Ilyushin DB-3 "Bob"

Ilyushin · Soviet Union · first flew 1935 · bomber

The Ilyushin DB-3 was a Soviet twin-engine long-range bomber of the late 1930s.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — WingsMid-mounted, tapered
E — Engines2 × piston, wing-mounted
F — Fuselage14.22 m fuselage
T — TailConventional

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Spot it by:

A slim twin-radial bomber with a glazed nose; the later Il-4 is distinguished by its more pointed redesigned nose.

Specifications

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

History

First flown in 1935, it entered wide Soviet service and evolved into the refined DB-3F, subsequently redesignated the Il-4.

Variants

Developed through several marks culminating in the Il-4, with torpedo-bomber versions for Soviet naval aviation.

Where you'll see it

Used extensively by the Soviet Air Force and Navy, including early long-range raids in the Second World War.

Related aircraft

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