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... the 3rd photo down appears to be a Tu-2 (note radial engines and four blade propellors).
the fact is that the normal bombload of Pe-2 was 600 kg (1,323 lb) so it didn't have the load carrying capacity of the Tu-2, which usually carried 1,350kg load and could carry 500 kg and 1,000 kg bombs which Pe-2 was unable to carry. The production of Tu-2 was handicapped because of the difficulties to find out suitable powerplant for it and its production really got off the ground only late 1943.
Juha
Best soviet bombers of the war weren't even of soviet manufacture. A-20, B-25 and (stretching things) Tu-4 were all preferred to the locally manufactured stuff
Following the same logic:Best soviet bombers of the war weren't even of soviet manufacture.
At less than 100 units made and a juicy target for Luftwaffe interceptors, I might question the title for "best in the world". At one point, the VVS was losing them faster than they could be built.The best Soviet bomber might actually be the Pe-8, perhaps also the best bomber in the world in 1941?
From what I've seen, they were manned weapons...BTW it may be doubtful if any of the gun stations were power operated.
Following the same logic:
Best british long range fighter: P-51
Best british maritime bomber/long-range heavy day bomber: B-24
Best british early war naval fighter: F4F
Best british late war naval fighter: F6F/F4U
Best british torpedo bomber; Grumman TBF
Best british tank: Sherman "Firefly"
etc..
P-51
I agree. except at night. in which case its the mosquito again.
B-24
ah no, probably Lancaster. Remove the word "heavy" and its a no contest winner in the mosquito
F4F
Not until August - December 1941. had too many teething problems until then. Even then, it was too specialised in that early war period. only after aircrews became more abundant, 1942+ was the F4F able to be considered superior to the Fulmar
F6F/F4U
probably not, but a matter of opinion. depends on the role the carrier characteristics, the weather and the role. With the BPF in '45, the firepower of the Seafires and their low level performance made them the weapon of choice by Adm Fraser against Kamikaze attack. problem with the Seafire in 45 was similar to that facing the F4f in 41, too specialise, not enough multi role.
TBF
probably not, at least for British operating conditions. in rough weather, flying often in blind conditions on small escort carriers it was a no contest, Swordfish fitted with ASV radar. For larger fleet carriers, but still with poor weather and rough seas, probably step up to the barracuda. In the relatively calm waters of the Pacific, TBF and its marginally better performance, less the cr8ppy bliss Levitt torpedo, probably yes.
Best British Tank (of the war)
It really gets down to how "Best is defined". In terms of pure gunpower, its the (british) 17 pounder hanging off the front of it that makes the firefly a contender. If we are going for most verstile and adaptable, probably the Churchil later marks in particular. Best all round tank probably the Comet, but if we are including those deplyed, but not in combat, it really is a no brainer, Centurion all the way.