                    The Pe-2 Dive Bomber

The Pe-2 entered service in 1940, and was much better than
the SB-2 as a dive bomber.  11,427 were produced during the
war, making it one of the major ground support planes in
service.  It was armed with 1 x 12.7mm machinegun and 2 x
7.62mm machineguns in the nose.  There was a rear gunner
(behind the pilot) and a belly position that also fired to
the rear only, both with a single 12.7mm mg.  The Pe-2 could
carry 600 kilograms of bombs (3 x 440 pound bombs).
DATA:  Top speed 336 mph, range 746 miles, ceiling 28,900
feet.
 
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