WWII Aircraft of the Day - The Tupolev TB-3

The Tupolev TB-3

The Tupolev TB-3  -Russia
By Salem

The Tupolev TB-3 was a massive areoplane, with a wingspan of 40 metres, this inter-war bomber could carry more bombs than any other bomber in the inter-war period.
The Tupolev TB-3 also served in WWII but was no match for the German fighters and were relegated to a transport role.

WWII Aircraft of the Day - The Polikarpov R-Z

The Polikarpov R-Z

The Polikarpov R-Z  - Russia

By Salem

The Polikarpov R-Z first served in the Spanish Civil War and also used against Finland.

The Polikarpov R-Z was armed with eight under-wing bombs.

It's engines made a rather curious noise which led them to be called "sewing machines" by the Germans.

This reconnaissance bomber which was in service since the 1930's was relegated to night operations in 1941.

WWII Aircraft of the Day - The Ilyushin IL-4

The Ilyushin IL-4

The Ilyushin IL-4 - Russia
By Salem

The Ilyushin IL-4 bomber first saw service against Finland in the Winter War during 1939 - 1940.
It was then used by the USSR in bombing raids on Berlin as early as 1941.

WWII Aircraft of the Day - The Petlyakov PE 2

The Petlyakov PE 2

The Petlyakov PE 2 - Russia
By Salem

The Petlyakov PE 2, a twin engine bomber and was a very successful air craft.
It was intended as a high-altitude fighter but it was discovered to be an effective bomber with a maximum bomb-load of 1,600kg.
The Petlyakov PE 2 was also faster than the standard German fighters in Russia in 1941.

WWII Aircraft of the Day - The Yak 1

The Yak 1

The Yak 1 - Russia
By Salem

The Yak 1 was one of the aircraft that turned the tide of the German Invasion of Russia.
It was a single seated mono-plane and was extremely manouverable  and fast.
It's fuselage was made of welded steel tubes and fabric- faced plywood, it was light and sturdy.
The Yak 1 was produced from early 1940 and was very well armed.

WWII Aircraft of the Day - The Ilyushin Il 2 Shturmovik

The Ilyushin Il 2 Shturmovik

The Ilyushin Il 2 Shturmovik
Russia
By Salem

The Ilyushin Il 2 Shturmovik was one of WWII's greatest aircraft and were very well armoured.
It was an all metal, low-winged monoplane designed for low altitude tank-busting.
The Ilyushin Il 2 Shturmovik was loved by Russia and feared by the enemy.
They were highly mass produced with over 36,000 of them built in both one seater and two seater versions.

WWII Aircraft of the Day - The Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-3

A Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-3 and Russian Pilots

 The Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-3  
- Russia        By Salem

Todays aircraft is the Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-3 which was used by the Russians in WWII.
It was one of the only fighters that Russia had during the first months of the Russian Invasion.

Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-3

They were very fast but had little else in their favour.  They were later used only for reconnaissance.