Aviation of the Second World War. Military aviation of the USSR

You can tell a lot about the Second World War. There are just a lot of facts. In this review, attention should be paid to a topic such as the Second World War aircraft. Let's talk about the most famous aircraft that were used in combat operations.

The basic unit of the Soviet park

I-16 - "donkey", "donkey". Fighter-monoplane of Soviet manufacture. It first appeared in the 30's. This happened in Polikarpov Design Bureau. Valery Chkalov became the first who climbed the fighter into the air. It happened in late December 1933. The plane took part in the civil war, which in 1936 broke out in Spain, in a conflict with Japan on the Khalkhin-Gol River, in the Soviet-Finnish battle. By the beginning of the Great Patriotic Fighter was the main unit of the corresponding park of the USSR. Most of the pilots began their career with the I-16 service.

Inventions of Alexander Yakovlev

Aviation of the Second World War included in its number and aircraft Yak-3. It should be understood as a single-engine fighter, the development of which was conducted under the leadership of Alexander Yakovlev. The aircraft became an excellent continuation of the Yak-1 model. Production of the aircraft took place from 1994 to 1945. During this time, it was possible to design about 5 thousand fighters. The aircraft was recognized as the best fighter of the Second World War, intended for low altitudes. This model was in service with France.

Aviation of the USSR has acquired a lot since the invention of the Yak-7 (UTI-26). This single-engine aircraft, designed by Alexander Yakovlev. Used from the position of a training aircraft. Production began in 1942. In the air, about 6,000 of these models have risen.

A more perfect model

The USSR aircraft had such a fighter as the K-9. This is the most massive model, the production of which lasted about 6 years, beginning in 1942. During this time, about 17 thousand aircraft were constructed. Despite the fact that the model had few differences from the FK-7 aircraft, for all the factors it became a more perfect continuation of the series.

Aircraft manufactured under the leadership of Petlyakov

Discussing such a subject as the aircraft of the Second World War, it is worth noting the aircraft called Pawn (Pe-2). This is a dive bomber, which is the most massive in its class. This model was actively used on the battlefields.

Soviet aviation World War II included in its composition and an aircraft such as PE-3. This model should be understood as a twin-engine fighter. Its main feature was the all-metal construction. Development was conducted in OKB-29. As a basis, the PE-2 dive bomber was taken. V. Petlyakov supervised the production process. The first aircraft was designed in 1941. From the bomber it was distinguished by the absence of a lower hatch for the rifle installation. There were no brake grills.

A fighter that could fly at high altitudes

Military aircraft of the USSR during the Second World War was supplemented by a high-altitude fighter such as MIG-3. This aircraft was used in a wide variety of variants. Among the main differences can be identified that he could climb to a height of up to 12 thousand meters. The speed thus reached a sufficiently high level. With the help of this fighter pilots successfully fought with enemy aircraft.

The fighters, led by Lavochkin

Speaking on such a subject as the aircraft of the Second World War, it is necessary to note a model called LaGG-3. This fighter-monoplane, which was in service with the Air Force of the Red Army. It was used from the position of a fighter, interceptor, bomber, scout. The production lasted from 1941 to 1944. Designers are Lavochkin, Gorbunov, Gudkov. Among the positive qualities should be highlighted the presence of powerful weapons, high survivability, the minimum use of rare materials. As the main source of resources for the creation of the fighter used pine and plywood.

Military aviation had in its presence a model of La-5, the design of which was under the guidance of Lavochkin. This is a fighter-monoplane. The main characteristics are the presence of only one place, a closed cabin, a wooden frame and exactly the same wing spars. Production of this aircraft began in 1942. At the very beginning, only automatic 20 mm cannons were used as armaments in the amount of two pieces. Designers placed them in front of the engine. The instrumentation did not differ in variety. There was not even a single gyro instrument. And if you compare such an aircraft with those flying means that were used by Germany, America or England, it may seem that he lags far behind them technically. However, the flight characteristics were at a high level. In addition, a simple design, no need for labor-intensive maintenance, undemanding to the conditions of the take-off fields made the model simply ideal for that period. For one year was developed the order of one thousand fighters.

The history of aviation in the USSR keeps a reference to a model like La-7. It is a single-seat fighter-monoplane, designed by Lavochkin. The first such aircraft was released in 1944. He rose in the air in February. In May, it was decided to start its mass production. Almost all the pilots who became Heroes of the Soviet Union flew to La-7.

Model produced under the leadership of Polikarpov

Military aviation of the USSR included model U-2 (PO-2). This is a multi-purpose biplane, the production of which was led by Polikarpov in 1928. The main goal, to achieve which was the production of the aircraft, was the training of pilots. He was characterized by the presence of good flying qualities. When the Great Patriotic War began, standard models were decided to be converted into light, night bombers. At the same time, the load reached 350 kg. The aircraft was produced serially up to 1953. For all time it was possible to produce about 33 thousand models.

High-speed fighter

The military aviation of the Second World War included such a machine as the Tu-2. This model is also known under the names of ANT-58 and 103 Tu-2. This twin-engine bomber, which could develop a high speed flight. During its production, about 2257 models were designed. The bomber was in service until 1950.

Flying Tank

No less popular is a plane like the IL-2. Sturmovik also wore the nickname "hunchbacked." This was facilitated by the shape of the fuselage. The designers called this machine a flying tank. German pilots of a similar model were called a concrete aircraft and a cemented bomber in connection with its special strength. Ilyushin was engaged in the production of the attack aircraft.

What can you say about the German aviation?

German aviation of the Second World War included such a model as "Messerschmitt Bf.109". This is a piston fighter-low-wing. It was used as an interceptor, fighter, bomber and scout. This is the most massive aircraft in the history of World War II (33,984 models). Almost all German pilots started flying on this plane.

"Messershmitt Bf.110" - a heavy fighter of a strategic nature. Due to the fact that it could not be used for its intended purpose, the model was re-qualified as a bomber. The aircraft has found wide application in different countries. He took part in hostilities in various parts of the world. Luck such an airplane was accompanied by the suddenness of its appearance. However, if a maneuvering battle flared up, then this model lost almost always. In connection with this, such a plane was withdrawn from the front already in 1943.

"Messershmit Me.163" (Comet) - a missile fighter-interceptor. For the first time, he ascended to the air in 1941 at the very beginning of September. Did not differ in the mass production. By 1944, only 44 models had been produced. The first combat mission took place only in 1944. All in all, with their help, only 9 aircraft were shot down with a loss of 11.

"Messershmitt Me.210" - a heavy fighter, which acted as a replacement for the model Bf.110. His first flight took place in 1939. In its design, the model had several defects, in connection with which its combat value was severely damaged. All in the light came out about 90 models. 320 aircraft have not been completed.

"Messershmit Me.262" - jet fighter, which also acted as a bomber and scout. The world's first jet aircraft, which took part in the fighting. Also it can be considered the world's first jet fighter. As the main weapon were 30 mm air guns, which were installed near the bow. In this regard, heap and dense fire was provided.

Aircraft of British manufacture

"Hawker Hurricane" - a single fighter of British production, released in 1939. For all the time of production in the light came about 14 thousand models. In connection with a variety of modifications, the car was used as an interceptor, a bomber and a stormtrooper. There were also such modifications, which meant the take-off of the aircraft from aircraft carriers. Among the German aces, this aircraft was called a "bucket with nuts." This is due to the fact that it was quite heavy in control and slowly gaining altitude.

"Supermarine Spitfire" is a British-made fighter that has one engine and an all-metal monoplane with a wing that is low enough. The chassis of this model could be removed. Various modifications allowed to use the model as a fighter, interceptor, bomber and scout. About 20 thousand cars were produced. Some of them were used until the 1950s. They were mainly used only at the very beginning of the war.

"Hawker Typhoon" - a single bomber, the production of which was conducted until 1945. He was in service until 1947. The development was conducted in order to use it from the position of the interceptor. It is one of the most successful fighters. However, there were some problems, from which it is possible to single out a low rate of climb. The first flight took place in 1940.

Aviation of Japan

The Japanese aircraft of the Second World War basically copied the models of those planes that were used in Germany. A large number of fighters were produced to support ground troops in combat operations. It also implied local dominance in the air. Quite often, World War II aircraft were used to raid China. It is worth noting that in the Japanese aviation there were no strategic bombers. Among the main fighters are: Nakajima Ki-27, Nakajima Ki-43 Hayabusa, Nakajima Ki-44 Shoki, Kawasaki Ki-45 Toryu, Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien. The Japanese Air Force also used transport, training, reconnaissance aircraft. In aviation there was a place for special purpose models.

American fighters

What else can you say on such a subject as the Second World War aircraft? The US also did not stand aside. For quite understandable reasons, the Americans reasonably approached the development of the fleet and aviation. Most likely, it was such a thoroughness that played a role in the fact that American-made aircraft were among the most powerful not only in numbers but also in capabilities. By the beginning of military operations in the US armament were such models as Curtiss P-40. However, after a while this machine was replaced with the P-51 Mustang, P-47 Thunderbolt, P-38 Lightning. As strategic bombers aircraft of such models as B-17 FlyingFortress and B-24 Liberator were used. In order to be able to conduct strategic bombing in Japan, in America they designed the B-29 Superfortress aircraft.

Conclusion

Aviation in World War II played an important role. Without aircraft, almost no battle has been fought. However, there is nothing strange in the fact that the states were measured by forces not only on the ground, but also in the air. Accordingly, the preparation of pilots, and the creation of new aircraft, each country is suitable with a large share of responsibility. In this review, we tried to consider those flying devices that were used (successfully and not very much) in combat operations.