U-2AP, U-2OP agricultural duster/dispenser by N.N.Polikarpov

Agricultural variant of a successful biplane-trainer U-2. This variant was under development since very start of aircraft production. To accommodate agricultural gear U-2 was seriously redesigned:

• front seat moved forward by 0.25m;
• fuel tank moved into the upper wing;
• upper wing central section thickened;
• rear wing struts moved;
• rear seat, dashboard and controls removed;

Freed space was occupied by 200 to 250 kg capacity tank, which was modified several time (as well as the dispenser). In 1930- 1940 1235 'AP' variants were assembled. Production continued for some time after the War. Substantial amount of 'AP' were equipped as fluid dispensers and even for aerial seeding.

Flight performance was similar to original trainer U-2. Necessity to operate agricultural aircraft from unprepared fields under various weather conditions (wet) forced introduction of modified landing gear. Wheels were paired by wielding of a second rim to original wheel. Effective wheel width became 25cm, providing reliable support on wet soil.

Type 'AP' (with fuel tank in the upper wing and moved forward pilot's cockpit) became basic for many variants, including three-seater liaison aircraft, ambulance and limousine variants (may be found also here).

Created June 18, 1999

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