Tupolev Tu-12
The Tupolev Tu-12 was an experimental bomber developed by the Soviet Union to familiarize designers and aircrew with jet powered bombers. To speed development, it was based on the piston engined Tu-2 medium bomber. Power was provided by two imported British Rolls-Royce Nene jet engines. In addition to the prototype, five production aircraft were built powered by the RD-45 engine, the Soviet unlicensed copy of the Nene engine.
Evaluation showed a dramatic increase in maximum speed, ceiling and rate of climb. However, range was reduced due to the faster consumption of fuel. Trials against Soviet MiG-9 and Yak-23 jet fighters helped develop tacts for both types of aircraft. The Tu-12s were then used for aircraft familiarization for Soviet aircrew.
The aircraft ended their lives as testbeds, with one converted to a drone and another (redesignated Tu-12LL) used to test pulse jet engines on a pylon above the fuselage.
