Polikarpov Po-2
Russian Trainer Aircraft

First flown in 1928 as the U-2, the wood and fabric Polikarpov Po-2 was built as a basic trainer. Because of its ruggedness and maneuverability, it also took on many other roles. The Polikarpov Po-2 was also used as an attack aircraft, night bomber, medevac, and supply plane. Its use even extended past WWII and into the Korean war (Bedcheck Charlies.)

Although it was slow and lacked sufficient armor, the Polikarpov Po-2 was extremely maneuverable and very forgiving. In fact, its slow speed was actually an advantage when going up against the fast German fighters who would fly right by before they could target it. The Po-2 was also invisible to radars and impervious to infrared seekers because of its small engine. It could even do attack runs gliding with the engine off making it one of the earliest stealth fighters.

The short takeoff and landing capability of the plane allowed it to operate almost anywhere. Skis or floats could also be attached. When used for transporting wounded soldiers, the second cockpit was replaced with an enclosed compartment to hold a doctor and stretcher. Wounded could also be carried on the lower wings inside of protective shells.

Although there were over 40,0000 originally built, currently, there are only four Polikarpov Po-2's flying in the world. Our plane still has the original engines and is proudly flying.

Russian Polikarpov Po-2 Photos