DB-LK

Bolkhovitinov Design Bureau · Soviet Union · first flew 1939 · bomber

The DB-LK (also known as the Bolkhovitinov DB-LK) was a Soviet long-range bomber prototype of 1939, notable for its unusual tandem engine installation in the nose and twin-boom tail configuration. Its 488 km/h speed was impressive for a bomber of the period.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Mid-mounted, straight
E — Engines	2 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	Twin-fuselage 'flying wing' bomber with two short side-by-side crew pods
T — Tail	Twin fin

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Spot it by:

Twin-fuselage 'flying wing' bomber with two short side-by-side crew pods
Twin fins on the tailplane bridging the two fuselage pods
One tractor radial engine in the nose of each fuselage pod

The twin-boom tail, paired tractor-pusher nose engines, and mid-mounted straight wing of substantial span (21.6 m) combine to create a distinctive silhouette unlike any production Soviet bomber.

Specifications

The DB-LK has a length of 9.78 m (32 ft).
It has a wingspan of 21.6 m (71 ft).
Its maximum speed is 488 km/h (303 mph).
Typical crew: 3.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Designed by Viktor Bolkhovitinov's bureau as a fast long-range bomber, the DB-LK explored unconventional configurations to achieve high speed while retaining useful payload. The tandem paired-engine nose arrangement was intended to reduce frontal area and improve aerodynamics. The type remained at the prototype stage, with the Soviet Air Force ultimately preferring more conventional designs.

Variants

Only the prototype was constructed; no series production was undertaken.

Where you'll see it

The DB-LK did not enter operational service; it was evaluated and then abandoned in favour of other bomber programmes.

Related aircraft

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