Tupolev DB-1
Tupolev · Soviet Union · first flew 1935 · bomber
The Tupolev DB-1 (ANT-36) was a Soviet long-range bomber derived directly from the record-breaking ANT-25, sharing its extraordinarily long thin wing to achieve the range required to strike distant targets. Its 34-metre span gave it an unmistakeable silhouette among 1930s aircraft.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 13.4 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Extremely long-span single-engine low-wing bomber derived from ANT-25 record aircraft
- Very high aspect ratio wing spanning 34 m
- Corrugated duralumin skin throughout
Unmistakeable due to its exceptionally long, thin, straight wing spanning 34 m on a modest single-engine fuselage. The corrugated duralumin skin and buried Mikulin engine installation with nose spinner are characteristic Tupolev features.
Specifications
- The Tupolev DB-1 has a length of 13.4 m (44 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 34 m (112 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 200 km/h (124 mph).
- Typical crew: 3.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed in 1934–35 as a direct military adaptation of the ANT-25 long-range record aircraft, the DB-1 retained the characteristic single liquid-cooled engine and extreme-aspect-ratio wing. Eighteen aircraft were built but structural quality was poor and the type was withdrawn from service by 1937 following accidents. Its role as a long-range strategic bomber was eventually fulfilled by more practical twin-engine designs.
Variants
No production variants; the ANT-36 designation refers to the same aircraft at prototype stage.
Where you'll see it
Operated briefly by the Soviet Air Force's heavy bomber units in the mid-1930s before early withdrawal due to structural concerns.
Related aircraft
- Tupolev ANT-29
- Tupolev ANT-37
- Tupolev ANT-20 Maksim Gorki
- Tupolev ANT-21
- Arado Ar 81
- B-17 Flying Fortress
- Bolkhovitinov DB-A
- Breguet 460 Vultur
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 4,893 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.