Tupolev ANT-37

The Tupolev ANT‑37, also known as the “M” or “M‑1,” was a Soviet long‑range bomber developed in the early 1930s under the direction of Andrei Nikolayevich Tupolev. First flying in 1934, the aircraft emerged from the ANT‑22 and ANT‑28 experimental series, incorporating a sleek, all‑metal monocoque fuselage and a twin‑engine layout powered by two 950‑horsepower M‑34 radial engines. Its high‑mounted wings, retractable landing gear, and enclosed cockpit gave it a modern silhouette for the era. Although only a limited production run of twelve airframes was completed, the ANT‑37 demonstrated the Soviet Union’s ability to build a strategic bomber capable of carrying up to 2,000 kilograms of bombs over a range of roughly 3,500 km. The type served primarily in testing and training roles, providing valuable data on aerodynamics, long‑range navigation, and heavy payload handling that influenced later Tupolev designs such as the TB‑3 and the Pe‑8. In the broader context of aviation, the ANT‑37 marked a transition from wooden biplanes to all‑metal monoplanes in Soviet military aviation, underscoring Tupolev’s pioneering work in high‑performance, long‑distance aircraft. Its legacy persisted through World II, influencing bomber concepts that later proved decisive in the Eastern Front.

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