Polikarpov PO-2

Utility biplane

Airworthy - On Temporary Display

The Polikarpov PO-2 is a Soviet biplane trainer used during the Second World War.  It was first introduced in 1929 and remained in production until 1959.  It is one of the most produced aircraft in history with over 30,000 examples of the type constructed.  The type is known for being used by the 588th Night Bomber Regiment, a flying unit composed of female pilots and ground crew whom carried out daring low-altitude night raids on German lines.  As such, the pilots earned the nickname Nachthexen (“Night Witches”).

Our aircraft is on temporary display.  It has recently been restored after arriving from Lithuania in 2013.  It is intended to fly to its new home at Omaka where  it will be put on display at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Center.

Country of Origin: Soviet Union
Engine: Shvetsov 5 cylinder radial engine
Length: 8.17m (26ft 10in)
Height: 3.1m (10ft 2in)
Wing Span: 11.4m (37ft 5in)
Cruise Speed: 68mph (110kmh or 59 knots)
Maximum Speed: 94mph (152kmh or 82 knots)
Range: 390miles (630km)
Service Ceiling: 9,800ft (3,000m)
Armament: 1x 7.62 (0.30in) ShKAS machine gun, 6x 50kg (110Ib) bombs