development designation experimental soviet jet powered medium bomber developed successful engined bomber end world war designed transitional aircraft issues involved jet engined bombers development jet engined bomber project suffering delays early suggested medium bomber imported jet engines produce jet bomber quickly possible design work began official approval received converted workshop converted construction prototype begun early bureau designation changes standard speed production consisted following jet engines replaced standard radial engines wing reduced fuselage lengthened rear fuselage heightened new fitted main gear units engine additional fuel tanks fitted design tanks changed accommodate change gasoline control system revised trim fitted elevators wing tail reinforced cannon removed wing roots cannon mounted external starboard nose testing evaluation prototype completed july flown july aircraft shown aviation day display august completed manufacturer trials september underwent state acceptance trials october february redesignated air force scientific test institute report summarized differences considerable gain speed improved rate climb higher service ceiling poorer field performance considerably greater fuel load required achieve range lack cabin greatly reduced effectiveness high altitude lack equipment wing tail leading edges cockpit noted major problems high speeds virtually impossible traverse elevate manually operated gun turrets vibration cannon firing rendered equipment navigator cabin damaged cabin turning identification friend foe system adversely affected system radios new generators installed originals produce electrical power trials conducted included engagements soviet jet fighters useful evaluating offensive armament fighters defensive armament bomber proper tactics involved types aircraft tests demonstrated current armament meant soviet bomber henceforth defensive armament power operated turrets carried guns larger aircraft modified factory given engine soviet copy engine aircraft training aircraft completed later relegated test duties aircraft tests redesignated mounted pulse jet engines fuselage operators soviet_union soviet air_force specifications data general characteristics crew length wingspan wing area weight gross weight powerplant rolls lbf thrust performance maximum speed mph range miles service ceiling armament cannon machine guns bombs
Tupolev Tu-12