Tu-2S-59

Tu-2S-59

Tu-2S-44

Tu-4

Tu-2S-59

Tu-2S-44

Tu-4

USSR

IV Rank

Battle rating:

AB	RB	SB
6.0	5.7	6.0

Class:

Bomber

Frontline bomber

Research:35 000

Purchase:210 000

Show in game

This page is about the Russian bomber Tu-2S-59. For other uses, see Tu-2 (Family).

Description

The Tu-2S-59 is a rank IV Russian bomber with a battle rating of 6.0 (AB/SB) and 5.7 (RB). It was introduced in Update 1.29.

The Tu-2S-59 is an extremely versatile ground attacker, with a moderate payload better suited for destroying ground targets than bases. Although the tactics are different for arcade battles, in Realistic, the plane should be flown quite aggressively. It is recommended to equip the 4 x 500 kg bombs (or just two if the modules haven't been acquired yet) in order to destroy as many armoured foes as possible. Additionally, use a two-second bomb delay to allow ample time to escape the blast radius.

The defining feature of the Tu-2S-59 is its single defensive 20 mm cannon in place of the 12.7 mm machine gun found on the two older models. Other than that and its increased BR, there isn't much difference between this and the older Tu-2S and Tu-2S-44. See above for battle tactics.

General info

Flight Performance

Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.

Characteristics
Stock
Max Speed (km/h at 7,300 m)		Max altitude (meters)	Turn time (seconds)		Rate of climb (meters/second)		Take-off run (meters)
AB	RB		AB	RB	AB	RB
522	503	9500	32.0	32.8	4.6	4.6	326
Upgraded
Max Speed (km/h at 7,300 m)		Max altitude (meters)	Turn time (seconds)		Rate of climb (meters/second)		Take-off run (meters)
AB	RB		AB	RB	AB	RB
???	???	9500	??.?	??.?	??.?	??.?	326

Details

Features
Combat flaps	Take-off flaps	Landing flaps	Air brakes	Arrestor gear
✓	✓	✓	X	X

Limits
Wing-break speed (km/h)	Gear limit (km/h)	Combat flaps (km/h)	Max Static G
			+	-
		520	~8	~4

Optimal velocities
Ailerons (km/h)	Rudder (km/h)	Elevators (km/h)	Radiator (km/h)
< 360	< 360	< 440	> 302

Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude	100% Engine power	WEP Engine power
1,550 m	1,670 hp	1,967 hp
Setting 2
Optimal altitude	100% Engine power	WEP Engine power
4,700 m	1,410 hp	1,661 hp

Survivability and armour

• 15 mm Steel plate behind the pilot.
• 6 mm Steel plate to the left of cockpit dorsal gunner.
• 8, 15 mm Steel plates in front of the cockpit dorsal gunner.
• 12, 15 mm Steel plates in front of the rear dorsal gunner.
• 8 mm Steel plate under the ventral gunner.
• 12 mm Steel plate in front of the ventral gunner.

Armaments

Offensive armament

The Tu-2S-59 is armed with:

• 2 x 20 mm ShVAK cannons, wing-mounted (150 rpg = 300 total)

Suspended armament

The Tu-2S-59 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

• 2 x 250 kg FAB-250M43 bombs (500 kg total)
• 9 x 100 kg FAB-100 bombs (900 kg total)
• 2 x 500 kg FAB-500 bombs + 2 x 250 kg FAB-250M43 bombs (1,500 kg total)
• 4 x 500 kg FAB-500 bombs (2,000 kg total)
• 2 x 500 kg FAB-500 bombs (1,000 kg total)
• 1 x 1,000 kg FAB-1000 bomb (1,000 kg total)
• 1 x 1,000 kg FAB-1000 bomb + 2 x 250 kg FAB-250M43 bombs (1,500 kg total)
• 1 x 1,000 kg FAB-1000 bomb + 2 x 500 kg FAB-500 bombs (2,000 kg total)

Defensive armament

The Tu-2S-59 is defended by:

• 1 x 20 mm B-20E cannon, rear dorsal turret (120 rpg)
• 1 x 12.7 mm Berezin UB machine gun, front dorsal turret (190 rpg)
• 1 x 12.7 mm Berezin UB machine gun, rear ventral turret (350 rpg)

Usage in battles

Once spawned (~ 3500 m), locate what ground targets to engage. It is suggested to engage the targets farthest from the enemy's airfield in order to avoid detection. Attack pillboxes (light or heavy, it doesn't matter with 500 kg bombs) as these don't move. Only engage the AI tanks if there are no pillboxes, and if engaging the tanks, judge the speed of the tank column, and release the bombs, making sure to lead where the tanks will be as the bombs fall, not where they are in that moment.

When bombing anything, note that the center of the reticle should be aimed below the target by about a centimetre (looking at the screen). This will allow the bombs maximum precision. When releasing the two bombs from the bomb bay, hold the flight pattern for about 1/2 a second longer than normal to compensate for the opening of the bomb bay doors. Once the payload has dropped, begin attacking artillery and AAA guns with the 20 mm cannons. Fire in short bursts to conserve ammo, as the more of these light targets are destroyed, the better. Never attack light pillboxes with the frontal cannons! The ammo spent attempting to destroy these (~200 rounds) isn't worth it! Always attack lighter targets, or if the situation presents itself, enemy aircraft. Once the bombs and cannon ammo are/is exhausted, then high-tail it back to the airfield. Fully upgraded, the Tu-2S-59 can maintain ~450 km/h on the deck, no problem. Be careful upon landing, as the plane tends to stall at ~175 km/h. Rearm, and repeat!

Specific enemies worth noting

Unfortunately for the Tu-2S-59, it has a battle rating of 6.3. This is a double-edged sword, as on one hand, the Tu-2S-59 has to fight enemy jets, notably the Horten 229 and the Me-262, but on the other hand, these pilots are typically experienced and won't sacrifice their altitude for a ground pounding Tu-2. However, should the Tu-2S-59 be engaged, here are some suggestions per plane.

Do not engage a fighter on purpose, the following is only for defensive and survival reference

Horten 229
This plane is agile, fast, and dangerous, possessing a pair of Mk 103 cannons. When engaged with one of these planes, force a head-on pass if he is either below or on equal altitude as the Tu-2S-59. Once the pass has concluded, and if neither of the two are down, push the throttle to WEP and run. When the 229 turns to pursue, it will catch up. Use the defensive turrets at this point, as these are the Tu-2S-59's only hope for making it out alive. Aim for the pilot.

Me 262 A-1 and A-1/U4 Pulkzerstorer
These planes are a tough opponent. They are fast and possess better armour than the 262, so the turrets are not going to be as effective in destroying these enemies. Again, if the enemy is below or on equal altitude as the Tu-2S-59, force a head on pass and run after it ends (if able). Use the turrets, but know that these planes are designed to be bomber-hunters, and are ruthlessly efficient in their task.

F-80A, F-80C & F-84B-26
Although most matches with the Tu-2S-59 will be on the Berlin map, mixed battles and alternate history is always a possibility. For these planes, use the same tactics. Force a head on, and then run after. Use the turrets to attack them while withdrawing.

Late War Props (Spitfire 24, Fw-190 D-13, F8F, etc.)
These are a somewhat rare occurrence at the BR of 6.3, however they should never be ignored. If possible, run back to base and don't commit to a head on with props, as they have a little more time to aim their shots and steady their plane. Rely mostly on the defensive turrets if needed.

Player-Controlled Flak (Kugelblitz, Crusader AA, etc.)
These are the bane of bombers (especially medium-sized ones such as the Tu-2S-59). When the tracers fly, don't risk a dive. Circle around or find some unsuspecting flanker that is outside the cover of these AAA guns.

Counter-tactics

If confronted with an enemy Tu-2S-59, initiate a head on pass but then pitch up and stall their plane out. Additionally, maintain a safe altitude and utilize Boom & Zoom tactics, but it is worth noting that the Tu-2 is able to turn adequately.

Manual Engine Control

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

Modules

Tier	Flight performance		Survivability	Weaponry
I	Fuselage repair	Radiator		Turret 12 mm
II		Compressor	Airframe	New 12 mm MGs	PKD-2
III	Wings repair	Engine		Offensive 20 mm	Turret 20 mm
IV		Engine injection	Cover	New 20 mm cannons	New 20 mm cannons (turret)

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Fast, for a medium bomber
• High wing rip speed (over 700 km/h)
• Air spawn in RB.
• Very easy to land and take-off
• Decent payload
• Forward-firing ShVAK cannons, can be useful in a head on engagement
• Not as vulnerable as other 4-engine bombers
• Twin tail design leaves little restriction on back gunners
• Decently agile for its size
• Guaranteed to put out fires on fuel tanks due to pressurized gas system
• Very efficient in taking out individual ground targets
• Individual bomb drops, very effective in tank battles
• Engines can cool down even with a 100% throttle
• Can pretty much WEP indefinitely
• Just need to research one modification for all payload options
• Cheap repair cost
• Has a lot of unlockable camouflages

Cons:

• Matchmaking pits the Tu-2S against jets and late/post war props
• Only two bombs when stock
• Will extinguish fire but sometimes it will just burn out before the fuel tanks seal in time
• Relatively small defensive armament
• Only one pilot and is not protected by armour from the front
• High-ish stall speed (175 km/h, more of a pain when taking off / landing)
• Although it is fast, everything else is faster
• Performance starts to degrade with altitude
• Low amount of cannon ammo (150 rounds per gun)
• Camouflages need to be unlocked by bombing bases at which it is not that effective compared to other nation's bombers

History

"Tupolev Tu-2S Front Line Bomber with M-82FN engines, Moscow Aircraft Factory No. 23, series 1 to 43 (NATO reporting name: Bat).

After production of the Tu-2 was stopped, work on improving the aircraft nevertheless continued. It obtained a new version of the Shvetsov M-82FN engine, equipped with direct fuel injection, with an increased maximum engine power of 1,850 hp. The new engines improved the aircraft's flight characteristics. Also, the bomber's earlier defects were practically eliminated. In July 1943, the State Defense Committee decided to begin mass production of the Tu-2 with the M-82FN engines.

The so-called ""standard"" bombers, the Tu-2S (""S"" meaning ""standard""), were different from Aircraft 103VS. They were simple and cheap as far as production and operation went, with a minimum set of equipment.

The Tu-2S had the 103VS's braking vanes and their release mechanisms removed, but the dive recovery control was left intact. The stabilizer was fixed and the steering gear removed. The vertical empennage area was increased. Only the right rudder had a trim tab. The plane's fuel tanks were reduced in number, and the resulting loss in fuel capacity was somewhat compensated for by enlarging the remaining tanks.

The plane's defensive armament was similar to that of Aircraft 103VS, but the ammunition of the LU-UBT unit was increased to 350 rounds. The rocket beams and weapon controls were removed. But, unlike its predecessor, the Tu-2S was equipped with chemical weapons. It could carry UKhAP-500 aerial spray devices or ABK-P-500 clusters, which could be filled with bomblets or AZh-2 ampoules containing KS self-igniting fluid. The first Tu-2S was built in September 1943. A total of 1,145 Tu-2S front-line bombers were produced from 1943-45.

By the end of 1942, the Tu-2 appeared on the Kalinin Front and then on the Southwestern Front. From 1944-45, the Tu-2S was used in the Baltics, Poland, and Germany, including the Battle of Berlin. In August 1945, units armed with the Tu-2S operated against Japan.

The Tu-2S is justly considered the best front-line bomber of the Red Army Air Force. It was superior to the famous Pe-2 in all its basic characteristics, especially in its defensive armament. During the war, the Tu-2S was only used by the Red Army Air Force."

Media

Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

• reference to the series of the aircraft;
• links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links

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• topic on the official game forum;
• encyclopedia page on the aircraft;
• other literature.