                    The Pe-8 Heavy Bomber

The Pe-8, also known as the TB-7, was a Soviet 4-engined
heavy bomber that entered service in 1939.  Range was a
maximum of 2,920 miles.  Only 79 were produced however, and
it did not play a major role in the war, as most bombing
attacks were done by the IL-4, SB-2 and Pe-2 bombers.
The Pe-8 could carry 4,000 kilograms of bombs (8818 pounds)
and had, as defensive armament, 2 x ShVak 20mm cannon (one
in the tail, and one in the top rear turret), 2 x Beresin
UBT 12.7mm machineguns (one per side), and 2 x ShKas 7.62mm
machineguns (in a hand operated nose turret).
DATA:  Top speed 273 mph, range 2,920 miles, ceiling 30,500
feet.
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