TsKB-57, S.V.Ilyushin

140k photo b/w of the TsKB-57, (Sergey V. Andreev)

A
nother prototype of the single-seat Il-2. Original Ilyushin scheme (TsKB-55 with rear gunner position was rejected by Kliment Voroshilov (Stalin's favorite, hero of Civil War, proved himself as a military impotent during early dramatic stages of the Great Patriotic War). Moreover, Stalin and Voroshilov decided to make it single-seat bomber, capable to penetrate deep into enemy territory at higher altitude. They and other military leaders could never imagine that there will be no fighters available for escort...
40k drawing of the TsKB-57 armour shell, (courtesy of Sergey V. Andreev)

As a result ten pre-production two-seaters BSh-2 were never delivered.
New TsKB-57 prototype had same 4 ShKAS in the wings, as the TsKB-55, and additional 155 liter fuel tank (in gunner's position). Aircraft became a testbed for new AM-38 engine, used for factory tests only.
One built.
References:
  • "History of aircraft construction in the USSR" by V.B.Shavrov, Vol.1 p.75-77;
    More links...
  • TsKB-57, Ilyushin
    		• Technical data
    Type TsKB-57
    Function Bomber prototype;
    Year Oct.12, 1940
    Crew 1
    Engines 1*1500/1665hp AM-38
    Length 11.6m
    Wingspan 14.6m
    Wing area 38.5m
    Empty weight 3792kg
    Loaded weight 4998kg
    Wing load 130kg/m2
    Power load 3.0kg/hp
    Speed at 0m 423km/h
    Speed at 2800m 437km/h
    Landing Speed 140km/h
    Landing Roll 260m
    Takeoff Roll 250m
    Range 850km
    Ceiling 8500m
    Climb
    1000m 1.7min
    3000m 5.3min
    5000m 10.0min
    Armament
    Guns 4*mg7.62mm ShKAS
    Bombs 4(wing bays)b*100kg
    2(external)b*100kg
    or 2b(external)*250kg
    Modified December 19, 1997
    by Alexandre Savine;    		 Back to
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