Suchoj Su-2 – the Soviet light bomber

In 1936 the command of the Air Force of the USSR announced a competition, which was classified under the cryptonym "Ivanov". According to its conditions, a universal front-line aircraft was to be designed, which could act as a strike, reconnaissance, light bomber, if necessary - and as a fighter. Constructors of Kharkiv Aviation Institute and Polikarpov KB participated in the competition. At that time, one separate group of the Tupolev KB was headed by Pavel Suchoj, who submitted his designed prototype ANT-51 to the competition. The competition was won by "ChAI-5", later designated "R-10". After several months of serial production, it became clear, that this plane did not meet the expectations, that were placed on it, and then it was decided to start serial production of the Sukhoi plane. The serial plane was very different from the prototype - the engine power was increased, the non-retractable landing gear was replaced by a retractable one, the all-metal structure was abandoned for technological reasons and the fuselage became a wooden structure. Serial production began at the beginning of 1940, the plane was designated BB-22. Only a year later, in the USSR, it was accepted that airplanes should be designated by the first two letters of the constructor's last name - the airplane began to be designated Su-2. Until Germany attacked the USSR, about 100 bombers were produced and used on the front. In the first weeks of the war, when the Luftwaffe had air superiority, the concept of the plane did not materialize. Too slow, flying without fighter escort, the Su-2 was easy prey for German fighter pilots. An attempt was made to increase the power of the engine, as a result of which the speed increased from 378 to 430 km per hour, but it did not help much. At the beginning of 1942 production of the Su-2 was discontinued due to the production of the more successful Il-2. In total, about 500 Su-2s were produced, which, after completing their service on the front lines, served for some time as training and support aircraft in the far rear.

Not very complicated, interesting model. It is recommended for modelers of all experience, only advanced beginners and less experienced modelers are recommended to work under the supervision of a more experienced colleague - it will be not only easier, but also more fun. For the least experienced, we recommend not to make the interior of the cabins, to make an opaque cabin cover, including the landing gear - the airplane in the flight phase. Antiquarian publication.