Polikarpov Po-2

The U-2/Po-2 was designed by Nikolai Polikarpov, head of the OSS (Department for Experimental Landplane Construction) in response to a requirement to establish a single Soviet type for a uniform training syllabus, with the emphasis on a reliable engine coupled with simplicity and cheapness.

During WWII the U-2/Po-2 nicknamed ‘Kukuruznik’ (corn cutter), in addition to its basic training, liaison and ambulance roles, was used on night missions to deprive German troops of sleep, by female pilots on night bombing raids and as a light attack and close support aircraft. After the war it continued as a Soviet Jack of all trades with production ceasing in 1951 (1955 in Poland), but there were enough spares to allow the last aircraft of the approximately 33,000 total to be built in 1959.

About this aircraft

This aeroplane was built in 1944 in the Soviet Union and its operational history is unknown until it was included in a group of 30 given to Yugoslavia in 1946. It flew first at the Military Air Force Academy at Pancevo before being transferred, in 1952, to the Yugoslav Air Club where it was used for glider towing and parachute training.

On 1 March 1958 the aircraft was registered YU-CLJ and flew at the Federal Aircraft Centre at URSAC until April 1961, then being transferred to Murska Subota in Slovenia. Its working life ended in 1979 when it was donated to the Yugoslav National Museum who later sold it to Jim Pearce who brought it to the UK and registered it as G-BSSY in July 1990.

The aircraft was sold on to Pat Donovan in 1996 and shipped to Seattle where restoration was begun, but then it was taken to New Zealand in December 2000. Finally it was purchased for the Shuttleworth Collection in 2004 and following comprehensive restoration the aircraft flew for the first time with The Collection on 10 January 2011, piloted by ‘Dodge’ Bailey.

Specification