TK-1, TK-4 by V.F.Bolkhovitinov

I
n the 1930-1940 several design teams came up with idea of a new class of aircraft - "Tjazholij Krejser" (Heavy Cruiser). This had to be a modification of production bomber with enormous defensive firepower. It supposed to fly in formation with (similar in design) bombers and repel attacking fighters.
V.F.Bolkhovitinov developed two modifications of the DB-2A to comply with this idea, but none was built.
And for good - later in WWII some USAF B-17's were tried same way - with increased firepower and ammo. Experience was negative, because Luftwaffe pilots easily 'calculated' such a "Heavy Cruisers" and brought them down first, leaving the rest of bombers (with armament decreased in favor of bomb load) unprotected. Only conventional fast long range escort fighters could provide bombers with reasonable protection.
References:
  • "History of aircraft construction in the USSR" by V.B.Shavrov, Vol.2 p.27
    		• Technical data
    Type TK-1, TK-4
    Function Heavy Cruiser
    Year (1939)
    Crew 11
    Engines 4*12000hp M-34FRN
    Weight Loaded 16880-23900kg
    Armament
    Guns 3g*20mm ShVAK 1000rpg
    5mg*7.62mm ShKAS 2200rpg
    Bombs up to 5000kg
    Rockets8*RS
    Modified April 14, 1997
    by Alexandre Savine;    		 Back to
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