L ight monoplane bomber. It was developed through series of prototypes from the
ANT-51 when P.O.Sukhoj
became a head of independent team. Design and trials were carried out under heavy secrecy restrictions. Designed as a first
strike aircraft, Su-2 was unknown not only to Luftwaffe, but also to Red Army pilots. Moreover, it carried no stars on
upper wing surfaces. Not a wonder, that sometimes it was hunted by both German and Soviet fighter. First aircraft scored
by famous ace A.Pokryshkin was Su-2 piloted by young pilot I.Pstygo.
Obviously a transitional aircraft, it saw intense combat in the Great Patriotic War until front line attack regiments
were re-equipped with superior Il-2.
Despite performance was very good (for single-engine bomber), Su-2 suffered heavy losses - mostly because was forced to
operate without escort fighters during messy 1941. Indeed, there were only two
Soviet bombers (attackers) capable to survive under those conditions - fast agile
Pe-2 and well armored Il-2. And of
course it shared common limitations of this type of aircraft built by other nations as a lack of maneuverability, weak defense
and disappointing overall performance.
Aircraft was built in several defence weapon arrangements:
One or twin machine gun(s) in conventional turret (see photos);
Retractable turret, otherwise flash with fuselage (early models);
Retractable housing in the belly;
Engine power was increased radically, but it penalized overall flying performance (except of course the speed).
Final production aircraft carried only 2 machine guns in wings (instead of four original) and only 400kg of
a bombload...
Over 2,000 Su-2 built, retired in 1942.
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