Polikarpov PO-2

POLIKARPOV PO-2 (U2)

The legendary Polikarpov aircraft, designated PO-2, was developed in 1927 in the USSR, as a prototype designated U-2.This machine, with more than 40 thousand units produced, became one of the most produced aircraft in the world.

It was used for a variety of purposes, including training two generations of Soviet pilots, and was powered by Shvetsov M-11 radial engines. The Soviets nicknamed it "Kukuruznik" because the engine sounded like a corn chopper, but it was very quiet, thanks to the silencers. During World War II, the Po-2 therefore served in many secret roles, including night bombing. The 46th Women's Regiment of the VVS, known as the "Night witches", was particularly famous for its night raids on German positions.

The Po-2 was variously improved and renamed in 1944 in honour of its designer, Polikarpov. It was also produced under license in Poland until 1953. It was also used by the Czechoslovak Army Corps and Air Force under the designation K-62.

The plane, which will be presented at LEGENDY NEBES 2024 was produced in 1937 under serial number 0076, served in the Red Army during the war and was later donated to the Yugoslav army. In Yugoslavia and in the aeroclub it was equipped with a Czechoslovak Walter 6-III engine. In 1967 it was handed over to the Koroška Aeroclub and in 1975 it was stored in a hangar. In 2004-2005 it underwent a complete refurbishment and was re-equipped with the original Švecov M-11FR engine and given back the Yugoslav Army designation S5-MAY. In May 2014, the aircraft was flown to Mladá Boleslav and became part of the collection at the Metoděj Vlach Aviation Museum.

Pilot: To be determined

Specifications