defensive armament and unreliable dive brakes, which sometimes failed to retract and allowed top speeds of only around 300 km/h (186.4 mph), making the fast bomber easy prey.
  
=== In-game description ===
+
{{break}}
 +
{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 
In June 1942, a new Toropov VUB-1 (a.k.a. B-270) upper turret mount began production. It began to be installed on all aircraft from series 110 onward. The VUB-1 was a shielded turret with a 200-round UBT machine gun and continuous belt feeding.
 
In June 1942, a new Toropov VUB-1 (a.k.a. B-270) upper turret mount began production. It began to be installed on all aircraft from series 110 onward. The VUB-1 was a shielded turret with a 200-round UBT machine gun and continuous belt feeding.
  
Line 218: Line 255:
  
 
A total of 2,392 Pe-2 aircraft were produced in 1942, which is more than four factories had produced a year earlier. This was partially due to the simplification of certain assemblies and removal of some equipment. Since the autumn of 1941, an RPK-2 radio compass and target finding device was installed on one plane out of three; from July 1942 on, a radio transmitter was mounted on every third plane; the rest had only receivers.
 
A total of 2,392 Pe-2 aircraft were produced in 1942, which is more than four factories had produced a year earlier. This was partially due to the simplification of certain assemblies and removal of some equipment. Since the autumn of 1941, an RPK-2 radio compass and target finding device was installed on one plane out of three; from July 1942 on, a radio transmitter was mounted on every third plane; the rest had only receivers.
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
Line 223: Line 261:
  
 
;Skins
 
;Skins
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=ussr&vehicleType=aircraft&vehicleClass=bomber&vehicle=pe-2-110 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
+
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=pe-2-110 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
;Images
 
;Images

Latest revision as of 10:48, 4 November 2023

Rank VI | Premium | Golden Eagles
Chinese A-5C Pack
This page is about the Soviet frontline bomber Pe-2-110. For other versions, see Pe-2 (Family).
pe-2-110.png
GarageImage Pe-2-110.jpg
Pe-2-110
Research:26 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:76 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Pe-2-110 Peshka is a rank III Soviet bomber with a battle rating of 4.0 (AB), 3.7 (RB), and 4.3 (SB). It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.

The Pe-2 fulfils much the same attack aircraft role as the IL-2. While the guns are mostly .50 calibre and therefore worse than the IL-2's, it can carry much heavier bombs, allowing it to destroy targets in one hit that an IL-2 might take two or three bombs to destroy. Additionally, its nose-mounted weaponry and fact that it spawns at bomber altitude in most maps make it a surprisingly effective hit&run bomber. However, as in other attack craft, you should have a friendly cover you whenever possible. While it has defensive guns and is faster than the Sturmovik, it is still very vulnerable when caught alone. Additionally, it is very vulnerable to diving attacks due to its dorsal-mounted fuel tank. The inclusion of a 12.7 mm UB machine gun allows with a good aim to destroy tanks and light pillboxes, which can be very useful in certain situations.

The defensive armament on this plane is nothing spectacular and only allows for one to two guns to shot at an incoming airplane at a time. this will not stop most fighters without a lucky hit however it can discourage fighters from making slow approaches onto your tail. As such this plane should always be using its speed to its advantage.

General info

Flight performance

Air brakes
Allows you to dramatically reduce the flight speed by releasing special flaps
Max speed
at 2 950 m483 km/h
Turn time28 s
Max altitude8 000 m
Engine2 х Klimov VK-105R
TypeInline
Cooling systemWater
Take-off weight9 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 2,950 m)
Max altitude
(metres)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(metres/second)
Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 464 449 8000 29.5 31.3 6.2 6.0 326
Upgraded 502 483 26.6 28.0 11.3 8.5

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
740 450 508 477 320 ~11 ~6
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 380 < 380 < 440 > 250
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
2,000 m 2,200 hp 2,372 hp
Setting 2
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
4,000 m 2,100 hp 2,265 hp

Survivability and armour

Crew3 people
Speed of destruction
Structural740 km/h
Gear450 km/h
  • 8 mm Steel plate behind the pilot x 2
  • 8 mm Steel plate in behind of dorsal gunner
  • 8 mm Steel plate in the ventral turret (bottom)
  • 8 mm Steel plate in the ventral turret (top/rear)
  • No armour glazing
  • Critical components located in front of aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)
  • More fuel tanks located in wings near fuselage

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB1 152 → 1 492 Sl icon.png
RB2 300 → 2 980 Sl icon.png
SB4 565 → 5 916 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications26 950 Rp icon.png
48 800 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost1 100 Ge icon.png
Crew training22 000 Sl icon.png
Experts76 000 Sl icon.png
Aces500 Ge icon.png
Research Aces320 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
80 / 170 / 310 % Sl icon.png
142 / 142 / 142 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
990 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 800 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
990 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 800 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
1 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 500 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
1 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 500 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
1 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 200 Sl icon.png
145 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
1 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 200 Sl icon.png
145 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
2 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 600 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
2 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 600 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
shkas_turret_belt_pack
Research:
990 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 800 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods ammo.png
shkas_belt_pack
Research:
990 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 800 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
DZ-40
Research:
990 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 800 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods turret gun.png
shkas_turret_new_gun
Research:
1 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 500 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
shkas_new_gun
Research:
1 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 500 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
ub_turret_belt_pack
Research:
1 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 200 Sl icon.png
145 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
ub_turret_belt_pack
Research:
1 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 200 Sl icon.png
145 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods ammo.png
ub_belt_pack
Research:
1 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 200 Sl icon.png
145 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
ub_belt_pack
Research:
1 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 200 Sl icon.png
145 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
RO-132
Research:
1 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 200 Sl icon.png
145 Ge icon.png
Mods turret gun.png
ub_turret_new_gun
Research:
2 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 600 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
ub_new_gun
Research:
2 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 600 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png

In the first rank, unlock DZ-40 first to get more bomb payload variants. Your speed and climb rate take a hit with the new heavier payloads, so focus on Flight performance modules. The remaining upgrades can be chosen and upgraded in any order.

Armaments

Offensive armament

The Pe-2-110 is armed with:

  • 1 x 12.7 mm Berezin UB machine gun, nose-mounted (150 rpg)
  • 1 x 7.62 mm ShKAS machine gun, nose-mounted (450 rpg)

Suspended armament

The Pe-2-110 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Hardpoints Pe-2-31.png
100 kg FAB-100M-43 bombs 1 1 1 4 1 1 1
250 kg FAB-250M-43 bombs 1 1 1 1
250 kg BRAB-250 bombs 1 1 1 1
500 kg FAB-500M-43 bombs 1 1
500 kg BRAB-500 bombs 1 1
M-13UK rockets 5 5
RBS-132 rockets 5 5
Maximum permissible loadout weight: 1,050 kg
Default weapon presets
  • Without load
  • 6 x 100 kg FAB-100M-43 bombs (600 kg total)
  • 10 x 100 kg FAB-100M-43 bombs (1,000 kg total)
  • 4 x 250 kg FAB-250M-43 bombs (1,000 kg total)
  • 4 x 250 kg BRAB-250 bombs (1,000 kg total)
  • 2 x 500 kg FAB-500M-43 bombs (1,000 kg total)
  • 2 x 500 kg BRAB-500 bombs (1,000 kg total)
  • 10 x M-13UK rockets
  • 10 x RBS-132 rockets

Defensive armament

The Pe-2-110 is defended by:

  • 1 x 12.7 mm Berezin UB machine gun, dorsal turret (200 rpg)
  • 1 x 12.7 mm Berezin UB machine gun, ventral turret (230 rpg)
  • 1 x 7.62 mm ShKAS machine gun, 2 x beam turrets (225 rpg)

Usage in battles

The Pe-2-110 still lacks in defensive armament, with a rear-facing 12.7 mm being your main deterrent (the 7.62 mm side MGs don't offer much damage output or arc of fire). The front-facing armament still isn't impressive, but it's capable of strafing out open-top targets such as unaware SPAA or light vehicles such as the R3 T20 FA-HS, as well as being somewhat effective against fighters. Having allies about is still your best defence.

The Pe-2 is capable in Air RB as well as Ground RB due to its varied payload options. For air battles, any load will be effective (albeit the unlockable ones take a big toll on climb rate, acceleration and speed). The 6 x 100 kg option will still be a good choice for a quick and speedy mission. In ground battles, the 2 x 250 kg + 4 x 100 kg option and the 2 x 500 kg option are the best; it is recommended to use the 500 kg option if you are not as comfortable with bombs. These bombs do not drop in pairs. The -110 also has the option of carrying 10 x RS-132 or RBS-132 rockets on the wings. They are very difficult to aim, but can offer great results when used properly.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Controllable Controllable
Not auto controlled
Not controllable
Not auto controlled
Controllable
Auto control available
Separate Controllable
2 gears
Not controllable

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Fast for a medium bomber
  • High wing rip speed
  • Near-infinite WEP (in RB)
  • Has front facing armament
  • Air start
  • Utilizes bomb sight
  • Can be used as a dive bomber to accurately destroy ground targets
  • Gets bomber reload time (in AB)


Cons:

  • Can not out run fighters
  • Limited bomb payload options
  • Weak defensive firepower
  • Easily catches fire

History

Two Peshkas flying in formation. Likely to be two more out of the picture and therefore part of a flight of Pe-2s.

Originally, the Petlyakov Pe-2 was not supposed to be a bomber at all. Its direct predecessor, designated VI-100, was designed by a prison design bureau team led by Vladimir Petlyakov as a high-altitude escort fighter. The VI-100 was very modern for its time, featuring a pressurized two-seat cockpit, electrically actuated systems and all-metal construction, and was powered by two supercharged Klimov M-105 V-12 inline engines producing 1,100 horsepower each. The prototype was completed in 1939 and during its first test flight on 7th May 1939, it reached a top speed of 627.6 km/h (390 mph) – an astounding performance for its time. The results of flight tests were so promising that the VI-100 was ordered into production.

However, Germany launched the "Blitzkrieg" campaign in September 1939. Aside from their revolutionary usage of tanks, the campaign in Poland featured notable usage of Ju 87 dive bombers and showed their potential. Consequently, the Soviet authorities ordered the VI-100 to be redesigned as a dive bomber. Pressurization equipment and engine superchargers were removed, dive brakes were installed under the wings and the bombardier position was added to the nose of the aircraft(raising the number of crew members to three). A ventral bomb bay was added along with the two smaller bomb positions located at the rear of engine nacelles. Two rear-facing turrets, each armed by a single ShKAS machine gun, were installed to dorsal and ventral positions. Resulting aircraft, able to carry up to 1,600 kg (3,520 lb) of bombs, was designated PB-100. The first prototype flew on 15th December 1940 and its performance (top speed of 540.7 km/h / 336 mph) was so good that Vladimir Petlyakov was released and the aircraft was named after him, thus receiving the designation Petlyakov Pe-2. The bomber was then rushed into serial production and deliveries to combat units began in the spring of 1941. The deliveries were, however, slow and by the time of the German invasion in June 1941, only about 458 Pe-2's were delivered.

The Pe-2, nicknamed Peshka ("Pawn") by its crews, quickly proved itself to be an effective dive bomber and together with the Ilyushin Il-2 Sturmovik attacker, it became the most important offensive weapon of the Soviet Army Air Force. The bomber was fast and agile enough to be an elusive target for German fighters and also proved its versatility – it was used for reconnaissance and artillery spotting and also became the basis for the Pe-3 heavy fighter. Losses were heavy, however. Crews often complained about a lack of armour protection for the cockpit and fuel tanks as well as poor defensive armament and unreliable dive brakes, which sometimes failed to retract and allowed top speeds of only around 300 km/h (186.4 mph), making the fast bomber easy prey.


Archive of the in-game description

In June 1942, a new Toropov VUB-1 (a.k.a. B-270) upper turret mount began production. It began to be installed on all aircraft from series 110 onward. The VUB-1 was a shielded turret with a 200-round UBT machine gun and continuous belt feeding.

The new turret provided considerably more comfortable working conditions for the crew than the primitive FT turret, which had left the cockpit virtually half-open. It was found that even physically strong gunners had difficulty turning the gun barrel at wide angles during flights. The new turret had an aerodynamic trim in the shape of two petals over the screen. Due to the aerodynamic trims of the VUB-1, the radio antenna mast had to be moved from the port side of the navigator's cockpit to the aircraft's central axial line.

The VUB-1 turret was a significant improvement in the Pe-2's defensive capabilities. It is this variant that is quite often called the "Pe-2FT" by mistake, even though it has nothing to do with the FT turret.

Aluminum deficiencies forced the designers to search for replacements for the Pe-2's all-metal assemblies. Beginning with series 115, some aircraft were manufactured with a wooden fuselage tail section and stabilizer. Due to a shortage of organic glass, the area of the cockpit's glazing was significantly reduced. First to disappear was the transparent patch at the front, then the small rectangular blisters on the top of the tail section; then the glazing on the side of the nose section was gradually narrowed. As a result, only a smooth glazing panel was left in the lower nose section.

In early 1943, beginning with series 179, all production bombers obtained new high-powered 1,180 hp M-105PF engines with a lower critical altitude. Planes from earlier production series operating on the front lines were also equipped with M-105PF engines.

A total of 2,392 Pe-2 aircraft were produced in 1942, which is more than four factories had produced a year earlier. This was partially due to the simplification of certain assemblies and removal of some equipment. Since the autumn of 1941, an RPK-2 radio compass and target finding device was installed on one plane out of three; from July 1942 on, a radio transmitter was mounted on every third plane; the rest had only receivers.


Media

Skins
Images
Cockpit with translated gauges

See also

Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

External links


V.M. Petlyakov Design Bureau (Опытное конструкторское бюро Петлякова)
Fighters  Pe-3 (e) · Pe-3 · Pe-3bis
Bombers  Pe-2-1 · Pe-2-31 · Pe-2-83 · Pe-2-110 · Pe-2-205 · Pe-2-359 · Pe-8

USSR bombers
SB and Ar  SB 2M-100 · SB 2M-103 · SB 2M-103 MV-3 · SB 2M-103U · SB 2M-103U MV-3 · SB 2M-105 · Ar-2
Yer-2 (petrol)  Yer-2 (M-105) · Yer-2 (M-105) TAT · Yer-2 (M-105R) TAT · Yer-2 (M-105R) LU
Yer-2 (diesel)  Yer-2 (ACh-30B) (e) · Yer-2 (ACh-30B) (l)
Tu  Tu-2 · Tu-2S · Tu-2S-44 · Tu-2S-59 · Tu-4
Pe  Pe-2-1 · Pe-2-31 · Pe-2-83 · Pe-2-110 · Pe-2-205 · Pe-2-359 · Pe-8
IL  DB-3B · IL-4
Po  Po-2 · Po-2M
Other  MBR-2-M-34 · TB-3M-17-32 · Yak-4 · Be-6
Lend-Lease  ▂PBY-5A Catalina · ▂Hampden TB Mk I · ▂A-20G-30 · ▂B-25J-30