103, FB, ANT-58 by A.N.Tupolev/ STO-3/OTB


T
echnical requirements on this new generation front line bomber (so designation FB, Frontovoj Bombardirovschik) became clear in 1940:
  • twin-engined aircraft;
  • speed close to fighter's;
  • all-weather operation;
  • internal bomb bay allowing to carry heavy bombs;
  • dive bombing capability;
  • long operation range;
  • appropriate defensive armament;
    • Officially project started on March 1, 1940. Most of the design team (including also R.L.Bartini and S.P.Korolev) was imprisoned as the 'Enemies of the People', and the first aircraft was built on January 8, 1941. Planned M-120 engines were not ready and aircraft was redesigned for available AM-37 powerplants with 3-blade VISh-61T propeller.
    Crew included 3 members: pilot in front cockpit, navigator and gunner - in rear behind the wing.
    Maiden flight (January 29, 1941) was performed by test-pilot M.A.Nukhtikov and engineer V.A.Miruts. Trials continued until July 1941 (State Trials). ANT-58 was clearly superior over series built Pe-2 in speed, bomb load and armament. Handling also was excellent.
    '103' was slightly smaller than following prototypes and series aircraft.
    PredecessorsModifications
    None
    '103U' '59' ANT-59
    '63' ANT-63 SDB
    ReferencesLinks
  • "History of aircraft construction in the USSR" by V.B.Shavrov, Vol.2 p.166-168;
    		•
  • ANT-58, Tupolev
    		• Technical data
    Type 103 ANT-58 FB
    Function Bomber
    Year 1941
    Crew 3
    Engines 2*1400hp AM-37
    Length 13.2m
    Wingspan 18.8m
    Wing area 48.52m2
    Empty weight 7626kg
    Loaded weight (no bombs) 9950kg
    Loaded weight 10992kg
    Wing load 226kg/m2
    247kg/m2
    Power load 3.6kg/hp
    3.9kg/hp
    Speed at 0m 482km/h
    Speed at 8000m 635km/h
    Landing Speed 155km/h
    Landing Roll 730m
    Takeoff Roll 440m
    Turn time ?sec
    Range 2500km
    Ceiling 10600m
    Climb
    5000m 8.6min
    Armament
    Guns 2 defensive 7.62mm ShKAS
    2-4 7.62mm ShKAS in the nose
    2*20mm ShVAK in the wing roots
    Bombs 1000kg inside
    1000kg externally (overload)
    Created on August 12, 1998
    by Alexandre Savine    		 Back to
    Main Gate