LBSh
Kochyerigin / TsKB · Soviet Union · first flew 1939 · fighter
The LBSh (Legkiy Bronirovanny Shturmovik — Light Armoured Attacker) was a Soviet experimental armoured ground-attack aircraft of the late 1930s, a predecessor concept to the Il-2 Shturmovik.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 9.8 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Soviet 1930s armoured ground-attack
- single radial engine
- low-wing cantilever monoplane
A conventional low-wing monoplane of its era, distinguished from trainers by armoured cowling panels and a second crew position; similar in concept to the Breguet 693 but with a single rather than twin engine.
Specifications
- The LBSh has a length of 9.8 m (32 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 13.5 m (44 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 430 km/h (267 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed by Sergei Kochyerigin at TsKB in the late 1930s, the LBSh explored the idea of a lightly armoured two-seat attack aircraft that could suppress ground targets while providing some protection for its crew. It flew in 1939 but was overtaken by the more capable and purpose-designed Ilyushin Il-2, which incorporated integral armour into the structural design.
Variants
Only the single prototype was built.
Where you'll see it
Evaluated by the Soviet Air Force but not selected for production; the programme was abandoned after the Il-2 proved superior in every relevant metric.
Related aircraft
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