OKB-1 140
OKB-1 · Soviet Union · first flew 1948 · bomber
The OKB-1 '140' was a Soviet jet bomber with forward-swept wings, developed by German engineer Brunolf Baade's captive design team from wartime Junkers research.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turbojet, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 19.25 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- All-metal jet bomber with wings swept slightly forward rather than back
- Twin turbojets in large nacelles slung under the wings
- Remotely operated defensive gun turrets rather than manned positions
The forward-swept wing is the aircraft's signature feature, distinguishing it immediately from the conventional swept-back wings of contemporary Soviet jet bombers.
Specifications
- The OKB-1 140 has a length of 19.25 m (63 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 21.87 m (72 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 837 km/h (520 mph).
- Typical crew: 4.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Baade's OKB-1 bureau, working under Soviet direction, initiated the EF-140 design in 1947 as a development of the Junkers-derived EF 131, first flying it on 30 September 1948. Early flights were plagued by fuel-control problems in its Soviet-built engines.
Variants
A reconnaissance-optimised '140-R' derivative was also developed, but all further work on the '140' family was terminated by government directive in June 1950.
Where you'll see it
Neither the bomber nor reconnaissance versions entered Soviet Air Force service; the programme was shelved in favour of indigenous Soviet jet bomber designs like the Ilyushin Il-28.
Related aircraft
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