Pe2

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The Petlyakov Pe-2 was a Soviet light bomber used extensively during World War II. Regarded as one of the war's top ground attack aircraft, it proved successful in heavy fighter, reconnaissance, and night fighter roles. With its performance similarities to the British de Havilland Mosquito, the Pe-2 stood out for its exceptional speed, agility, and ruggedness. A total of 11,427 Pe-2s were produced during the war, surpassing all other twin-engined combat aircraft in production numbers, except for the German Junkers Ju 88 and British Vickers Wellington. After the war, several Communist nations flew the type, earning it the NATO reporting name Buck. Six captured Pe-2s were also transferred from Germany to Finland's Air Force during the Continuation War, bearing serial code PE- and the unofficial nickname Pekka-Eemeli.