Tupolev ANT-16

Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute (TsAGI) · Soviet Union · first flew 1933 · bomber

The Tupolev ANT-16 (TB-4) was a massive Soviet six-engine heavy bomber of the early 1930s, one of the largest aircraft in the world at the time of its construction, reflecting Soviet ambitions for a strategic bombing force.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Low-mounted, straight
E — Engines	4 × piston, wing-mounted
F — Fuselage	32 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Spot it by:

Enormous Soviet six-engine heavy bomber prototype of the early 1930s (4-engine count capped; actually 6)
Massive corrugated-metal Tupolev construction with low monoplane wing
Huge wingspan of 54 metres, among the largest aircraft of its era

An enormous low-wing monoplane of corrugated duralumin construction, six radial engines in tractor nacelles along the wing, and a slab-sided fuselage dwarfing contemporary aircraft.

Specifications

The Tupolev ANT-16 has a length of 32 m (105 ft).
It has a wingspan of 54 m (177 ft).
Its maximum speed is 200 km/h (124 mph).
Typical crew: 6.

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

History

First flown in July 1933, the ANT-16 was an experimental test vehicle for the giant bomber concept. Only two were built and neither entered operational service; the type served mainly to gather data on large aircraft operation and to evaluate the feasibility of the strategic bomber role.

Variants

Two examples were built; the second differed from the first in engine and equipment details. The design informed later Tupolev heavy designs.

Where you'll see it

Never entered operational Soviet Air Force service; used for experimental purposes only.

Related aircraft

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