Po-2 "Kukuruznik" | |
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1944 Polikarpov Po-2 of The Shuttleworth Collection, United Kingdom | |
Role | Utility biplane |
Manufacturer | Polikarpov |
First flight | 24 June 1927[1] |
Introduction | 1929 |
Primary users | Soviet Air Force Aeroflot DOSAAF |
Produced | 1928-1959[2] |
Number built | 20,000–30,000[2] |
The Polikarpov Po-2 (also U-2 before 1944, for its initial uchebnyy, 'training', role as a flight instruction aircraft) was an all-weather multirole Soviet biplane, nicknamed Kukuruznik (Russian: Кукурузник,[3][N 1] NATO reporting name "Mule"). The reliable, uncomplicated design of the Po-2 made it an ideal trainer aircraft, as well as doubling as a low-cost ground attack, aerial reconnaissance, psychological warfare and liaison aircraft during war, proving to be one of the most versatile light combat types to be built in the Soviet Union.[4] As of 1978 it remained in production for a longer period of time than any other Soviet-era aircraft.[4]
Production figures for Polikarpov U-2 and Po-2 bombers and trainers combined are between 20,000 and 30,000[2] with production ending as early as 1952.[2] Precise figures are hard to obtain since low-rate production by small repair shops and aero clubs is believed to have continued until 1959.[5]
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