ANT-40 SB - Design
The ANT-40 project was a logical conclusion to the search for optimal solutions and the development of ideas adopted during the work on the ANT-21, ANT-29 and ANT-30 projects. The main tactical bomber of the Air Force of the Red Army in the second half of the 1930s under the name of the SB began to be designed in late 1933. Works were conducted in the design department of TsAGI under the general supervision of A.N. Tupolev brigade, headed by A.A. Arkhangelsk.
The aircraft received the "enterprise" designation of ANT-40. It was assumed that the aircraft could develop a speed of 330 km / h, have a ceiling of 8000 m and a flight range of 700 km, and the bomb load was determined at 500 kg. The aircraft was a twin-engine all-metal monoplane with a mid-mounted wing, single-keystone and retractable landing gear. Initially, two variants were developed with different engines: ANT-40RC with 9-cylinder air cooling engines "Wright" "Cyclone" and ANT-40IS in 12-cylinder engines of liquid cooling "Hispano-Suiza" HS 12Y. The second variant was distinguished by a wing of increased span and area, in order to avoid an increase in the specific load on the wing caused by the installation of heavier engines.
The new bomber was carried out according to the scheme of a twin-engine three-seat cantilever with a retractable landing gear in flight and a smooth covering of the fuselage and wing. The layout was based on the fact that with a given bomb load of 500 kg and powerful defensive armament, the dimensions of the machine should have been minimal. The entire payload was located inside the fuselage. Aerodynamic form was perfect without any sharply protruding parts.
Before launching the ANT-40 project, a number of changes were made to the production, in particular, radically changing the wing profile. Serial aircraft were equipped with M-100 engines (and their later modifications) - the licensed option "Hispano-Suiza". During the years of serial construction, the SB was upgraded several times. insufficient longitudinal stability and efficiency of ailerons. Before launching the ANT-40 project, a number of changes were made to the production, in particular, radically changing the wing profile. Serial aircraft were equipped with M-100 engines (and their later modifications) - the licensed option "Hispano-Suiza".
The development of a new bomber and the construction of prototypes were carried out rather quickly. The tests of the ANT-40RC began on October 7, 1934, on December 30 ANT-40IS was flown. The last aicraft showed much higher flight data, and it was taken to mass production. The corresponding decision was followed on February 22, 1935, despite the lack of weapons, engine cooling systems, insufficient longitudinal stability and the efficiency of ailerons. Before launching the ANT-40 project, a number of changes were made to the production, in particular, radically changing the wing profile. Serial aircraft were equipped with M-100 engines (and their later modifications) - the licensed option "Hispano-Suiza". During the years of serial construction, the SB was upgraded several times to address insufficient longitudinal stability and efficiency of ailerons.
It is noteworthy that even a small field or meadow could serve as an airfield for the SB. The run and run of the aircraft was no more than 350 m. In winter, when the snow cover exceeded 30 cm, the SB was equipped with retractable skis. They were installed as follows: the doors of the wheeled chassis were dismounted, and in their place were installed special fairings made on the contour of the ski in the retracted position. However, this reduced the maximum speed by 14-17 km / h. But the SB worked in the winter, "when no one flew." After all, there was no special equipment that would clear or roll the airfield.
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