Polikarpov Po-2

The U-2 biplane, renamed Po-2 after the death of its designer, first flew in 1927 and became the main training aircraft of the country. Its simple wood-and-fabric truss structure with the M-11 engine forgave student mistakes and could be repaired in any field conditions. Tens of thousands of pre-war aeroclub pilots passed through the cockpit of the Po-2. During the Great Patriotic War the aircraft unexpectedly acquired a combat role: light night bomber regiments, including the famous women crews of the 46th Guards Taman regiment, delivered precise strikes from low altitude. Low speed and the ability to fly just above the ground made the Po-2 a difficult target for fighters. The displayed machine is a post-war example in the training configuration with dual controls. The airframe was restored to factory drawings, and the fabric covering was applied using the authentic method.