72-012 TUPOLEV G-1 FLOAT PLANE

The Tupolev TB-1 was a heavy Soviet metal bomber in a low wing configuration. The drive was provided by two motors Napier Lion or BMW VI or M-17 with power from 480 to 680 HP each . The flight of the prototype took place in 1925, and in the years 1929-1932 serial production was carried out, which led to the creation of 216 aircraft of this type. The armament was 6 7.62 mm DA machine guns and a load of up to 1000 kg of bombs. The Tupolev TB-1 was created in response to the demand reported in 1923 and 1924 by the Soviet military aviation for a heavy strategic bomber. While the hull itself and the overall structure were developed relatively quickly, it took a long time to select the appropriate propulsion units. The BMW VI engines, which were licensed in the USSR under the name M-17, were finally approved. In the course of serial production, one very important development version of the aircraft was created, designated as TB-1P (originally: TB-1a), which had a float landing gear and was a sea bomber-torpedo plane. The TB-1 was the first all-metal twin-engine bomber to be produced in the world. Also in the aviation of the USSR, it meant significant changes - from its introduction, the birth of the Soviet strategic aviation dates back. However, the machine was quickly replaced by a new bomber - TB-3. The process of withdrawing TB-1 from the line began at the turn of 1932/1933. These machines were transferred to civil aviation, where they served as transport machines until 1947.