Technical data
Type SPB
Function high speed dive bomber
Year 1940
Crew 3
Engines 2*1100hp M-105
Length 11.2m
Wing span 17.0m
Wing area 42.93m2
Empty Weight 4480kg
Normal Weight 6850kg
Wing Load (kg/m2) 160
Power load (kg/hp) 3.3
Speed (0m) 490km/h
Speed (4500m) 520km/h
Climb (5000m) 7.5min
Ceiling 9000m
Range 2200km
Takeoff Roll 25sec/500m
Landing Roll 450m
Armament
Guns 1*mg12.7mm UB (turret)
2*mg7.62mm ShKAS (nose and ventral)
Bombs 800kg (internal)
700kg (external)

SPB, D, D-3 by N.N.Polikarpov

SPB during flight tests
From article in the Air Force Herald magazine.

After 1936- 1939 flight tests of VIT-1 and VIT-2 multi-purpose aircraft, N.N.Polikarpov bureau came up with high speed dive bomber SPB. Despite similar in appearance to its predecessors, this aircraft had all new design with old-fashion wielded tube frames (etc.) were replaced by more recent technologies. The maiden flight (B.N.Kudrin) took place on February 18, 1940. Except two experimental aircraft, small series of three SPB were harried into production before tests were finished (Factory 22).

Tests were not easy. Numerous modifications were introduced to fix shortcomings in stability, engine cooling system and frame strength. On April 27, 1940 s econd production aircraft fell into flat spin and crashed, killing test pilot N.P.Golovin and two crewmembers. On July 20 another (first one) production aircraft crashed, killing crew lead by test pilot M.A.Lipkin.

SPB goes to the Wind Tunnel
From article in the Air Force Herald magazine.

Despite hard working task force failed to reveal cause of the last crash flight tests were suspended. According to [6] Vol.2 p.23 it was flatter (pilot pushed aircraft to higher dive speeds too fast, plus the weight compensation of ailerons was not installed). On third aircraft one of tail fins was broken, but B.N.Kudrin managed to land it safely. He refused to continue the tests...

It was planned to return to flights after tests in the T-101 TsAGI full-size wind tunnel and detailed expertise of frame strength. Tunnel tests were completed at the end of 1940, but time was lost.

The PB-100 (future Pe-2) was ready for production, and the story of SPB was over.

Floatplane version (expected speed 435km/h) with reversible propellers was also cancelled.

16k picture from "History of aircraft construction in the USSR", Vol.2 p.22, used as a background;

Sources :
Modified April 10, 1997 Back to
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