Tairov Ta-3
Tairov OKB · Soviet Union · first flew 1939 · fighter
The Tairov Ta-3 (also known as the OKO-1) was a Soviet experimental twin-engine heavy fighter developed in 1939, designed for high speed and heavy armament. It represented one of several competing designs evaluated by the VVS before WWII.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 9.83 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Twin-engine Soviet heavy fighter with a single-fin conventional tail
- Heavily armed nose section housing cannon armament
- Streamlined twin-piston silhouette reminiscent of the Pe-3 family
Identified by its twin radial or inline engines in a mid-wing fuselage with a glazed nose for the gunner position, setting it apart from single-engine Soviet fighters of the period.
Specifications
- The Tairov Ta-3 has a length of 9.83 m (32 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 12.66 m (42 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 595 km/h (370 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed by Vsevolod Tairov, the Ta-3 flew in 1939 and demonstrated promising performance, reaching speeds around 595 km/h. However, it did not enter mass production as the Soviet aviation industry consolidated around more straightforward designs, and Tairov's bureau was closed following his death in 1942.
Variants
The OKO-1 was the prototype designation; the Ta-3 represented the developed version with refined armament and systems.
Where you'll see it
The Ta-3 never entered operational service, remaining an experimental prototype evaluated by the Soviet Air Force.
Related aircraft
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