Pe-2

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[80 years ago today] "• The Petlyakov Pe-2 light bomber/dive bomber enters front line service with the Soviet Air Forces.

 

Influenced by the French Potez-630 series, Vladimir Petlyakov designed the Pe-2 while in a labor camp. Stalin is so impressed with the aircraft that he frees him. Although initial losses will be high until pilots become experienced with the aircraft, the Pe-2 will prove itself highly capable, able to elude Luftwaffe interceptors and deliver bombs and rockets with great accuracy. More than eleven thousand will be built, including a nightfighter version."