The Tupolev Tu-2 (Development names ANT-58 and 103, NATO reporting name Bat) was a twin-engine Soviet light bomber aircraft of WW2 vintage.

Modifications of this bomber took ANT-58 through ANT-69 designation slots. Aircraft remained in service until 1950. Some Chinese Tu-2s were encountered by British and American airman during the Korean war.

Designed as "Project 103". Built from 1942 to 1948. The Tu-2 was the USSR's second important twin-engined bomber, the design brought Tupolev back into favour after a period of detention. The AM-37 engine was abandoned to concentrate efforts on the AM-38F for Il-2. So Tupolev had to redesign aircraft for an available engine. 2527 Tu-2s were built.

Variants

• "103" - Two 1400 hp Mikulin AM-37 (water cooling). 1941.
• Tu-2 - Two 1450hp Shvetsov ASh-82 (air cooling) with bigger drag. 1942.
• Tu-2S/ANT-61 - Two 1850hp Shvetsov ASh-82FN. 1943.
• Tu-2D - Two 1850hp Shvetsov ASh-82FN?. 1943?

Developments:

• ANT-63/Tu-1 - radar equipped all-weather fighter development of Tu-2S. Obsoleted design even apon release; 1947.
• Tu-6 - high altitude recon.
• Tu-12/Tu-77 - twin-engined jet bomber, using the wing and the tail of Tu-2

External links:

http://www.aviation.ru/Tu/#2