I n 1925,
N.N.Polikarpov elaborated a design for a new reconnaissance aircraft R-5
that could be used as a bomber, a fighter and escort fighter as well. Experience gained during
U-2, I-3 and
P-2 allowed to create robust design without overweight. Uncommonly, production
aircraft had same unloaded weight as the very first prototype.
The prototype with the German BMW VI engine (500/680hp) took off in
1928 (1929?).
(Later on, these planes were equipped with series motors, type M-17B.)
It was armed with a 7.62 machine gun PV-1 on fuselage to fire ahead and with a mobile
DA-1 and/or a paired DA-2
in the observer's field of vision. It could carry bombs up tp 500kg under its wings.
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The flight tests were successful; the series production was running in 1931-37. In the front-line service until
1944 as a
night bomber. The planes were widespread and very popular for their flying properties. Besides the basic (reconnaissance) version
there were made numerous modifications (see separate page), some went into production,
some were purely experimental.
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About this picture - check here;
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During the Great Patriotic War, the R-5's still played big role in front-line air force and in non-combat forces as
well. They were fighting as night bombers till 1944. After the World War II
they were used in civil services for a long time.
There was produced a total of 5000 (7000 ?) of R-5's.
More Links...
R-5 at
Virtual Aircraft Museum
R-5, Polikarpov
References:
"History of aircraft construction in the USSR" by
V.B.Shavrov, Vol.1 p.392-395;
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