103V, '60', ANT-60 by A.N.Tupolev/ STO-3/ OTB

Third prototype of the Tu-2 series. When production of the '103U' was cut out by AM-37 engine cancellation, team had to look for new powerplant. The only engine of similar power was twin-radial M-82.

Defensive armament was increased to five ShKAS machineguns in same three positions as on the predecessor 103U.

Design was revised and became more technological, number of joints was decreased and whole assembly procedure was revised. Cuts were made even on total length of electric wiring. But major weight savings came from aircooled engines. Lighter M-82 did not require heavy (and vulnerable!) cooling system. Weight savings (500kg) allowed to increase maximum bomb load to 3000kg.

The '103V' State Acceptance trials started on December 15, 1941. Defective engines were acquired, what resulted in awful long trials period... And there were finished only with first production Tu-2-2M82 ('103VS'), production number 100308. This happened on August 22, 1942. But already in March 1942 aircraft got new designation Tu-2 and became the first of the 'Tu' family, honoring his creator. A.N.Tupolev was no more 'Enemy of The people'.

Created on August 12, 1998

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