Soviet planes of WWII. Aviation of the USSR: aircraft of the Second World War

On May 28, 1935, the first flight of the German fighter Messerschmitt Bf.109, the most popular aircraft of this class in the last war, took place. But in other countries in those years, wonderful aircraft were also created to defend their own skies. Some of them fought on equal terms with the Messerschmitt Bf.109. Some were superior to it in a number of tactical and technical characteristics.

The Free Press decided to compare the German aerial masterpiece with the best fighters of Berlin's enemies and allies in that war - the USSR, Great Britain, the USA and Japan.

1. Illegitimate German

Willy Messerschmitt was at loggerheads with the Secretary of State of the German Aviation Ministry, General Erhard Milch. Therefore, the designer was not allowed to participate in the competition for the development of a promising fighter, which was supposed to replace the outdated Henkel biplane - He-51.

Messerschmitt, in order to prevent the bankruptcy of his company, in 1934 entered into an agreement with Romania to create a new machine. For which he was immediately accused of treason. The Gestapo got down to business. After the intervention of Rudolf Hess, Messerschmitt was still allowed to participate in the competition.

The designer decided to act without paying attention to the military’s technical specifications for the fighter. He reasoned that otherwise the result would be an average fighter. And, given the biased attitude towards the aircraft designer of the powerful Milch, it will not be possible to win the competition.

Willy Messerschmitt's calculation turned out to be correct. The Bf.109 was one of the best on all fronts of World War II. By May 1945, Germany had produced 33,984 of these fighters. However, it is very difficult to briefly talk about their tactical and technical characteristics.

Firstly, almost 30 significantly different modifications of the Bf.109 were produced. Secondly, the aircraft's performance was constantly improving. And the Bf.109 at the end of the war was significantly better than a fighter model 1937. But still, there were “generic features” of all these combat vehicles, which determined the style of their air combat.

Advantages:

- powerful Daimler-Benz engines made it possible to reach high speeds;

— the significant mass of the aircraft and the strength of the components made it possible to develop speeds in a dive that were unattainable for other fighters;

- big payload made it possible to achieve increased armament;

— high armor protection increased pilot safety.

Flaws:

— the large mass of the aircraft reduced its maneuverability;

— the location of the guns in the wing pylons slowed down the execution of turns;

- the aircraft was ineffective for supporting bombers, since in this capacity it could not use its speed advantages;

— to control the aircraft, highly trained pilots were required.

2. “I am the Yak Fighter”

Alexander Yakovlev's design bureau made a fantastic breakthrough before the war. Until the end of the 30s, it produced light aircraft, intended mainly for sporting purposes. And in 1940, the Yak-1 fighter was launched into production, the design of which, along with aluminum, included wood and canvas. He had excellent flying qualities. At the beginning of the war, the Yak-1 successfully repelled the Fockers, while losing to the Messers.

But in 1942, the Yak-9 began to enter service with our Air Force, which fought with the Messers on equal terms. Moreover, the Soviet vehicle had a clear advantage in close combat at low altitudes. Yielding, however, in battles at high altitudes.

It is not surprising that the Yak-9 turned out to be the most popular Soviet fighter. Until 1948, 16,769 Yak-9s were built in 18 modifications.

In fairness, it is necessary to mention three more of our excellent aircraft - the Yak-3, La-5 and La-7. At low and medium altitudes they outperformed the Yak-9 and beat the Bf.109. But this “trinity” was produced in smaller quantities, and therefore the main burden of combating fascist fighters fell on the Yak-9.

Advantages:

- high aerodynamic qualities, allowing for dynamic combat in close proximity to the enemy at low and medium altitudes. High maneuverability.

Flaws:

— low armament, largely caused by insufficient engine power;

— low engine life.

3. Armed to the teeth and very dangerous

The Englishman Reginald Mitchell (1895 - 1937) was a self-taught designer. He completed his first independent project, the Supermarine Type 221 fighter, in 1934. During the first flight, the car accelerated to a speed of 562 km/h and rose to a height of 9145 meters in 17 minutes. None of the fighters existing at that time in the world could do this. No one had comparable firepower: Mitchell placed eight machine guns in the wing console.

In 1938, mass production of the Supermarine Spitfire superfighter began for the British Royal Air Force. But the chief designer did not see this happy moment. He died of cancer at the age of 42.

Further modernization of the fighter was carried out by Supermarine designers. The first production model was called the Spitfire MkI. It was equipped with a 1300-horsepower engine. There were two weapon options: eight machine guns or four machine guns and two cannons.

It was the most popular British fighter, produced in the amount of 20,351 copies in various modifications. Throughout the war, the Spitfire's performance was constantly improved.

The British fire-breathing Spitfire fully demonstrated its belonging to the elite of world fighters, turning the so-called Battle of Britain in September 1940. The Luftwaffe launched a powerful air attack on London, which included 114 Dornier 17 and Heinkel 111 bombers, accompanied by 450 Me 109s and several Me 110s. They were opposed by 310 British fighters: 218 Hurricanes and 92 Spitfire Mk.Is. 85 enemy aircraft were destroyed, the vast majority in air combat. The RAF lost eight Spitfires and 21 Hurricanes.

Advantages:

— excellent aerodynamic qualities;

— high speed;

— long flight range;

— excellent maneuverability at medium and high altitudes.

- big firepower;

— high pilot training is not required;

— some modifications have a high rate of climb.

Flaws:

— focused on concrete runways only.

4. Comfortable Mustang

Created by the American company North American by order of the British government in 1942, the P-51 Mustang fighter is significantly different from the three fighters we have already considered. First of all, because he was given completely different tasks. It was a bomber escort plane long-range aviation. Based on this, the Mustangs had huge fuel tanks. Their practical range exceeded 1,500 kilometers. And the ferry line is 3,700 kilometers.

The flight range was ensured by the fact that the Mustang was the first to use a laminar wing, thanks to which an air flow occurs without turbulence. The Mustang, paradoxically, was a comfortable fighter. It is no coincidence that it was called the “flying Cadillac.” This was necessary so that the pilot, while spending several hours at the controls of the aircraft, would not waste unnecessary energy.

By the end of the war, the Mustang began to be used not only as an escort aircraft, but also as an attack aircraft, equipped with missiles and increased firepower.

Advantages:

— good aerodynamics;

— high speed;

— long flight range;

- high ergonomics.

Flaws:

— highly qualified pilots are required;

- low survivability against anti-aircraft artillery fire;

— vulnerability of the water cooling radiator

5. Japanese “overdoing it”

Paradoxically, the most popular Japanese fighter was a carrier-based one - the Mitsubishi A6M Reisen. He was nicknamed “Zero” (“zero” - English). The Japanese produced 10,939 of these “zeros”.

So great love to carrier-based fighters is explained by two circumstances. Firstly, the Japanese had a huge aircraft carrier fleet - ten floating airfields. Secondly, at the end of the war, “Zero” began to be used en masse for “kamikazes.” Therefore, the number of these aircraft was rapidly declining.

The technical specifications for the A6M Reisen carrier-based fighter were transferred to Mitsubishi at the end of 1937. For its time, the aircraft was supposed to be one of the best in the world. The designers were asked to create a fighter that had a speed of 500 km/h at an altitude of 4000 meters, armed with two cannons and two machine guns. Flight duration is up to 6-8 hours. The take-off distance is 70 meters.

At the start of the war, the Zero dominated the Asia-Pacific region, outmaneuvering and outperforming US and British fighters at low and medium altitudes.

On December 7, 1941, during the attack of the Japanese Navy on the American base at Pearl Harbor, “Zero” fully confirmed its viability. Six aircraft carriers, which carried 440 fighters, torpedo bombers, dive bombers and fighter-bombers, took part in the attack. The result of the attack was catastrophic for the United States.

The difference in losses in the air is most telling. The United States destroyed 188 aircraft and put 159 out of action. The Japanese lost 29 aircraft: 15 dive bombers, five torpedo bombers and only nine fighters.

But by 1943, the Allies had nevertheless created competitive fighters.

Advantages:

— long flight range;

— good maneuverability;

N disadvantages:

— low engine power;

- low rate of climb and flight speed.

Comparison of characteristics

Before comparing the same parameters of the considered fighters, it should be noted that this is not a completely correct matter. First of all because different countries, who participated in the Second World War, set various strategic tasks for their fighter aircraft. Soviet Yaks were primarily engaged in air support ground forces. Therefore, they usually flew at low altitudes.

The American Mustang was designed to escort long-range bombers. Approximately the same goals were set for the Japanese “Zero”. The British Spitfire was versatile. It was equally effective at low altitudes and at high altitudes.

The word “fighter” is most suitable for the German “Messers”, who, first of all, were supposed to destroy enemy aircraft near the front.

We present the parameters as they decrease. That is, in first place in this “nomination” is the best aircraft. If two aircraft have approximately the same parameter, then they are separated by a comma.

— maximum ground speed: Yak-9, Mustang, Me.109 — Spitfire — Zero

- -maximum speed at altitude: Me.109, Mustang, Spitfire - Yak-9 - Zero

— engine power: Me.109 — Spitfire — Yak-9, Mustang — Zero

— rate of climb: Me.109, Mustang — Spitfire, Yak-9 — Zero

- service ceiling: Spitfire - Mustang, Me.109 - Zero - Yak-9

— practical range: Zero — Mustang — Spitfire — Me.109, Yak-9

— weapons: Spitfire, Mustang — Me.109 — Zero — Yak-9.

Photo by ITAR-TASS/ Marina Lystseva/ photo from the archive.

Dedicated to the 65th anniversary of the great victory

I-16 nicknames donkey, donkey - Soviet single-engine piston fighter-monoplane of the 30s, created at the Polikarpov Design Bureau.
The first flight on the prototype was made by Valery Chkalov (test pilot of the State Aviation Plant No. 39) - December 30, 1933.
Participated in civil war in Spain in 1936, in the Soviet-Japanese conflict on the Khalkhin Gol River, in the Soviet-Finnish War, by the beginning of the Second World War, the aircraft formed the basis of the USSR fighter fleet. Many Soviet ace pilots began their service on the I-16.

Yak-3 - Soviet single-engine fighter aircraft of the Great Patriotic War. The design bureau was developed under the direction of Alexander Sergeevich Yakovlev. It was a continuation of the Yak-1. Produced from 1944 to 1945, a total of 4,848 aircraft were built. Recognized as the best low-altitude fighter in World War II. At the end of the war, French pilots of the Normandy-Niemen regiment flew to France on 41 Yak-3 fighters donated. These aircraft were in service with France until 1956.

Yak-7 or UTI-26 - Soviet single-engine aircraft of the Great Patriotic War. It was developed by the design bureau under the direction of Alexander Sergeevich Yakovlev as a training aircraft similar to the Yak-1. Produced since 1942, total built
6399 aircraft.

K-9 was the most popular Soviet fighter of the Great Patriotic War. Produced from October 1942 to December 1948, a total of 16,769 aircraft were built. The Yak-9 was a natural continuation of the Yak-1 and Yak-7 fighters. WITH
From a constructive point of view, it represented a further development of the Yak-7. Slightly different from him in appearance, The Yak-9 at the same time was more advanced in all respects. This is natural, since when creating this aircraft, we took into account
almost two years of experience in the production and combat use of the Yak-1. took part in all operations Soviet Army, starting with the Battle of Stalingrad.

Pe-2 (Peshka) - Soviet dive bomber of World War II. The most massive front-line bomber produced in the USSR. The Pe-2 was actively used in front-line units, as well as in naval aviation units from the first days of the Great
Patriotic War until its end, and also took part in battles with Japanese troops in the summer of 1945.

Pe-3 is a Soviet twin-engine heavy fighter of all-metal construction. Developed at OKB-29 on the basis of the Pe-2 dive bomber under the leadership of V. M. Petlyakov. The first flight took place in August 1941. From the bomber
was distinguished by the absence of a lower hatch firing unit and brake grilles.

MiG-3 is a Soviet high-altitude fighter of the Second World War. During the Great Patriotic War, the MiG-3 was used in various options. Its main qualities - a large ceiling (12 thousand m) and speed at altitudes of more than 5 thousand m allowed
our pilots successfully conduct battles with enemy bombers and reconnaissance aircraft.

LaGG-3 is a single-seat, single-engine piston fighter monoplane, which was in service with the Red Army Air Force before and during the Great Patriotic War. Used as a fighter, fighter-interceptor, fighter-bomber,
reconnaissance aircraft, produced in 1941-1944. One of three new generation fighters put into service just before the war (the other two are MiG-3 and Yak-1).
The name is deciphered by the names of the designers: Lavochkin, Gorbunov, Gudkov.
Positive qualities: powerful weapons in the first series, high survivability, minimal use of scarce materials - the main material is pine and plywood impregnated with resin - delta wood, availability of manufacturing technology.

Lavochkin La-5 is a single-engine monoplane fighter. Single-seat, with a closed cabin, a wooden frame with fabric covering and wooden wing spars. The first production aircraft began to roll off the assembly line in July 1942.
Initially, the La-5 was armed with two automatic 20-mm ShVAK cannons, which were located in the front part of the fuselage above the engine. The instrumentation was very poor. The plane didn’t even have a single gyroscopic device,
such as an attitude indicator or a gyrocompass. If we compare the La-5 with similar aircraft from Germany, Great Britain or the USA, it may seem that technically it was significantly inferior to them. However, in terms of its flight qualities, it fully met the requirements of the time. In addition, its simple design, lack of need for complex maintenance and undemanding conditions for take-off fields made it ideal for the conditions in which Soviet Air Force units had to operate. During 1942, 1,129 La-5 fighters were manufactured.
La-5FN
The letters FN in the aircraft markings indicate Forced Direct Fuel Injection. The ASh-82FN engine could develop a power of 1850 hp. and maintain the forced mode for 10 minutes. In April 1943, a series of air battles took place in Lyubertsy between the pre-production La-5FN and the captured Bf.109G-2. Training battles revealed the overwhelming superiority of the Soviet fighter in speed at low and medium altitudes - the main altitudes air war on the Eastern Front. The La-5FN was also superior to the Bf.109G-2 in vertical maneuverability.

Lavochkin La-7 is a Soviet single-engine, single-seat monoplane fighter. The La-7 is a further development of the La-5FN aircraft. In January 1944, the first prototype of the La-7 was produced. On February 2, it took off, and on February 16, it entered state tests. In May 1944, the new fighter was put into production under the name La-7 and by November completely replaced the La-5FN from the assembly line. All pilots are Heroes Soviet Union in addition to other aircraft, they fought on the La-7. One of the most famous Soviet aces is three times Hero of the Soviet Union Ivan Nikitovich Kozhedub.

U-2 (PO-2) is a multi-purpose biplane created under the leadership of N. N. Polikarpov in 1928. The U-2 was developed for initial training of pilots and had good aerobatic qualities. With the beginning of the Great Patriotic War, standard versions of the U-2 were available at hand. 2 began to be converted into light night bombers. The bomb load varied from 100 kg to 350 kg.
In 1943, the number of regiments equipped with the U-2 reached its maximum - up to 70 air regiments of night bombers and reconnaissance aircraft operated at the front.
After the death of N.N. Polikarpov in 1944, the plane was renamed Po-2 in honor of its creator. The U-2 was built serially until 1953, 33,000 vehicles were built.

The Tu-2, also known as the ANT-58 and 103 Tu-2, is a twin-engine Soviet high-speed day bomber (high-speed day bomber/front-line bomber) from World War II. A total of 2,257 aircraft were built.
The Tu-2 remained in service until 1950. Some Chinese Tu-2s were shot down by British and American aircraft during Korean War. It was also used by the PRC in battles with Chiang Kai-shek. The Tu-2 was used to a limited extent by the Far Eastern Air Forces during Vietnam War as an attack aircraft - for this purpose several aircraft were equipped with a homemade system volley fire, consisting of several dozen Soviet PPSh submachine guns, which was mounted in place of the internal bomb bay. During the dive to the object, the navigator opened the bomb hatch doors and activated the multiple launch rocket system.

DB-3F/IL-4 Twin-engine long-range bomber. Development of the DB-3 with a new navigator's cabin, a new fuselage (for a different production technology developed for the DC-3/Li-2), a wing with a new spar and pneumatic landing gear retraction control. The aircraft received the name Il-4 in March 1942. Together with the DB-3, about 6,800 copies were produced (of which 5,256 were IL-4). Most famous achievement These planes bombed Berlin at the beginning of the Great Patriotic War.

ER-2 (DB-240) - long-range bomber, twin-engine monoplane with a reverse gull wing. The aircraft was designed by OKB-240 under the leadership of V. G. Ermolaev. The bomber was a development of the passenger aircraft "Steel-7", designed at the Civil Air Fleet Research Institute by aircraft designer R.L. Bartini. The experienced DB-240 first took to the air on May 14, 1940.
Serial production began in October 1940. Er-2 was produced at plants No. 18 in Voronezh and No. 125 (39) in Irkutsk. Production was interrupted in September 1941 and resumed in 1944. A total of 462 examples were built.

The Tupolev TB-3 (also known as the ANT-6) was a heavy bomber used by the Soviet Air Force in the 1930s and during World War II. The TB-3 was used during the battles at Khalkin Gol as a night bomber. In total, more than 500 combat missions were carried out. It was used in the same way as a military transport aircraft. Around 1938, a daytime flyby was made over Japanese islands during which propaganda leaflets were scattered. TB was also used during the Soviet-Finnish war. Despite the fact that the aircraft was officially withdrawn from service in 1939, at the start of the Great Patriotic War on June 22, 1941, the USSR Air Force had 516 ready-made aircraft, not counting the 25 that were subordinate to the USSR Navy. On June 23, TB-3 began night bombing of enemy territory. The lack of combat-ready aircraft forced the TB-3 to be used in the daytime without fighter escort, which is why the bombers, mostly used at low altitudes, suffered greatly from enemy fighters and ground fire crews. At the same time, the use of TB-3 at night was much more successful and widespread. By August 1941, the TB-3 accounted for 25% of the Air Force's bombing force and, flown by experienced pilots, the bomber could fly up to three combat missions per night. The aircraft took part in all important battles of 1941 -1943, including the Battle of Smolensk, the Battle of Moscow, Battle of Stalingrad, breaking the blockade of Leningrad and the Battle of Kursk. By July 1, 1945, the 18th Air Division still had ten TB-3 aircraft in combat readiness.

Pe-8 (other designations TB-7 and ANT-42) is a Soviet four-engine long-range heavy bomber (sometimes classified as strategic) of the Second World War. Throughout the Great Patriotic War, the Pe-8 was the only modern bomber of its class at the disposal of the USSR Air Force. It was used mainly for strategic bombing of enemy rear areas (in particular, Pe-8s bombed Berlin, Koenigsberg, Danzig, and Helsinki). During the Great Patriotic War, the TB-7 was used as a long-range night bomber. Despite their small numbers, bombers were used very intensively in combat operations; from 1941 to 1944, 1,509 combat missions were carried out, 5,371 tons of bombs were dropped, and 51,264 leaflets were dropped. Thus, the first attack on Berlin by Pe-8 aircraft was carried out on August 10, 1941, and on April 29, 1943, a 5,000-kilogram bomb was dropped on Königsberg for the first time. At the same time, 5-ton bombs were lifted on the TB-7 for the first time, earlier than in the USA and England. Pe-8s were used in strategic bombing to force Finland to withdraw from the war in 1944. In a number of cases, TB-7s were used to attack targets in the front line, in particular Pe-8s were intensively used in Battle of Kursk. Pe-8s were also used for daytime bombing only once, but despite the successful completion of the combat mission, both vehicles received so much combat damage that this practice was abandoned. Combat use of the Pe-8 was discontinued at the end of 1944, as a result mass problems with the strength of a glider. Serial production was discontinued in 1945, and the Tu-4 entered service with the USSR instead.

SB (ANT-40) - high-speed front-line bomber. The most massive production aircraft developed by A. N. Tupolev Design Bureau. On October 7, 1934, test pilot K.K. Popov took the ANT?40 on its first flight. The lead production aircraft, SB, was produced in the spring of 1936. Over the years of serial construction, the SB has been modernized several times. In total, until serial production ceased in 1941, 6,831 aircraft of various modifications were produced

Il-2 is a Soviet attack aircraft from the Great Patriotic War designed by Ilyushin. In the Red Army, the aircraft received the nickname “Humpbacked” (for characteristic shape fuselage). The designers called the aircraft they developed the “Flying Tank.” German pilots called it dumb for its ability to withstand damage. "Betonflugzeug" - "concrete plane" and German. "Zementbomber" - "cemented bomber". The aircraft had a bad reputation among the Wehrmacht ground troops and earned several unflattering nicknames, such as “butcher” (German: Schlachter), “meat grinder” (Fleischwolf), “Iron Gustav” (Eiserner Gustav), some Wehrmacht soldiers called it “Black Death” (German: Schwarzer Tod). The most popular aircraft of the 1940s. He took part in battles in all theaters of military operations of the Great Patriotic War, as well as in the war with Japan. Attacks from low level flight at altitudes of 15-50 m, low altitude, high angular speed and terrain folds were supposed to protect the aircraft from fire anti-aircraft guns, while the armor protected him from small arms fire from enemy infantry.

Il-10 is an attack aircraft of the final period of the Great Patriotic War designed by the Ilyushin Design Bureau. Created in 1944 through a deep modernization of the Il-2 aircraft, fighting began on April 16, 1945. Serial production lasted five years. A total of 4,600 combat IL-10s and 280 training IL-10s were produced.

And now our enemies

The Messerschmitt Bf.109 is a single-engine, low-wing piston fighter that served with the Luftwaffe before and during World War II. Used as a fighter, fighter-interceptor, high-altitude fighter, fighter-bomber, reconnaissance aircraft. In terms of the number of aircraft produced (as of April 1945 - 33,984 units) it is the most popular fighter aircraft in history. The Bf.109 accounts for 57 percent of all fighter aircraft produced by Germany. The Bf.109 was used by Germany in all theaters of war, almost all German Aces began their fighter career with the Bf 109

The Messerschmitt Bf.110 was a twin-engine heavy strategic fighter (Zerstorer) in Luftwaffe service during World War II. Due to its inability to be used for its intended purpose, it was reclassified as a fighter-bomber and night fighter. The Bf 110 was first used during the German invasion of Poland in September 1939. The aircraft was widely used during aggression against Denmark, Norway, Holland, Belgium, France, Great Britain, Greece, and Yugoslavia. Bf.110s were also used in North Africa and supported the rebels in Iraq in May 1941. These aircraft were used little on the Soviet-German front. They were primarily used as fighter-bombers. When attacking an air target, success accompanied them only in conditions of surprise. If a maneuverable battle ensued, the Bf.110 lost even to outdated fighters (there is a known case when, in the summer of 1941, near Taganrog, a Soviet pilot in an I-15 shot down 3 Bf.110s at once). As they appear at the front large quantity Yak-1 and LaGG-3 Bf.110 losses increased significantly and they had to fly on missions accompanied by Bf.109. In the summer of 1943, almost all the surviving Bf.110s were recalled from the Eastern Front to the Reich Air Command (German air defense). With the beginning of night raids by British aviation on German industrial facilities, the Bf.110D was used quite effectively as a night fighter. Thanks to its range, powerful weapons and radar capability, the Bf 110 had a great chance to continue fighting in the night sky. The Bf 110 G-4 modification was equipped with the FuG 202/220 “Lichtenstein” radar. The radar operator, located between the pilot and gunner, increased the team to three people. Night fighters were often equipped with an “oblique music” installation.

Messerschmitt Me.163 Comet - German missile fighter-interceptor during the Second World War. The first flight took place on September 1, 1941. Produced in a small series. By the end of 1944, 91 aircraft had been delivered. The first combat flight was carried out on May 14, 1944. These aircraft made only a few sorties, while 11 aircraft were shot down, while they were able to destroy only 9 American B-29s. Due to the low amount of fuel, the plane could not make a repeat approach to the target.
Me-163 had liquid rocket engine, into which 80 percent hydrogen peroxide and a liquid catalyst (potassium permanganate solution or a mixture of methanol, hydrazine hydrate and water) were supplied. In the combustion chamber, hydrogen peroxide decomposed to form a large volume of superheated vapor-gas mixture, creating powerful jet thrust. After takeoff, the plane dropped its landing gear and landed on a retractable ski.
Three groups were armed with such aircraft, but due to a lack of fuel, only one group was able to take part in hostilities.

Messerschmitt Me.210 - German heavy fighter. It was designed to replace the Bf 110. The first flight took place in September 1939. The aircraft had a number of design defects that greatly limited its combat value. 90 production aircraft were built in Germany, and another 320 unfinished copies were put into storage. 267 pieces were collected in Hungary. They operated mainly in Tunisia and Sardinia.

Messerschmitt Me.262 is a German jet fighter, bomber and reconnaissance aircraft of the Second World War. It is the world's first production jet aircraft and the world's first jet aircraft to take part in combat operations. The tail of the aircraft was made according to classic scheme. The horizontal stabilizer was reinstalled using an electric motor. The elevators had weight compensation, and the rudder had aerodynamic and weight compensation. All rudders were equipped with trim tabs. The main armament of the serial Me.262 were four 30-mm MK 108 air cannons. Since the cannons were installed side by side in the nose of the aircraft, they provided exceptionally accurate and dense fire. The guns were installed in pairs, one pair above the other. The bottom pair had 100 rounds of ammunition per barrel, the top pair had 80 rounds of ammunition per barrel. Other weapon options were also considered, including the installation of two 50-mm aircraft cannons.
The standard sight for production aircraft was the Revi-16B, which was later replaced by the EZ.42 produced by Ascania Werke. The replacement was not very successful due to the difficulty of aligning and adjusting the new sight. Me.262 were equipped with a FuG.16zy radio station, standard for German planes of that time, and also by the defendant FuG.25a. In addition, the Me.262 was planned to use a radio navigation complex consisting of FuG.120K, FuG.125 and FuBL.3, but only some examples received it. Command aircraft had a FuG.29 combat warning system receiver. The aircraft was equipped with a Siemens K 22.Me.262 autopilot and was designed to achieve maximum manufacturability, which should have made its production easier and cheaper in wartime conditions. Conventional aluminum alloys were used, riveting was done in a straight line whenever possible, and many structural elements were simplified. The achievement of manufacturability of production was facilitated by the not too strict weight restrictions of the project.

The Focke-Wulf Fw 190 "Shrike" was a single-seat, single-engine piston fighter monoplane that served with the Luftwaffe during World War II. One of the best fighters of its time, widely used during the Second World War. A total of 19,999 aircraft were produced, of which 13,365 were fighter and night fighter variants and 6,634 were fighter-bomber variants. Production continued from 1941 until the end of the war, during which the aircraft was modernized several times. The Fw 190 has proven itself to be a real “workhorse” of the Luftwaffe (although Soviet pilots always noted that it was more difficult to fight with the Messers than with the FW-190, the Germans themselves realized this - and on the Eastern Front, until the end of the war, the Bf remained the main fighter 109) and was successfully used in various roles, in particular as a high-altitude interceptor (especially the Fw 190 D), escort fighter, attack aircraft, and night fighter.

Arado Ar 234 Blitz (Lightning) - the world's first jet bomber, the first jet bomber to take part in combat operations. Built in Germany by Arado during World War II. It was used by the Luftwaffe from November 1944 as a reconnaissance aircraft, and from December 1944 it carried out attacks on Allied forces. Although the aircraft was used sporadically at the end of the war due to fuel shortages, it remained a very difficult target to intercept due to its high speed. The aircraft was used for the first time in combat conditions on August 2, 1944. Piloted by Lieutenant Erich Sommer, the reconnaissance aircraft photographed the entire landing area of ​​enemy troops in Normandy in 1.5 hours. It was used to a limited extent as a night fighter.

The Dornier Do 17 is a twin-engine German bomber from World War II. It was one of the main bombers of the Luftwaffe. Produced from 1937 to 1940.

Dornier Do 217 is a German multi-role bomber from the Second World War. It was developed as a replacement for the Dornier Do 17 bomber. The first prototype (Do 217 V1) flew on 4 October 1938. It was mass-produced from November 1940 to May 1944. A total of 1,905 aircraft were built. Do-217 aircraft of various modifications were used by the Luftwaffe as photo reconnaissance aircraft, bombers, and night fighters. These aircraft were used as carriers of radio-controlled glide bombs and for laying sea mines. The first ten Do-217 aircraft with cameras installed in the bomb bay entered service at the end of 1940. And in January 1941, a photo reconnaissance squadron transferred to Romania took part in reconnaissance photography of the territory of the Soviet Union. Do-217s began to arrive in Luftwaffe bombing units later. They were used in night bombings of British cities, in addition, Do-217 units attacked Anglo-American ships in the English Channel and the North Sea. The last combat use of the Do-217 in World War II occurred on April 12, 1945. 12 Dornier bombers from a special experimental unit tried to destroy the bridge over the Oder, which had already been captured, with Hs293A glide bombs Soviet troops. But, despite several hits, most of the bridge spans survived.

Heinkel He 111 is a German medium monoplane bomber, one of the main bombers of the Luftwaffe (there were also modifications of torpedo bombers and attack aircraft). Used by the Luftwaffe before and during the Second World War. In total, about 7,300 He 111s of various modifications were built, making this aircraft the second most popular German bomber in World War II.

The Heinkel He-162 Volksjager is a single-engine jet fighter of the Luftwaffe. Developed from the Heinkel He 178 experimental aircraft at the end of the war, it was the fastest aircraft of its era to see combat. It also bore the names “Salamander” (Salamander) and “Spatz” (Sparrow). It was created as a “people's fighter” in the hope that young pilots from the Hitler Youth would fly these machines and turn the tide of the war in their direction. Despite the high performance characteristics Non-162, only one enemy aircraft was shot down on aircraft of this type.

The Heinkel He 177 Greif is a German heavy bomber, a four-engine, twin-rotor, all-metal monoplane. Created at the Heinkel design bureau under the leadership of G. Hertel and Z. Gunther. The first flight took place on November 19, 1939. Adopted by the Luftwaffe in December 1942.

The Heinkel He-219 "Filin" is a twin-engine piston night fighter. The first specially designed aircraft of this type in Germany. The world's first combat aircraft equipped with ejection seats. One of the most effective aircraft of the Second World War. Deliveries of the He-219 to combat units began in October 1943. The planes were mainly sent to group I/NJG1, transferred to Hahndorf for the defense of Berlin. Despite the constant shortage of aircraft and losses, it showed good performance. The group commander, Captain Manfred Meurer, had 65 victories, died on January 21, 1944 in a collision with a Lancaster. The next most successful pilot was Captain Hans-Dieter Frank with 55 victories, killed on 27 September 1943 in a collision with another night fighter. On January 1, 1944, the third commander of the group, a major, crashed, and the group was led by Werner Baake, who by that time had 41 victories. Some pilots were even able to surpass the success of Major Streib, who shot down 5 bombers in one flight with an experimental aircraft. So, on the night of November 2-3, 1944, Oberwelwebel Morlock shot down 6 planes in 12 minutes, but the next night he himself died as a result of an attack by a Mosquito fighter.
By January 10, 1945, I/NJG1 had only 64 He-219As, of which 45 were combat-ready. A number of vehicles were at the headquarters of the NJG1 squadron, and also two or three vehicles were in the Norway squadron on the 5th Air fleet. But from the beginning of 1945, the group also began to suffer losses from bombing attacks by Allied aircraft. So, on March 21, 1945, as a result of a bomb attack, 7 Heinkels were destroyed and 13 more were damaged. By April 1, the group was reduced to one squadron under the command of V. Baake. On April 9, the war actually ended for the group.

Fieseler Fi 156 Storch is a small German aircraft, created and used en masse in the Third Reich and its allied countries from 1937 to 1945. Its production continued until the end of the 1950s, mainly for the private aircraft market. Remains widely known to this day. In 1935, the Third Reich Air Ministry (RLM) placed a tender order for a new aircraft for the Luftwaffe, capable of performing reconnaissance, terrain reconnaissance and casualty evacuation missions, in accordance with the needs of the troops identified during some studies. The competition was won by the Fieseler company; its proposal for creating an aircraft that meets the “short takeoff and landing” concept turned out to be the best. Chief designer Reinold Mewes and technical director The Erich Bachen company proposed a design that provided the possibility of almost vertical takeoff in the event of a strong frontal wind, the wings on the ground of the aircraft folded back along the fuselage, spring springs suppressed about 45 cm of amplitude during landing. The plane could land almost anywhere; the runway, just 60 meters long, was sufficient. During transportation, the aircraft could be transported folded in the back of a truck or even slowly towed behind it. The model easily won the tender. Due to its take-off and landing characteristics, the aircraft was given the name “Stork” (German: “Storch”).

The Junkers Ju-87 was a single-engine, two-seat (pilot and rear gunner) dive bomber and attack aircraft from World War II. The designer of the machine is Hermann Pohlmann. First flight - in 1935, combat use- in 1936 as part of the Condor Legion in Spain. The most famous pilot of the Ju-87 was Hans Ulrich Rudel, who received the highest awards among Luftwaffe pilots. Despite low speed and mediocre aerodynamics (the landing gear was non-retractable), it was one of the most effective weapons of the Luftwaffe due to its dive-bombing ability. Yu-87 is one of the most famous symbols of the blitzkrieg. Soviet pilots had the nicknames “laptyozhnik” (for the fairings of the landing gear) and “singer” (for the siren that turned on during a dive for a psychological effect). In the G version, the Ju 87 received new life as a tank hunter (Kanonenvogel). Began to be used at the beginning of 1943 on the eastern front. Armed with two 37 mm BK 37 cannons mounted in nacelles under the wings. Power was supplied from six-round magazines using projectiles with tungsten cores. The ability to fly at low speed, a stable position in the air and the ability to attack an armored target from the least protected side contributed to the success of attacking tanks. It was on the Ju 87G that the famous German ace Hans-Ulrich Rudel flew, who, according to the Luftwaffe, destroyed over 500 Soviet tanks from July 1943 to May 1945.

Junkers Ju 88 - multi-role Luftwaffe aircraft from World War II. One of the most versatile aircraft of the war, it was used as a bomber, dive bomber, night fighter, reconnaissance aircraft, torpedo bomber, and as part of the flying bomb in Project Mistel. There are currently about 14 known surviving aircraft, although many are simply collections of wreckage. For recent years several more or less intact planes were raised from under the water.

The Henschel Hs 129 is a German single-seat, twin-engine, specialized attack aircraft from World War II. The chief designer of the aircraft is Friedrich Nikolaus Fr. Nicolaus. In the Luftwaffe, the attack aircraft was nicknamed the Can Opener (German: Buchsenoffner). Used primarily on the Eastern Front from 1942 to 1945. A total of 865 aircraft were produced.

And now a little about allied aviation

Tommy

The Hawker Hurricane is a British World War II single-seat fighter aircraft developed by Hawker Aircraft Ltd. in 1934. A total of approximately 14,000 were built. Various modifications of the aircraft could act as interceptors, fighter-bombers (also known as "Hurribombers") and attack aircraft. For operation from aircraft carriers there was a modification called the Sea Hurricane. used almost everywhere in the early stages of the war, Invasion of France, Battle of Britain, Defense of Malta, North Africa. Them German Aces those who had the opportunity to fly on trophy Hurricanes called it a bucket with nuts, the plane was difficult to control and slow to climb

The Supermarine Spitfire is a British fighter aircraft from World War II. By its design, it was a single-engine all-metal monoplane with a low wing and retractable landing gear. Various modifications of the aircraft were used as a fighter, fighter-interceptor, high-altitude fighter, fighter-bomber and reconnaissance aircraft. A total of 20,300 examples were built, including two-seat trainers. Some of the vehicles remained in service until the mid-50s. used mainly at the initial stage of the war, but some units were armed until the end of the war

The Hawker Typhoon was a British single-seat fighter-bomber from World War II. Manufactured by Hawker Aircraft Ltd. from 1941 to November 1945. Remained in service until 1947. Initially developed as an interceptor to replace the Hawker Hurricane fighter. One of the most successful RAF attack aircraft during the Second World War. The first flight in October 1939 was made by the "R" version. The RAF ordered 1,000 vehicles under the designation "Tornado". But p

Battles in the air, involving more than one squadron of fighters and bombers, were fought just as actively as on the ground. We will tell you about the most famous models aircraft from this period of history.

Focke Wulf Fw 190 (Germany)

It belongs to the type of fast and maneuverable single-seat fighters, carrying on board a significant weapons reserve, consisting of 4 machine guns and 2 cannons. A bomb rack was also provided, mounted in the center of the lower part of the fuselage.

Boeing B-29 Superfortress (USA)

The airplane model was the most expensive "toy" in the United States of times. Development and implementation were carried out to the maximum extent possible short terms. The designers had high hopes for it.

B-25 Mitchell (USA)

The model was simple to manufacture, easy to repair, but at the same time, it performed a full range of various combat missions. None of the twin-engine bombers of this time were produced in such quantities.

Curtiss P-40 Warhawk (USA)

One of the popular aircraft of World War II.

Durable, with a long service life, and somewhat inferior in combat characteristics to similar enemy equipment.

Consokidated B-24 Liberator (USA)

A heavy military bomber, which, however, did not gain the popularity it deserved like the B-17.

Mitsubishi A6M Zero (Japan)

The successful fighter-interceptor, in the first six months of hostilities, stunned Western pilots. His superiority in the air was obvious, although after a while it faded away.

Grumman F6F Hellcat (USA)

The aircraft had several advantages: a powerful and reliable Pratt & Whitney R-2800 engine and high level pilot training.

P-51 Mustang (USA)

This aircraft model terrified Luftwaffe units. He not only accompanied heavy bombers on long flights, but also actively entered into battle, and, if necessary, attacked and destroyed enemy aircraft.

Lockheed P-38 Lightning (USA)

The best fighter of the Second World War.

Boeing B-17 (USA)

The four-engine bomber was the most popular modification of the time. Despite the undeniable advantages, sanctions from the US Congress on the purchase of this model for arming the country were postponed until it became obvious reality the Second World War looming over the world.

Messerschmitt Bf 109 (Germany)

One of simple models Willy Messerschmitt, produced in large quantities.

Douglas SBD Dauntless (USA)

The deck-based dive bomber is a menace to Japanese cruisers.

Junkers Ju 87 Stuka (Germany)

A single-seat dive bomber popular during World War II.

Spitfire Supermarine Spitfire (GB)

British interceptor fighter used until the 50s.

Grumman F4F Wildcat (USA)

Single-seat fighter-bomber: participating in combat operations, it gradually became a leader and gained well-deserved fame.

Yakovlev Yak-9 (USSR)

A larger number of lightweight metal parts increased the speed and maneuverability of aircraft of this modification. Refers to fighter-bombers.

Chance Vought F4U Corsair (USA)

High speed and firepower explained the model's superiority in military operations with Japan. With its help, 2,140 enemy aircraft were shot down; the losses of aircraft of this model amounted to 189 units.

Messerschmitt Me 262 (Germany)

It was the first “swallow” of a group of jet fighters and the first model of aircraft of this class participating in military operations.

Martin B-10 (USA)

The mid-range bomber, with a high speed of 210 mph, flew at an altitude of 2400 feet - a breakthrough in the field of aviation.

Polikarpov I-16 (USSR)

An undeservedly forgotten aircraft in World War II history, the single-engine fighter had a wooden structure and plywood skin. Although it had some problems in flight, its high rate of climb and maneuverability made it possible to successfully introduce it into production.

MENSBY

4.1

The fastest fighters of the Second World War: Soviet Yaks and La; German Messerschmitt and Focke-Wulf; British Supermarine Spitfire; American Kittyhawks, Mustangs and Corsairs; Japanese Mitsubishi A6M Zero.

The summer breeze tickled the grass on the airfield. After 10 minutes, the plane climbed to an altitude of 6000 meters, where the temperature outside dropped below -20°, and atmospheric pressure became twice as low as at the Earth's surface. In such conditions, he had to fly hundreds of kilometers and then engage in battle with the enemy. Combat turn, barrel roll, then Immelman. Crazy shaking when firing from cannons and machine guns. Several overloads, combat damage from enemy fire...

Aviation piston engines from World War II continued to operate in any, sometimes the most brutal, conditions. To understand what we're talking about, turn a modern car upside down and see where the fluid flows from the expansion tank.

The question about the expansion tank was asked for a reason. Many of the aircraft engines simply did not have expansion tanks and were cooled by air, discharging excess heat from the cylinders directly into the atmosphere.

Alas, not everyone followed such a simple and obvious path: half of the WWII fighter fleet had liquid-cooled engines. With a complex and vulnerable “water jacket”, pumps and radiators. Where the slightest hole from a shrapnel could be fatal for the aircraft.

The emergence of liquid-cooled engines was an inevitable consequence of the pursuit of speed: a decrease in the cross-sectional area of ​​the fuselage and a decrease in strength drag. The sharp-nosed, fast-moving Messer and the slow-moving I-16 with a blunt, wide nose. Something like this.

No, not like that!

Firstly, the intensity of heat transfer depends on the temperature gradient (difference). The cylinders of the air-cooled motors heated up to 200° during operation, while the max. the temperature in the water cooling system was limited by the boiling point of ethylene glycol (~120°). As a result, there was a need for a bulky radiator, which increased drag, eliminating the apparent compactness of water-cooled motors.

Further - more! The evolution of aircraft engines led to the emergence of “double stars”: 18-cylinder air-cooled engines with hurricane power. Located one behind the other, both cylinder blocks received fairly good airflow, while at the same time such an engine was placed within the cross-section of the fuselage of a conventional fighter.

With water-cooled engines it was more difficult. Even taking into account the V-shaped arrangement, placing such a number of cylinders within the length of the engine compartment seemed very problematic.

Finally, the efficiency of the air-cooled motor has always been slightly higher, due to the absence of the need for power take-off to drive the cooling system pumps.

As a result, the fastest fighters of World War II often did not have the grace of a “sharp-nosed Messerschmitt.” However, the speed records they set are amazing even in the age of jet aviation.

Soviet Union

The winners flew fighters of two main families - Yakovlev and Lavochkin. “Yaks” were traditionally equipped with liquid-cooled engines. “La” - airy.

At first, the championship was with “Yak”. One of the smallest, lightest and most nimble fighters of World War II, the Yak turned out to be ideally suited to the conditions of the Eastern Front. Where the bulk of air battles took place at altitudes less than 3000 m, and the main combat quality of fighters was considered to be their maneuverability.

By the middle of the war, the design of the Yaks had been brought to perfection, and their speed was not inferior to American and British fighters - much larger and technically sophisticated machines with engines of fantastic power.

The record among Yaks with a serial engine belongs to the Yak-3. Various modifications of the Yak-3 reached speeds of 650...680 km/h at altitude. The indicators were achieved using the VK-105PF2 engine (V12, 33 l, take-off power 1290 hp).

The record was set by the Yak-3 with the experimental VK-108 engine. After the war, it reached a speed of 745 km/h.

Achtung! Achtung! In the air - La-5.

While the Yakovlev Design Bureau was trying to solve the capricious VK-107 engine (the previous VK-105 had exhausted its reserves for increasing power by the middle of the war), the La-5 star quickly rose on the horizon. New fighter from Lavochkin Design Bureau, equipped with an 18-cylinder air-cooled “double star”.

In comparison with the light, “budget” Yak, the mighty La-5 became the next stage in the careers of the famous Soviet aces. The most famous pilot of the La-5/La-7 was the most successful Soviet fighter, Ivan Kozhedub.

The pinnacle of the Lavochkin wartime evolution was the La-5FN (boosted!) and its even more formidable successor, the La-7, with ASh-82FN engines. The working volume of these monsters is 41 liters! Takeoff power 1850 hp.

It is not surprising that the “blunt-nosed” Lavochkins were in no way inferior to the Yaks in their speed characteristics, surpassing the latter in take-off weight, and, as a result, in firepower and the totality of combat characteristics.

The speed record for fighters of its family was set by the La-7 - 655 km/h at an altitude of 6000 m.

It is curious that the experimental Yak-3U, equipped with an ASh-82FN engine, developed greater speed than its “sharp-nosed” brothers with liquid-cooled engines. Total - 682 km/h at an altitude of 6000 m.

Germany

Like the Red Army Air Force, the Luftwaffe had two main types of fighter: the Messerschmitt with a liquid-cooled engine and the Focke-Wulf with air cooled.

Among Soviet pilots, the Messerschmitt Bf.109, conceptually close to the light, maneuverable Yak, was considered the most dangerous enemy. Alas, despite all the Aryan genius and new modifications of the Daimler-Benz engine, by the middle of the war the Bf.109 was completely outdated and required immediate replacement. Which had nowhere to come from. This is how the war ended.

In the Western theater of operations, where air battles were fought primarily at high altitudes, heavier fighters with a powerful air-cooled engine became famous. It was much more convenient and safer to attack strategic bomber formations in heavily armed armored Focke-Wulfs. They pierced the ranks of the “Flying Fortresses” like a knife through butter, destroying everything in their path (FW.190A-8/R8 “Sturmbok”). Unlike the light Messerschmitts, whose engines died with one hit from a 50-caliber bullet.

Most of the Messerschmitts were equipped with 12-cylinder Daimler Benz engines of the DB600 line, the latest modifications of which developed take-off power of over 1,500 hp. Maximum speed the fastest production modifications reached 640 km/h.

If everything is clear with the Messerschmitts, then the following story happened with the Focke-Wulf. The new radial-engined fighter performed well in the first half of the war, but by the beginning of 1944 the unexpected happened. The German superindustry has not mastered the creation of new air-cooled radial engines, while the 14-cylinder BMW 801 has reached the “ceiling” in its development. Aryan uber-designers quickly found a way out: initially designed for a radial engine, the Focku-Wolf fighter ended the war with V-shaped liquid-cooled engines under the hood (the above-mentioned Daimler-Benz and the amazing Jumo-213).

Equipped with Jumo-213, the Focke-Wulfs of modification D reached great heights, in every sense of the word. But the success of the “long-nosed” FW.190 was not at all associated with the radical advantages of the liquid cooling system, but with the banal perfection of the new generation engines, compared to the outdated BMW 801.

1750...1800 hp on takeoff. Over two thousand “horses” when the Methanol-Wasser 50 mixture is injected into the cylinders!

Max. speed at high altitudes for Focke-Wulfs with an air-cooled engine ranged from 650 km/h. The last of the FW.190s with the Jumo 213 engine could briefly reach speeds of 700 km/h or more at high altitudes. Further development“Focke-Wulf”, Tank-152 with the same Jumo 213 turned out to be even faster, reaching 759 km/h at the edge of the stratosphere (for a short time, using nitrous oxide). However, this outstanding fighter appeared in last days war and his comparison with honored veterans is simply incorrect.

United Kingdom

The Royal Air Force flew exclusively with liquid-cooled engines. This conservatism is explained not so much by loyalty to tradition, but by the creation of an extremely successful Roll-Royce Merlin engine.

If you put one Merlin, you get a Spitfire. Two - light bomber "Mosquito". Four “Merlins” - strategic “Lancaster”. A similar technique could be used to obtain a Hurricane fighter or a Barracuda carrier-based torpedo bomber - in total more than 40 models of combat aircraft for various purposes.

No matter what anyone says about the inadmissibility of such unification and the need to create highly specialized equipment tailored for specific tasks, such standardization only benefited the Royal Air Force.

Each of the listed aircraft could be considered the standard of its class. One of the most powerful and elegant fighters of World War II, the Supermarine Spitfire was in no way inferior to its peers, and its flight characteristics each time turned out to be higher than those of its analogues.

The highest performance was achieved by the extreme modifications of the Spitfire, equipped with an even more powerful Rolls-Royce Griffin engine (V12, 37 liters, liquid cooling). Unlike the German “wunderwaffe”, British turbocharged engines had excellent high-altitude characteristics and could produce power in excess of 2000 hp for a long time. (“Griffin” produced 2200 hp on high-quality gasoline with an octane rating of 150). According to official data, the Spitfire subseries XIV reached a speed of 722 km/h at an altitude of 7 kilometers.

In addition to the legendary Merlin and the lesser-known Griffin, the British had another 24-cylinder super engine, the Napier Saber. The Hawker Tempest fighter equipped with it was also considered one of the fastest fighters of British aviation at the final stage of the war. The record he set at high altitude was 695 km/h.

"Captains of the Sky" enjoyed the widest spectrum fighter aircraft: “Kittyhawks”, “Mustangs”, “Corsairs”... But in the end, the entire diversity of American aircraft came down to three main engines: the Packard V-1650 and the Allison V-1710, water-cooled and monstrous “double star” Pratt & Whitney R-2800 with air-cooled cylinders.

The index 2800 was assigned to her for a reason. The working volume of the “double star” was 2800 cubic meters. inches or 46 liters! As a result, its power exceeded 2000 hp, and for many modifications it reached 2400...2500 hp.

The R-2800 Double Wasp became the fiery heart of the Hellcat and Corsair carrier-based fighters, the Thunderbolt fighter-bomber, the Black Widow night fighter, the Savage carrier-based bomber, the A-26 Invader land bombers and B-26 “Marauder” - a total of about 40 types of combat and transport aircraft!

The second Allison V-1710 engine did not gain such great popularity, however, it was used in the design of the mighty P-38 Lightning fighters, also in the family of the famous Cobras (the main Lend-Lease fighter). The P-63 Kingcobra equipped with this engine reached a speed of 660 km/h at altitude.

Much more interest is associated with the third Packard V-1650 engine, which, upon closer examination, turns out to be a licensed copy... of the British Rolls-Royce Merlin! The enterprising Yankees only equipped it with a two-stage turbocharger, which made it possible to develop a power of 1290 hp. at an altitude of 9 kilometers. For such heights, this was considered an incredibly large result.

It was with this outstanding engine that the fame of the Mustang fighters was associated. The fastest American fighter of World War II reached a speed of 703 km/h at altitude.

The concept of a light fighter was alien to the Americans at the genetic level. But the creation of large, well-equipped aircraft was hampered by the basic equation of aviation existence. The most important rule, according to which it is impossible to change the mass of one element without affecting the remaining elements of the structure (provided that the initially specified performance characteristics are maintained). Installing a new gun/fuel tank will inevitably entail an increase in the wing surface area, which, in turn, will cause a further increase in the mass of the structure. The “weight spiral” will wind until all elements of the aircraft increase in mass, and their ratio becomes equal to the original (before installation additional equipment). In this case, the flight characteristics will remain at the same level, but everything will depend on the power of the power plant...

Hence the Yankees' fierce desire to create super-powerful engines.

The Republic P-47 Thunderbolt fighter-bomber (long-range escort fighter) had a take-off weight twice that of the Soviet Yak, and its combat load exceeded that of two Il-2 attack aircraft. In terms of cockpit equipment, the Thunderbolt could give odds to any fighter of its time: autopilot, multi-channel radio station, oxygen system, urinal... 3,400 rounds were enough for a 40-second burst of six 50-caliber Brownings. With all this, the clumsy-looking Thunderbolt was one of the fastest fighters of World War II. His achievement is 697 km/h!

The appearance of “Thunderbolt” was not so much the merit of aircraft designer Alexander Kartvelishvili, but of the super-powerful double star “Double Wasp”. In addition, the production culture played a role - due to the competent design and high quality assembly, the drag coefficient (Cx) of the thick-faced Thunderbolt was less than that of the sharp-nosed German Messerschmitt!

Japan

Samurai won the war exclusively using air-cooled engines. This has nothing to do with the requirements of the Bushido code, but is just an indicator of the backwardness of the Japanese military-industrial complex. The Japanese entered the war on a very successful Mitsubishi A6M Zero fighter with a 14-cylinder Nakajima Sakae engine (1130 hp at altitude). With the same fighter and engine, Japan ended the war, hopelessly losing air supremacy by the beginning of 1943.

It is curious that thanks to the air-cooled engine, the Japanese “Zero” did not have as low survivability as is commonly believed. Unlike the German Messerschmitt, the Japanese fighter could not be disabled by one stray bullet hitting the engine.

History... Everything flows, everything changes. Only memory remains.

The Second died down in volleys World War, and we, remembering battles in which we did not participate, argue on topics best weapons, the best warriors.

Let's talk today about the planes that cleared our skies during the Great Duel. Fighters are the great cleansers of the skies. Who can you call best warrior heaven?

The beginning of the war found almost all Soviet fighter aircraft at airfields. Almost 900 aircraft were burned by the Germans on the ground in the first hours of the war. I-16s were burning, “rats”, as the Germans dubbed them at the beginning of the war in Spain, apparently because there is a “donkey”, like a rat, if it grabs onto it, it will not let go, from its strong teeth. Chadili I-15, “snub-nosed”, as the Spanish Republicans called them.

The flames cheerfully devoured the planes of the Mig-3 and Yak-1, which did not have time to rise into the sky. What they managed to save was burning in the sky, crossed out by smoky plumes, going towards the ram, directed by heroes who did not know how to lead dogfight, who wasted their meager ammunition.

But the reserves of the great country were truly inexhaustible. WITH eastern borders, air regiments armed with new LaGG-3s were quickly transferred. But this did not save the Soviet Union from the overwhelming air superiority of the Luftwaffe.

Yak-1

Fighter designed by Yakovlev. Lightweight, maneuverable, easy to control, but poorly armed. One 20 mm cannon and one 12.7 mm machine gun.

MiG-3

Fighter designed by Mikoyan and Gurevich. A very ugly story happened with its predecessor, the MiG-1, or I-200, as the King of Fighters Polikarpov conceived it. The designers simply took credit for the development of the I-200 while Polikarpov was in Germany on an excursion trip to German aircraft factories.

But Polikarpov designed the I-200 for the AM-38 engine, and Mikoyan and his friend Gurevich installed the weaker AM-35 engine on the car. Trouble happened to the MiG-3. His heart was so unreliable that it could fail at any moment, and it did. Not only Luftwaffe aces pilots died, but Stalin’s falcons often died “from their horses”

At the end of 1941, Stalin ordered the MiG-3 to be taken out of production, although a Moscow air defense regiment was formed from the remnants of the MiG-3. The pilots in the regiment were test pilots. They

The restive MiG was somewhat rehabilitated. For the sake of objectivity, I note that the Germans did not allow the MiG-3 to show itself with the best side. MiG-3 is a high-altitude aircraft. All of him best qualities appeared at altitudes above 4500 meters. Having learned this, Goering's aces, when meeting with MiGs, simply escaped from attack, to heights where the MiG lost all its advantages.

LaGG-3 - “Lacquered Guaranteed Coffin”

This name was given by Soviet pilots who flew this plane. Weak engine, heavy structure, weak weapons. Bad behavior in management. Weak landing gear sometimes simply broke under the plane standing on the ground. Often this stubborn little humpbacked horse, just on a turn, fell into a tailspin, from which he emerged with great reluctance.

This was the USSR fighter fleet. I won’t say anything about I-16, I-15 at all. Moral and physical elders. All aerial victories in the second half of 1941 and the first half of 1942 are the merit of Soviet pilots who fought for their Motherland during this period. Many did not return to their airfields.

In mid-1942, the troops received new fighters, the Yak-7, a training aircraft, and a repurposed air desk. Yak-1B, improved Yak-1, and Yak-9.

Yak-9

This was already a car. The guns on it were different. 20 mm, 37 mm and 45 mm. The flight range in other modifications reached 1,400 km. He could easily escort the bombers to the target and kick the tails of the Messers who dared to approach. The Yak-9's ability to modernize has truly become its main trump card.

Yak-9 K - aircraft with anti-tank gun on board is a 45-mm NS-45 cannon. Because of the gun so large caliber, in combat the plane could turn around, so it was recommended to fire in short bursts. But if several shells hit the target, the enemy was doomed.

The most successful modification of the Yak-9 was the Yak-9U. Both the engine and the weapon were, as they say, “what the doctor ordered.” But he appeared in the army only in the fall of 1944.

P-39 Airacobra fighter

Since May 1942, a new fighter, the P-39 Airacobra, has appeared at the front. A large series of fighters, almost 5,000 units, delivered under Lend-Lease from the USA to the USSR, including 212 aircraft re-exported from England.. The first battle of the Cobras took place on May 16, 1942 in the Arctic. Then the Cobras fought in the Kuban and on the southern wing of the Soviet-German front. A.I. Pokryshkin made most of his fires from German planes on “my Kobryak,” as he called it. But was the Cobra the best fighter of the war? Let's see - we'll see.

Cobra was created by Bell. In 1940, the Cobra was ordered for the Royal Air Force. But in England, only one combat sortie was made to attack on October 9, 1941, after which the Cobras did not fly in England, and the contract with the Bell company was terminated. It also did not take root in the US Air Force.

So, our American friends gave us for a little gold, according to the principle: “It’s on you, God, that it’s not good for me.”

The main drawback of the “cobra” was its selfless love for the corkscrew. And she loved the flat corkscrew so much that she didn’t want to get out of it. Main reason The accident rate of “Cobras” in the Red Army Air Force was this very tailspin. And yet, the Cobra did not like it when the pilot left it with a parachute. Often, when jumping from a car, the pilot was hit by the stabilizer and was either injured or killed. This is how Hero of the Soviet Union N.M. Iskrin (May 1943) and Boris Glinka (July 1944) received leg injuries.

When overloaded, the tail itself also became deformed.

So: a short conclusion - American fighters of the Second World War are just rubbish. And if it weren’t for the catastrophic shortage of combat vehicles at the front, Pokryshkin, Glinka, Lavrinenkov, Skomorokhov, and many of our other aces simply would not have flown them. And the history of the “Cobras” would have ended on October 9, 1941. The Germans did not warn about the appearance of “cobras” in the air, they shouted: “Attention! Pokryshkin is in the air!!!”

About the “Kittyhawk” P-40, which is still praised by the Americans, I generally only remember that it was on it that the first Twice Hero in the Second World War, Boris Safonov, died on it, due to an engine stop, on May 30, 1942, while covering the PQ-16 convoy. The engine stopped and the pilot, who had the opportunity to become another thrice hero, crashed into the water.

P-51 "Mustang" - its engine was unprotected and any hit to it led to an immediate stop.

At the beginning of 1942, S. A. Lavochkin was faced with the threat that his country would no longer need him. His LAGG-3 is not just an unsuccessful machine, pilots are afraid to fly it. This is due to the overweight design and weak heart cars. Lavochkin finds a brilliant way out.

Back in 1936, Arkady Shvetsov developed his M-62 engine for the Su-2 aircraft. Already in 1941, due to a number of modifications, Shvetsov created the M-82, later the ASh-82. The engines of this model were intended only for the Su-2, but when the Su-2 was discontinued in early 1942, large number engines remained in warehouses.

And so Lavochkin, having simply redesigned the engine compartment of the LaGG-3 and somewhat lightened the design, received a completely new fighter. This work has already been carried out secretly. By the highest decision, the last plant, which Lavochkin supervised, is transferred to Yakovlev.

Mikhail Rodionov, first secretary of the Gorky Regional Party Committee, head of the state commission, learns about the new aircraft. But, the commission was assembled to test the Yak-3. Test pilot Ivan Fedorov squeezed everything out of the “yak”, to the last. And an inexperienced pilot was put on the La-5. The “Yak” seemed better to the commission and the decision was made in favor of the Yak-3. Fedorov decided to try out the La-5. Having scrolled through the entire cascade of figures on it, right after the flight, he saved the car with a personal call to Stalin.

So, in the fall of 1942, a stream of La-5s poured to the front. The Germans, having met him, dubbed him the “new rat” for his resemblance to the I-16. They still remembered how the I-16s burned at the beginning of 1941, Goering's Aces relaxed, and the obedient, easy-to-control La-5 turned out to be a dangerous enemy. Not only did the LaGG-3 have a strong structure and did not fall apart after dozens of direct hits, but it also had high maneuverability and speed. The turn time was 16.5-19 seconds, the speed exceeded 600. And the Russian rat turned out to be toothy - two 20-mm ShVAK cannons.

Hero of the Soviet Union S. Gorelov once, after hard battle returned to the airfield. After landing, the technicians examined the car and issued a verdict: “It is beyond repair.”

Also, the main advantage of the La-5 during aerobatics was that, as a disciplined soldier, it did not perform the “corkscrew” aerobatics maneuver without a direct order from the pilot. And if he was in a tailspin, he got out of it on the first command. Now, with the help of a “corkscrew”, it was possible to escape from under fire.

The shock of the Luftwaffe after meeting the “new rats” was so strong that Goering’s secret directive prohibited attacking the La-5 without numerical superiority.

Since then, incomprehensible words began to litter the airwaves: “Akhtung! Achtung! In luft la funf!!!”

(Attention! Attention! There is la-five in the air!!!").

And so, against the backdrop of all this, since 1943, air supremacy was wrested from the Luftwaffe by two main types of aircraft, the Yaks and the Lavochkins.

All subsequent modifications of the La-5 are minor design alterations and the installation of new engines. ASh-82F and ASh-82FN. Accordingly: La-5F and La-5FN.

The German response to the appearance of the La-5 was the massive transfer of FV-190s from the western front. A vehicle weighing 6 tons, with powerful cannon and machine gun weapons. But they too lost to the La-5 in a maneuverable high-speed battle.

When our troops began to advance westward, aviation sometimes lagged behind leading edge for many kilometers and the small fuel supply reduced the time it took to cover troops. Stalin called Lavochkin and ordered to increase the fuel supply on the La-5.

Lavochkin begged the Supreme for some time. He replaced the wooden structural elements with aluminum ones, which significantly lightened the car. By reducing the weight of the structure, the weight of the fuel increased without affecting the flight performance. Aerodynamicists once again licked the design. The plane acquired slightly modified rapid forms. And it turned out to be La-7. Fast, maneuverable and with a large range. The speed and maneuverability of the La-7 allowed it to beat Fokkers and Messers, regardless of the weather and political situation.

Some later modifications carried 3 ShVAK cannons.