Designed by Andrei Tupolev, the Tu-2 performed well and had flying
qualities close to those of single-engine fighters.
The prototype, known as the ANT-58 first flew in 1941.
Development continued through designations ANT-59 and ANT-60 until the
definitive ANT-61 entered service in 1942. The aircraft was
re-designated Tu-2 in 1943.
Over 2,500 Tu-2s were produced during World War II and the immediate
post-war period. The Tu-2 fought in the Korean conflict with North
Korean forces and equipped the air arms of China, Poland and Yugoslavia.
The NATO reporting name for the Tu-2 was Bat.
