1/144 Tupolev TB-3 include Polikarpov I-16/I-5 Grigorovich I-Z

Anigrand Craftswork - 1/144 Tupolev TB-3. The world's first 4-engined monplane bomber. Includes Bonus kits of the Polikarpov I-16, Polikarpov I-5 and Grigorovich I-Z. In 1925, the Soviet Air Force approached the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute with a requirement for a heavy bomber with total engine output of 1,970hp. Tupolev Okb was selected to start design work in 1926. The mock-up was approved in 1929, and was given military designation TB-3 and civilian designation ANT-6. In 1931, the Soviet Air Force approved mass production of TB-3 after the first prototype made its maiden flight successfully. The first pre-production TB-3 flew in 1932. However, subsequent production aircraft were found to be heavier than the prototype which significantly hampered performance. It was planned to withdraw from service in 1939. With outbreak of the World War II, the TB-3 was deferred as a night bomber and cargo/paratroop transport. The TB-3 was also used in a special project as a fighter mothership in the Zveno projects, different combinations of the I-16, I-5 and I-Z fighters and were attached to the fuselage and wings to provide the bomber with its own self-defenece capacbility. One squardron of these strange Zveno aircraft saw service during the War.