Tupolev Tu-2, War Eagles Air Museum

Russian Tupolev Tu-2

Production began on the Tu-2 multi-role bomber in 1942, and it was produced in quantity until 1948. In all, 2,527 aircraft were produced, including several variants; 1,111 of these were built during World War II.

According to the museum sign, this “Tu-2 was stored in a cave in China that was, and is, used as an airplane hangar. The airplane was dismantled, crated and shipped to Santa Teresa via the port of Houston. It was re-assembled at Santa Teresa. Records indicate the Museum Tu-2 last flew in 1981 to bomb and break up ice jams in the rivers in northwestern China". Photo credit: David and Paula Barnett.

This aircraft is on display at the War Eagles Air museum in Santa Teresa, New Mexico. Photo of cockpit below is from museum sign.

Tupolev statistics

Role: Multi-role bomber
Max. Level Speed: 342 MPH
Max. Range: 1,553 miles
Engines: Two 1850 HP Ash-82 FNV Radial
Armament: Two 20mm or  23mm canons,
three rearward firing 12.7 mm Beresin machine-guns and 5,000 lb. bombs
Manufacturer: Russian State Industry
Years Built: 1942-1948
Number Built (Including Variants): 2,527
Number Built during WWII: 1,111
Crew: 3 or 4