- Yes
- No
Background
Spoiler
In June 1936, an initiative was undertaken to equip the DB-A (Prototype 2) with experimental M-34FRN engines, which had a takeoff power ranging from 1220 to 1240 horsepower. These engines were expected to be installed once the 24th plant completed its development work.
In a report detailing the test outcomes, J. Alksnis, the head of the Air Force, remarked on November 2, 1936, that the installation of AM-34FRN engines on the DB-2A (After installation of the engines designation was changed) aircraft adversely impacted its flight performance due to inadequate altitude and insufficient data, although the takeoff characteristics remained unaffected.
Considering that the DB-2A aircraft demonstrated significantly superior flight capabilities compared to the TB-3-AM-34RN, and acknowledging that the military series aimed to rectify most of the defects identified during state testing, it was deemed essential to initiate preparations for the serial production of these aircraft based on the military test results. The same year, discussions regarding the serial production of the DBA commenced.
B.E. Chertok recalls, “There were immediate disagreements with Bolkhovitinov, the director of Plant No. 22, as the plant was tasked with a challenging production plan for SBs and was also required to resume TB-3 production. Meanwhile, Tupolev had already started preparations for the TB-7 series. Consequently, Tarasevich persuaded Glavaviaprom, where chief designer Tupolev also served as chief engineer, that the serial production of the DBA should be established at the Kazan Aviation Plant (No. 124 - author’s note). This decision received approval from the People’s Commissariat of Heavy Industry, and Bolkhovitinov was invited to relocate to Kazan with his entire team.”
At Plant No. 22, only two aircraft (one DB-A and one DB-2A) were completed, along with a partially finished third (DB-2A), with all remaining components sent to Kazan for final assembly. These aircraft exhibited notable differences from their predecessors, and only the subsequent four or five units could serve as the standard for the initial production series.
- In April 1937, collaborative testing commenced with the client for the inaugural vehicle of the military series produced by the 22nd plant. This aircraft was a modified version of the DB-2A. The testing team comprised the chief pilot M.A. Nyukhtikov, the co-pilot and chief engineer Antokhin, armament engineer Tsvetkov, and the leading engineer from Design Bureau No. 124, Volkov. The DB-2A would later undergo some modifications and be re-designated DBA for military service.
Technical Data
Specifications
Crew - 7-9
Length - 24.4 m
Height - N/A
Wingspan - 39.5 m
Empty Weight - 16,000 kg
Max Takeoff Weight - 24,000 kg
Powerplant - 4 x Mikulin M-34RNV Piston Engines (724 kW each)
Max Speed - 305 km/h at Sea Level 335 km/h at 2,000 m
Range - 4,600 km
Armament
1 x 20mm ShVAK Autocannon in Dorsal Turret (250 rpg)
1 x 7.62mm ShKAS Machine Gun in Nose Turret (1,000 rpg)
1 x 7.62mm ShKAS Machine Gun in Tail Turret (1,000 rpg)
1 x 7.62mm ShKAS Machine Gun in Ventral Turret (1,000 rpg)
1 x 7.62mm ShKAS Machine Gun in each Engine Nacelle (Planned, never fitted)
Up to 3000 kg of Bombs;
24 x 50 kg Bombs
8 x 250 kg Bombs
6 x 500 kg Bombs
2 x 1000 kg Bombs
Images
Sources
Spoiler
(Book) The Osprey Encyclopedia of Russian Aircraft 1875-1995.
