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ANT-46 (DI-8)

Developing tactical ideas embodied in the ANT-21 (MI-3) and ANT-29 (DIP-1) projects, in the design bureau almost simultaneously with the work on the ANT-40 (SB) high-speed bomber, work was carried out on its fighter variant.

The work, as well as on ANT-40, was conducted in the brigade of AA Arkhangelsky from November 1934. The project received the designation ANT-46 on the design bureau, the official - DI-8. The new machine was a modification of the ANT-40 in the long-range three-seater fighter with powerful offensive and defensive weapons.

The aircraft was intended for use as a fighter escort for speed and long-range bombers. The machine differed from the ANT-40 type of engines (Gnom-Ron "Mistral Major" K-14 with 800 hp of air cooling), as well as the composition of weapons. The offensive armament was to consist of 2 wing APD-type APC-4 caliber 76 mm, 2 stationary ShVAK machine guns in the center section of the wing, a moving machine gun ShVAK 12.7 mm in the bow cabin. The rear cabin was equipped with the same weapons as on the SB.

In the summer of 1935, an experimental aircraft was built, and on August 1, test pilot M.Yu. Alekseev made his first flight on it. Factory tests ANT-46 was held until June 1936.

Advanced fighter, experiencedIn the course of the tests, the insufficient stability of the aircraft was revealed. To improve it, as on the ANT-40, new detachable parts of the wing, horizontal tail and modified rudder with horn compensation were made.

In connection with the cessation of work on the DRP, it was supposed to change the armament: 4 ShVAK cannons in the wing or 5 same cannons in the ventral quick-detachable installation. The flight data of the aircraft, obtained at the factory tests, it was decided to improve by installing 2 forced engines such as AM-34.

The plane was not transferred to state tests. A year later, with the transfer of A.Arkhangelsky’s brigade and due to a drop in the interest of the military in this class of vehicles, all work on the ANT-46 was abandoned.