Soviet Night Bomber/Reconnaissance Plane U-2 / Po-2
Soviet Red Army 1941-1942

The Polikarpov Po-2 (also U-2) served as a general-purpose Soviet biplane, nicknamed Kukuruznik, from Russian for maize; thus, "maize duster" or "crop duster"), NATO reporting name "Mule". The reliable, uncomplicated concept of the Po-2's design made it an ideal training aircraft, as well as doubling as a low-cost ground attack, aerial reconnaissance, psychological warfare and liaison aircraft during war, proved to be one of the most versatile light combat types to be built in the Soviet Union. As of 1978 it remained in production for a longer period of time than any other Soviet-era aircraft.

It is one of the most produced aircraft, and may be the most produced biplane, in the history of aviation. More than 40,000 Po-2s may have been built between 1928 and 1953. However, production figures for Polikarpov U-2 and Po-2 bombers and trainers combined are as low as 20,000, up to 30,000. with production ending as soon as 1952. Correct figures are hard to come by since low-rate production by small repair shops and air clubs likely continued until 1959.

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