DB-A modifications, 88k b/w drawing from the
"History of aircraft construction in the USSR" by
V.B.Shavrov, Vol.2 p.25. There is also a 'photo' with
excessive amount of INK on it.
In years 1933-
1934 the idea was 'in the air' to bring the aging
TB-3 in line with new requirements. Administration of (WHICH?) aircraft factory
invited a group of designers (teachers and engineers from the VVA).
V.F.Bolkhovitinov was a head of this group.
A.N.Tupolev, chief designer of the
TB-3, refused to participate because he was busy with more advanced project
ANT-42.
The DB-A was of the same weight/size class as a
TB-3, but had mid-wing, smooth skin, all cockpits and gunner positions were
enclosed. Bombs (all) were placed inside fuselage, bomb bay size was 6x2m2. Main landing gear was
retractable (into huge 'pants'). Aircraft was equipped with landing airbrakes.
First flown in May 1935, State Acceptance tests took place in May-June same
year. Speed was 45-50km/h higher than for the TB-3, performance was good.
Several records were set with this aircraft:
November 10, 1936 - 10tons payload at 7032m;
November 20, 1936 - 13tons payload at 4535m (both - pilots
M.A.Nukhtikov and M.A.Lipkin);
May 14, 1937 - 5tons payload, 2002.6km in
7h2min11.7sec (two records : 280km/h on 1000km and 246km/h on 2000km)
by N.G.Bajdukov, G.F.Kastanaev and L.L.Kerber.
Those records 'provoked' attempt to perform trans-arctic flight of the same record setting aircraft (H-209) from Moscow to
the USA. Some modifications were made, but preparations were carried in a hurry. On August 12,
1937 aircraft took off the ground. Flight conditions were far from favorable,
but flight continued. August 13, 13:40 aircraft passed the North Pole. At 14:32 radio from the H-209 reported that one engine
stopped. Aircraft was not found, despite search efforts during one year (repeated several times in more recent time with more
advanced search technic).
Despite of this lose, series of 16 was started. 12 built until 1940, when
production was phased out in favor of TB-7. Problems (mostly administrative)
with the TB-7 few times resulted in discussions about restarting DB-A production.
Modifications :
TK-1, TK-4 heavy escort aircraft;
References:
"History of aircraft construction in the USSR" by
V.B.Shavrov, Vol.2 p.24-27
More Links...
DB-A, Bolkhovitinov
DB-A at the
Virtual Aircraft Museum
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