Polikarpov U-2/Po-2 Russian biplane flying at the Shuttleworth Trust Spring Airshow in 2013
The Polikarpov U-2/Po-2 was designed by N N Polikarpov, head of the OSS (Dept for experimental landplane construction) in response to a wish to establish a single Soviet type for a uniform training syllabus, with the emphasis on a reliable engine coupled with simplicity and cheapness. The original 1927 design was very simple and cheap but flew like a brick, so the requirement for simplicity was relaxed and on 7th January 1928 the aerodynamically cleaned up U-2 flew to critical acclaim, especially for its positive longitudinal stability and lack of vices (even though these are not universally desirable qualities in a trainer). However, the U-2 (which was, somewhat ironically, redesignated Po-2 after Polikarpov’s death in 1944) was certainly not used just as a trainer. The prototype of the first main variant, a crop duster, appeared as early as October 1927 and there followed many variations on the basic theme, such as floatplanes, cabin versions (seating up to seven in overload conditions!), ambulances, some with stretcher accommodation in pods on each lower wing, one luxury cabin version with exhaust muff heating and wicker passenger chairs and even a prone-position pilot version to test an interceptor fighter concept (in 1939). During WWII the U-2/Po-2 (nicknamed ‘Kukuruznik’, corn-cutter), in addition to its basic training, liaison and ambulance roles, was used on night missions to deprive German troops of sleep, by women pilots on night bombing raids and as a light attack and close support aircraft After the war it continued as a Soviet Jack of all trades with production ceasing in 1951 (1955 in Poland), but there were enough spares to allow the last aircraft of the approximately 33,000 total to be built in 1959.
Size: 5760px × 3840px
Location: Old Warden Airfield, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom
Photo credit: © Niall Ferguson / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: -2/po-2, aircraft, biplane, flying, polikarpov, russian, shuttleworth, trainer, trust
