Polikarpov Po-2

The Polikarpov U-2 or Po-2 was a general purpose biplane of the Soviet Union, nicknamed Kukuruznik (from Russian "kukuruza" (кукуруза) for maize). The reliable, uncomplex and forgiving aircraft powered by a 99 hp Shvetsov air-cooled radial engine first flew in January 1928. Initially the Po-2 (it did not take this name until 1944) was used as a trainer and crop-duster. Although entirely outclassed by contemporary aircraft the Kukuruznik served extensively in World War II as a light ground attack and general supply aircraft. German troops nicknamed the craft the nhmaschine (sewing machine) for its rattling sound. The low cost and easy maintainence led to over 30,000 being manufactured into the 1950s.

Trivia

Kukuruznik was later used as a nickname for Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev, notorious for his indiscriminating introduction of corn all over the Soviet Union, as well as for a plane with similar characteristics, Antonov An-2.

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Specifications (U-2)

General characteristics

  • Crew: two, student and instructor
  • Length: 8.70 m (28 ft 6 in)
  • Wingspan: 11.40 m (37 ft 5 in)
  • Height: 3.10 m (10 ft 2 in)
  • Wing area: 33.2 m² (357 ft²)
  • Empty: 770 kg (1,694 lb)
  • Loaded: 1,350 kg (2,970 lb)
  • Maximum takeoff: kg ( lb)
  • Powerplant: 1x Shvetsov M-11D radial, 86 kW (115 hp)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 152 km/h (95 mph)
  • Range: 530 km (330 miles)
  • Service ceiling: 3,000 m (9,840 ft)
  • Rate of climb: 167 m/min (546 ft/min)
  • Wing loading: 41 kg/m² (8 lb/ft²)
  • Power/Mass: 0.06 kW/kg (0.04 hp/lb)

Armament

Related content

Related development: Comparable aircraft: Designation sequence:
   
   

 

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