Difference between revisions of "Po-2M"

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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium event rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet light bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during [[Update "Drone Age"]] as a reward for the 2022 [[wt:en/news/7882-event-project-overpowered-en|Project "Overpowered"]] event. It can be obtained on the market for a relatively cheap price of around 4.50 GJN. Although it's rarely found in random matches it still  a very good plane to use especially on it's BR. It carries HE rockets and incendiary bombs usually found 3/4 BR higher it has very good maneuverability for a biplane and  a bomb sight ( it's officially the smallest plane ingame to have one)
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (or Po-2P) was a proposed Soviet biplane intended to be used as a floatplane version of the [[Po-2]]. It was developed in the 1940s and was successfully tested at the Khimki water reservoir near Moscow. Due to the requirement to mount a bomb load beneath the lower wings, it was created using a single-float scheme. Apart from that, there were only a few minor differences between it and the land-based version, such as the addition of a spinner to the propeller, hiding the rudder control cables in the fuselage, and a trimming glacis to the elevator. Despite positive test results, it was never put into production. It's very likely that biplane designs were simply considered out of favour at the time, and thus the aircraft never stood a chance.
 +
 
 +
The {{Specs|name}} was introduced during [[Update "Drone Age"]] as a reward for the 2022 [[wt:en/news/7882-event-project-overpowered-en|Project "Overpowered"]] event. It essentially plays the same as the Po-2 but with some minor improvements. Unfortunately, its status as the slowest plane in the game remains unchanged, but its payload options remain impressive. In comparison to the Po-2, it trades two 50 kg bombs for the ability to carry four more rockets of each type, and even incendiary bombs. The defensive machine gun was also changed to a [[DA (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm DA]].
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 79: Line 81:
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
−
''Just like every other small biplane in it's BR it has next to no armor, it's wings are very vunerable to enemy fire (around 50° vertically from the wing plate), the tail is big and has large amount of flat areas and control surfaces, a simple hit here can result in tail cut kill instantly. Fuel tank is small and is located under the wing making it hard to hit just like the engine, but the propeller is not the same story, it's just huge, it's around the same level as your floater so hitting it is easy be aware of that.''
+
''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
Line 89: Line 91:
 
{{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|ZAB-50FP incendiary|FAB-50sv (50 kg)|FAB-100sv (100 kg)}}
 
−
{{main|RBS-82|ROS-82|ROS-132}}
 
  
−
''We came to by far the best thing about this little beast, the weapons it carries. It's equipped with AP rockets, HE rockets, bombs and incendiary bombs which is very impressive at it's BR especially the incendiary bombs usually found in around BR 5.0, it's rockets are the same that the i-153 and i-15 carries at the exception of the    '''Ros-132''' rockets which are improved version of '''Rbs-82''' rockets, they carry way more explosive filler in it, enough to destroy up to 5 open roof vehicle with only one rocket and can easily overpressure heavy tanks up to BR 5.7, impressive stats. The '''Zab-50fp''' incendiary bombs are very usefull against capture point campers and        open roof vehicles otherwise it's just used for trolling players in top tier. It can otherwise carry up to 200kg or 440 lbs of bombs.''
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
|-
 +
! !! width="7%" | 1 !! width="7%" | 2 !! width="7%" | 3 !! width="7%" | 4 !! width="7%" | 5 !! width="7%" | 6
 +
| rowspan="8" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
 +
|-
 +
! [[FAB-50sv (50 kg)|50 kg FAB-50sv]] bombs
 +
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[FAB-100sv (100 kg)|100 kg FAB-100sv]] bombs
 +
| || || 1 || 1 || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[ZAB-50FP incendiary]] bombs
 +
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[RBS-82]] rockets
 +
| 4 || || || || || 4
 +
|-
 +
! [[ROS-82]] rockets
 +
| 4 || || || || || 4
 +
|-
 +
! [[ROS-132]] rockets
 +
| 4 || || || || || 4
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="7" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 100 kg
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="8" | * Bombs and rockets cannot be equipped simultaneously
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
* 4 x 50 kg FAB-50sv bombs (200 kg total)
 +
* 2 x 100 kg FAB-100sv bombs (200 kg total)
 +
* 4 x ZAB-50FP incendiary bombs
 +
* 8 x ROS-82 rockets
 +
* 8 x RBS-82 rockets
 +
* 8 x ROS-132 rockets
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
=== Defensive armament ===
 
=== Defensive armament ===
Line 101: Line 139:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
  
−
* 1 x 7.62 mm DA fast-firing machine gun
+
* 1 x 7.62 mm DA machine gun, dorsal turret (315 rpg)
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
[Work in progress]
+
''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
 
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
−
'''Pros:'''  
+
'''Pros:'''
  
 
* Various payload options
 
* Various payload options
 
** Access to incendiary bombs at reserve BR
 
** Access to incendiary bombs at reserve BR
 
** Rockets are effective against ground targets
 
** Rockets are effective against ground targets
−
** Very effective rear turret
+
* Can destroy up to 4 bases in realistic battles
 +
* Able to land on water
  
−
'''Cons:'''  
+
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Slow flight speed
+
* Its slow speed makes it an easy target for fighters
−
* You slow speed makes you an easy target for fighters and spaa
+
* Wing break speed is low
−
* Your climb rate is awful
+
* Lacks any offensive armament
−
* Lacks an offensive armament
+
* Low engine power
 +
* Poor defensive armament
 +
* Ineffective rudder making it hard to aim rockets
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
<!-- ''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).'' -->
+
Early work on the U-2M, or Po-2M happened at Factory No 25 in Moscow under the supervision of Sergey Kocherigin. The Po-2M, at the time was designated MU-2 or U-2M, had one central floats, and 2 smaller secondary floats for lateral stability.
−
 
 
−
From the beginning, the U-2 became the basic Soviet civil and military trainer aircraft, mass-produced in a "Red Flyer" factory near Moscow. It was also used for transport, and as a military liaison aircraft, due to its STOL capabilities. Also from the beginning it was produced as an agricultural aircraft variant, which earned it its nickname ''Kukuruznik'' (corn man). Although entirely outclassed by contemporary aircraft, the ''Kukuruznik'' served extensively on the Eastern Front in World War II, primarily as a liaison, medevac and general-supply aircraft. It was especially useful for supplying Soviet partisans behind the German front line. Manufacturing of the Po-2 in the USSR ceased in 1949, but until 1959 a number were assembled in Aeroflot repair workshops.
 
−
 
 
−
The first trials of arming the aircraft with bombs took place in 1941.
 
−
 
 
−
During the defence of Odessa in September 1941, the U-2 was used as a reconnaissance aircraft and as a light, short-range, bomber. The bombs, dropped from a civil aircraft piloted by Pyotr Bevz, were the first to fall on enemy artillery positions. From 1942 it was adapted as a light night ground attack aircraft.
 
−
 
 
−
Nikolay Polikarpov supported the project, and under his leadership, the U-2VS (''voyskovaya seriya'' - Military series) was created. This was a light night bomber, fitted with bomb carriers beneath the lower wing, to carry 50 or 100 kg (110 or 220 lbs) bombs up to a total weight of 350 kg (771 lb) and armed with ShKAS or DA machine guns in the observer's cockpit.
 
−
 
 
−
The U-2 became known as the aircraft used by the 588th Night Bomber Regiment, composed of an all-woman pilot and ground crew complement. The unit was notorious for daring low-altitude night raids on German rear-area positions. Veteran pilots Yekaterina Ryabova and Nadezhda Popova on one occasion flew eighteen missions in a single night. The women pilots observed that the enemy suffered a further degree of demoralization simply due to their antagonists being female. As such, the pilots earned the nickname "Night Witches" (German ''Nachthexen'', Russian ''Ночные Ведьмы''/Nočnye Ved’my). The unit earned numerous Hero of the Soviet Union citations and dozens of Order of the Red Banner medals; most surviving pilots had flown nearly 1,000 combat missions by the end of the war and took part in the Battle of Berlin.
 
−
 
 
−
The material effects of these missions may be regarded as minor, but the psychological effect on German troops was noticeable. They typically attacked by surprise in the middle of the night, denying German troops sleep and keeping them on their guard, contributing to the already high stress of combat on the Eastern front. The usual tactic involved flying only a few meters above the ground, climbing for the final approach, throttling back the engine and making a gliding bombing run, leaving the targeted troops with only the eerie whistling of the wind in the wings' bracing-wires as an indication of the impending attack. Luftwaffe fighters found it extremely hard to shoot down the ''Kukuruznik'' because of two main factors: the pilots flew at treetop level where they were hard to see or engage and the stall speed of both the Messerschmitt Bf 109 and the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 was similar to the U-2s maximum speed, making it difficult for the fighters to keep a Po-2 in weapons range for an adequate period of time. The success of the Soviet night harassment units inspired the Luftwaffe to set up similar ''Störkampfstaffel'' "harassment combat squadrons" on the Eastern Front using their own obsolete 1930s-era, open cockpit biplanes (most often the Gotha Go 145 and Arado Ar 66 biplanes) and parasol monoplane aircraft, eventually building up to larger ''Nachtschlachtgruppe'' (night attack group) units of a few squadrons each.
 
−
 
 
−
The Polish Air Force used these slow and manoeuvrable aircraft for air reconnaissance and COIN operations against UPA detachments in mountainous area of Bieszczady. Pilots and navigators were dispatched to look for concentrations of UPA forces and if needed, engage them with machine guns and grenades. On several occasions, the UPA managed to bring down some of the Po-2s, but never captured or operated them.
 
−
 
 
−
The U-2's 5-cylinder engine had an unusual exhaust manifold arrangement that gave the engine a peculiar rattling or popping sound which made the airplane easily identifiable even at night. German soldier Claus Neuber listed in his war diary six different German nicknames for the plane, the most common of which were ''Nähmaschine'' (sewing machine) or ''Kaffeemühle,'' (coffee mill), both due to the distinctive engine sound. Neuber added that some German troops derisively called it the "Runway Crow" or "Fog Crow." He also cited the nicknames "Iron Gustav," for the belly armor the plane carried to protect it from ground fire, and "The Duty NCO" because the plane almost always came at night at the same time. The fabric and wood construction of the airplane made it extremely vulnerable to catching fire when hit by tracer rounds, resulting in a Russian nickname of ''Kerosinka,'' or kerosene lantern. Finnish troops called it ''Hermosaha'' (Nerve saw)<sup>[''citation needed'']</sup>.
 
  
−
=== Korean War ===
+
Tests of the Po-2M were conducted on the Moscow river in spring of 1931, where it was found the main disadvantage of the Po-2M was starting the engine. It was extremely uncomfortable to start the engine manually, because there was no other way of starting the engine at the time, while standing on one side of the floats. After the appearance of the Sh-2 flying boat, the USSR didn't have need for any more floatplanes. So the conversion of the U-2 ([[Po-2]]) into a floatplane was temporarily stopped.
−
North Korean forces used the Po-2 in a similar role during the Korean War. A significant number of Po-2s were fielded by the Korean People's Air Force, inflicting serious damage during night raids on United Nations bases. During one such attack, a lone Po-2 attacked Pyongyang Air Base. Concentrating on the 8th Fighter-Bomber Group's parking ramp, the Po-2 dropped a string of fragmentation bombs squarely across the group's lineup of P-51 Mustangs. Eleven Mustangs were damaged, three so badly that they were destroyed when Pyongyang was abandoned several days later.
 
  
−
On 17 June 1951, at 01:30 hours, Suwon Air Base was bombed by two Po-2s. Each biplane dropped a pair of fragmentation bombs. One scored a hit on the 802nd Engineer Aviation Battalion's motor pool, damaging some equipment. Two bombs burst on the flightline of the 335th Fighter Interceptor Squadron. One F-86A Sabre (FU-334 / 49-1334) was struck on the wing and began burning. The fire took hold, gutting the aircraft. Prompt action by personnel who moved aircraft away from the burning Sabre prevented further loss. Eight other Sabres were damaged in the brief attack, four seriously. One F-86 pilot was among the wounded. The North Koreans subsequently credited Lt. La Woon Yung with this damaging attack.
+
The conversion continued nine years later, with the appearance of a more powerful M-11D engine with 127 HP and featured a pneumatic self-starter. At the same time, the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute conducted an extensive investigation into floats for aircraft of different gross weights, speeds and roles. For the U-2, they selected the Model 10 twin float design, as they were intended to have a high lift-drag ratio at low speeds.
  
−
UN forces named the Po-2's nighttime appearance ''Bedcheck Charlie'' and had great difficulty in shooting it down – even though night fighters had radar as standard equipment in the 1950s. The wood-and-fabric material of the Po-2 had only a small radar cross-section, making it hard for an opposing fighter pilot to acquire their target. As Korean war U.S. veteran Leo Fournier remarked about "Bedcheck Charlie" in his memoirs: "... no one could get at him. He just flew too low and too slow." On 16 June 1953, a USMC AD-4 from VMC-1 piloted by Major George H. Linnemeier and CWO Vernon S. Kramer shot down a Po-2, the only documented Skyraider air victory of the war. The Po-2 is also the only biplane credited with a documented jet-kill, as one Lockheed F-94 Starfire was lost while slowing down to 161 km/h (100 mph) – below its stall speed – during an intercept in order to engage the low flying Po-2.
+
The single-float Po-2M that we know and love was made at factory No 51 under the supervision of Nikolai Polikarpov, while the dual float U-2M was made at factory No 23. Based on his wartime experience, Polikarpov decided to make a special-purpose combat aircraft to carry out military operations in area's that have lakes and rivers. So that the new float aircraft could put bombs under the wings, he chose a single float design with two secondary floats. Armament included 2 [[FAB-100sv (100 kg)|100 kg FAB-100sv]] bombs, 4 [[FAB-50sv (50 kg)|50 kg FAB-50sv]] bombs, 4 [[ZAB-50FP_incendiary|ZAB-50FP]] bombs, 8 rockets ([[ROS-132]], [[RBS-82]], and [[ROS-82]]), and a single rear-mounted [[DA (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm DA]] machine gun. A new NP-Po-2 Night bombing sight was used as well.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
Line 161: Line 185:
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 +
 +
;Related development
  
 
* [[Po-2]]
 
* [[Po-2]]
 +
 +
;Aircraft of a similar role, configuration or era
 +
 +
* [[OS2U-1]]
 +
* [[OS2U-3]]
 +
* [[F1M2]]
 +
* [[S17BS]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==

Latest revision as of 13:32, 17 November 2024

Rank VI | Premium | Golden Eagles
Chinese A-5C Pack
This page is about the premium Soviet bomber Po-2M. For the gift version, see Po-2. For the race event version, see Po-2 Night Witch.
Po-2M
po-2m.png
GarageImage Po-2M.jpg
ArtImage Po-2M.jpg
Po-2M
USSR flag.png USSR
I Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
1.0 1.0 1.0
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:Bundle or Gift
Show in game
MARKET

Description

The Po-2M (or Po-2P) was a proposed Soviet biplane intended to be used as a floatplane version of the Po-2. It was developed in the 1940s and was successfully tested at the Khimki water reservoir near Moscow. Due to the requirement to mount a bomb load beneath the lower wings, it was created using a single-float scheme. Apart from that, there were only a few minor differences between it and the land-based version, such as the addition of a spinner to the propeller, hiding the rudder control cables in the fuselage, and a trimming glacis to the elevator. Despite positive test results, it was never put into production. It's very likely that biplane designs were simply considered out of favour at the time, and thus the aircraft never stood a chance.

The Po-2M was introduced during Update "Drone Age" as a reward for the 2022 Project "Overpowered" event. It essentially plays the same as the Po-2 but with some minor improvements. Unfortunately, its status as the slowest plane in the game remains unchanged, but its payload options remain impressive. In comparison to the Po-2, it trades two 50 kg bombs for the ability to carry four more rockets of each type, and even incendiary bombs. The defensive machine gun was also changed to a 7.62 mm DA.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 0 m134 km/h
Turn time30 s
Max altitude1 500 m
EngineShvetsov M-11D
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight1 t
Characteristics Max speed
(km/h at 0 m - sea level) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 130 126 1500 30.6 31.7 1.8 1.7 258
Upgraded 139 134 29.5 30.0 2.8 2.3

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
X X X X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
190 450 N/A N/A N/A ~5 ~3
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 200 < 200 < 200 > 295

Survivability and armour

Crew2 people
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear450 km/h

Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB1 161 Sl icon.png
RB1 411 Sl icon.png
SB2 184 Sl icon.png
Crew training450 Sl icon.png
Experts3 000 Sl icon.png
Aces45 Ge icon.png
Research Aces220 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 50 / 100 / 90 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 100 / 100 / 100 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Mods ammo.png
shkas_turret_belt_pack
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods turret gun.png
shkas_turret_new_gun
Mods pilon rocket.png
RO-82
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
ROS-132

Armaments

Suspended armament

The Po-2M can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

1 2 3 4 5 6
Hardpoints Po-2M.png
50 kg FAB-50sv bombs 1 1 1 1
100 kg FAB-100sv bombs 1 1
ZAB-50FP incendiary bombs 1 1 1 1
RBS-82 rockets 4 4
ROS-82 rockets 4 4
ROS-132 rockets 4 4
Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 100 kg
* Bombs and rockets cannot be equipped simultaneously
Default weapon presets
  • 4 x 50 kg FAB-50sv bombs (200 kg total)
  • 2 x 100 kg FAB-100sv bombs (200 kg total)
  • 4 x ZAB-50FP incendiary bombs
  • 8 x ROS-82 rockets
  • 8 x RBS-82 rockets
  • 8 x ROS-132 rockets

Defensive armament

Main article: DA (7.62 mm)

The Po-2M is defended by:

  • 1 x 7.62 mm DA machine gun, dorsal turret (315 rpg)

Usage in battles

Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Various payload options
    • Access to incendiary bombs at reserve BR
    • Rockets are effective against ground targets
  • Can destroy up to 4 bases in realistic battles
  • Able to land on water

Cons:

  • Its slow speed makes it an easy target for fighters
  • Wing break speed is low
  • Lacks any offensive armament
  • Low engine power
  • Poor defensive armament
  • Ineffective rudder making it hard to aim rockets

History

Early work on the U-2M, or Po-2M happened at Factory No 25 in Moscow under the supervision of Sergey Kocherigin. The Po-2M, at the time was designated MU-2 or U-2M, had one central floats, and 2 smaller secondary floats for lateral stability.

Tests of the Po-2M were conducted on the Moscow river in spring of 1931, where it was found the main disadvantage of the Po-2M was starting the engine. It was extremely uncomfortable to start the engine manually, because there was no other way of starting the engine at the time, while standing on one side of the floats. After the appearance of the Sh-2 flying boat, the USSR didn't have need for any more floatplanes. So the conversion of the U-2 (Po-2) into a floatplane was temporarily stopped.

The conversion continued nine years later, with the appearance of a more powerful M-11D engine with 127 HP and featured a pneumatic self-starter. At the same time, the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute conducted an extensive investigation into floats for aircraft of different gross weights, speeds and roles. For the U-2, they selected the Model 10 twin float design, as they were intended to have a high lift-drag ratio at low speeds.

The single-float Po-2M that we know and love was made at factory No 51 under the supervision of Nikolai Polikarpov, while the dual float U-2M was made at factory No 23. Based on his wartime experience, Polikarpov decided to make a special-purpose combat aircraft to carry out military operations in area's that have lakes and rivers. So that the new float aircraft could put bombs under the wings, he chose a single float design with two secondary floats. Armament included 2 100 kg FAB-100sv bombs, 4 50 kg FAB-50sv bombs, 4 ZAB-50FP bombs, 8 rockets (ROS-132, RBS-82, and ROS-82), and a single rear-mounted 7.62 mm DA machine gun. A new NP-Po-2 Night bombing sight was used as well.

Media

Skins

See also

Related development
Aircraft of a similar role, configuration or era

External links


Polikarpov Design Bureau (Опытное конструкторское бюро Поликарпова)
I-15  I-15 WR · I-15 M-22 · I-15 M-25 · I-15bis · Krasnolutsky's I-15bis
I-153  I-153 M-62 · Zhukovsky's I-153-M62 · I-153P
I-16  I-16 type 5 · I-16 type 10 · I-16 type 18 · I-16 type 24 · I-16 type 27 · I-16 type 28
I-180  I-180S · I-185 (M-71) · I-185 (M-82)
ITP  ITP (M-1)
Twin-engine fighters  TIS MA
Bombers  Po-2 · Po-2M
Export  ␗I-15bis · ␗I-153 M-62 · ␗I-16 type 5 · ␗I-16 type 10 · ␗I-16 type 17 · ␗I-16 Chung 28

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

USSR premium aircraft
Fighters  Krasnolutsky's I-15bis · I-16 type 28 · Zhukovsky's I-153-M62 · I-153P · I-180S · I-301 · ITP (M-1)
  LaGG-3-4 · LaGG-3-23 · LaGG-3-34 · Dolgushin's La-7 · La-11
  Eremin's Yak-3(e) · Yak-3 (VK-107) · Yak-3T · Golovachev's Yak-9M
  ▂P-39K-1 · ▂Pokryshkin's P-39N-0 · ▂P-39Q-15 · ▂P-40E-1 · ▂P-47D-27 · ▂P-63A-5 · ▂P-63A-10 · ▂P-63C-5
  ▂Hurricane Mk IIB · ▂Spitfire Mk IXc · ▂Fw 190 D-9
Twin-engine fighters  I-29
Jet fighters  Su-11 · MiG-15bis ISh · MiG-17AS · MiG-21S (R-13-300) · MiG-23ML
Strike aircraft  IL-2M "Avenger" · IL-2 M-82 · IL-8 (1944) · Su-6 · Tandem MAI · TIS MA · Su-8 · Tu-1
  Yak-38 · Su-7BMK · Su-25K · Su-39
Bombers  Po-2M · Be-6 · MBR-2-M-34 · Pe-2-205 · TB-3M-17-32
  ▂PBY-5A Catalina · ▂Hampden TB Mk I · ▂A-20G-30 · ▂B-25J-30

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