U-2VS

The Polikarpov U-2VS (also known as the Po-2) is a collector biplane of IL-2 Sturmovik: Great Battles.

Hangar view

Important facts and figures

Engine management

The U-2 has a fixed-pitch prop and no cowling around the engine. Engine management is therefore simple: adjust the mixture as necessary, and make sure the engine doesn't overspeed.

Takeoff power time limit: 5 min.

Airspeed considerations

Vne: 240 km/h.

Stall speed: 64km/h.

Flat out top speed at sea level: 151 km/h.

Flying the U-2VS

Out of combat

Startup and taxi

• Mixture 100%.
• Throttle 10-15%.
• Begin engine startup sequence.
• The U-2 doesn't have brakes, so take that into account when taxiing.

Takeoff

• Smoothly throttle up to full power.
• The plane has a suprisingly long takeoff run when laden with bombs or rockets.
• Be careful not to exceed the maximum allowed takeoff weight of 1350kg when setting up your plane.

Cruise

• Throttle back when diving, since the engine will otherwise overspeed.

Landing

• No landing gear and no flaps make this a simple plane to land.

In combat

Overall

It is possible to engage ground targets either with your bombs or with rockets. You gunner can also potentially defend you from attacking planes. But to be clear, your best defense revolves around not being seen by the enemy.

Strengths

• Low and slow means that it is extremely hard to spot.
• Low and slow means only tiny windows of fire are possible for people attacking you.
• It's easy to accurately drop bombs.
• It's easy to spot enemy tanks for your team.

Weaknesses

• Fragile.
• No real possibility to retaliate against attackers.
• Not very agile.
• Aiming rockets is hard, and gets even harder without a sight.