SBB / B-1 / B-2, A.A.Arhangelsky

Two b/w photos of the B-1 (192k and 168k), courtesy of Sergey V. Andreev; Also may be found at Article in Vestnik Vozdushnogo Flota (Air Fleet Herald) 3/4-1996, available in KOI-8 Russian encodings.

In 1939 A.A.Arhangelsky started development of new high-speed close support bomber SBB, designated also B and B-1. Experience obtained during modification of famous SB (MMN, SB-RK, Ar-2) was summarized.

Major improvements were made in aerodynamics (including improved engine nacells, twin tail fins, new outer wing panels). Special plywood ('Balenit') was used on the wing, providing better surface quality (and economy of deficit duralumin). As a result calculated speed with M-105TK (TK stays for equipped with Turbo Kompressor, Turbo-Supercharger) at 9000m was 612km/h, or with M-106 at 7000m - 587km/h.

In November 1940 high commission (including representatives of TsAGI, VVS and NKAP) compared the PB-100 (future Pe-2), SB-RK, and BB-22PB and SBB. It was decided to start mass production of the PB-100 as the major dive bomber and keeping the BB-22 in production. Decision was motivated by fact that the SBB is one year late and did not pass flight tests yet. But the program still was not cancelled.

The first flight (with available M-105 engines) took place February 20, 1941. Maximum achieved speed at 4900m was 540km/h. After some refinement it was expected to became 20-25km/h higher. The second SBB (B-2) was built during summer 1941 with expected increase of speed by 40-60km/h.

Despite the SBB/B had better climb and takeoff/landing characteristics than Pe-2, program was cancelled with the beginning of the Great Patriotic War. A.A.Arhangelsky was assigned to restoration and repairs of existing SB...