Tupolev SB-2M-100A

The Tupolev SB‑2M‑100A was a Soviet twin‑engine bomber developed in the late 1930s as an advanced version of the original SB (Skorostnoi Bombardirovschik) fast bomber. Designed by Andrei Tupolev’s bureau, the 2M‑100A entered prototype testing in 1939 and was produced in limited numbers before the outbreak of World WarII halted further development. The aircraft featured a streamlined all‑metal monocoque fuselage, retractable main landing gear, and a refined wingspan of 22.9 m that accommodated more powerful Klimov M‑105 V‑12 engines, delivering 1 150 hp each. These upgrades raised the maximum speed to 540 km/h at altitude and extended the operational range to 2 800 km, allowing it to conduct deep‑penetration raids and reconnaissance missions. Armament included a dorsal 20 mm cannon, ventral machine‑guns, and an internal bomb bay capable of carrying up to 1 200 kg of ordnance. Though it never saw large‑scale combat, the SB‑2M‑100A demonstrated significant advances in aerodynamics, powerplant integration, and payload capacity that influenced later Soviet designs such as the Pe‑2 and Tu‑2. Its legacy lies in showcasing Tupolev’s ability to rapidly evolve a platform to meet emerging tactical requirements on the eve of the Second World War.