Tupolev Tu-12

Tupolev · Soviet Union · first flew 1947 · bomber

The Tupolev Tu-12 was the Soviet Union's first jet-powered bomber, created by re-engining the wartime Tu-2 airframe with two Rolls-Royce Nene centrifugal turbojets obtained from Britain. It flew in 1947 and provided the VVS with its initial experience of jet bomber operations.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Mid-mounted, straight
E — Engines	2 × turbojet, wing-mounted
F — Fuselage	16.45 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Spot it by:

Soviet Union's first jet bomber — converted Tu-2 airframe
Two Rolls-Royce Nene turbojets replacing piston engines
Straight-wing twin-jet bomber of 1947

The Tu-12 closely resembles its Tu-2 parent but with two large jet engine nacelles replacing the piston radials; the straight wing and glazed nose are inherited from the Tu-2.

Specifications

The Tupolev Tu-12 has a length of 16.45 m (54 ft).
It has a wingspan of 18.86 m (62 ft).
Its maximum speed is 783 km/h (487 mph).
Typical crew: 4.

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

History

Developed rapidly after the Soviet Union acquired Rolls-Royce jet engines from Britain in 1946, the Tu-12 demonstrated that adapting proven airframes to jet power was a viable transition path. While its speed was impressive for 1947, it was quickly superseded by purpose-designed jet bombers including the Il-28. The Tu-12 contributed valuable operational experience.

Variants

The Tu-12 was itself a conversion of the Tu-2; no further variants of the Tu-12 specifically were built.

Where you'll see it

Used by the Soviet Air Force for evaluation and transition training; not an operational front-line bomber.

Related aircraft

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