Yermolayev Yer-2
Yermolayev Design Bureau · Soviet Union · first flew 1940 · bomber
The Yermolayev Yer-2 was a Soviet long-range bomber that participated in some of the earliest Soviet bombing raids against Berlin following Germany's invasion in 1941. It served alongside the Petlyakov Pe-8 as one of the few Soviet aircraft capable of reaching strategic targets in Germany.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 16.3 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Soviet World War II long-range bomber
- Twin engine mid-wing monoplane with twin fins
- Used in early raids on Berlin in 1941
A twin-engine mid-wing bomber with twin oval fins and rudders, a glazed nose, and a long slender fuselage; distinguishable from the Pe-8 by its twin rather than four-engine layout.
Specifications
- The Yermolayev Yer-2 has a length of 16.3 m (53 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 23 m (75 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 420 km/h (261 mph).
- Typical crew: 5.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Derived from the Stal-7 transport design, the Yer-2 entered service in 1941 and flew missions against Berlin and other strategic targets in the early months of the German-Soviet war. Engine reliability problems with the Diesels fitted to later variants were a persistent concern. Production continued until 1943, after which the type was phased out as more capable bombers became available.
Variants
The Yer-2 was built with AM-35, AM-37, and ACh-30B diesel engines in different production batches; the diesel-powered variants offered extended range but suffered reliability issues.
Where you'll see it
Served Soviet long-range aviation (ADD) from 1941 to around 1943; participated in strategic bombing raids on German-occupied territory and Berlin.
Related aircraft
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