R-5

The R‑5, developed by the Soviet design bureau OKB in the late 1930s, was a rugged, two‑seat liaison and light‑attack aircraft that served the Red Army Air Force throughout World II and into the early Cold War. First flight occurred on 12 April 1939, and the type entered serial production later that year at the OKB’s Kharkov plant. Its all‑metal construction, modest 450 hp Shvetsov M-11 radial engine, and fixed‑gear layout gave it exceptional durability on poorly prepared fields. The R‑5 could reach 260 km/h, carry a modest bomb load of up to 200 kg, and was equipped with a forward‑firing 7.62 mm machine gun plus a rear defensive gun, making it useful for reconnaissance, artillery spotting, and close‑support missions. Over 3,200 airframes were built, and the aircraft saw action on the Eastern Front, in the Soviet–Japanese conflicts of 1945, and later in civil liaison roles across the USSR. Its simple design and ease of maintenance set a precedent for post‑war Soviet utility aircraft, influencing later types such as the Antonov An‑2. The R‑5 remains an iconic example of Soviet engineering resilience and versatility. Today, a handful of restored examples are displayed in museums and airshows, reminding enthusiasts of its durable legacy.

OKB

Classification

Dimensions

Performance

Production & History

Design & Classification