Petlyakov Pe-8 Diecast Model
Soviet Air Force

The Petlyakov Pe-8, also known as TB-7 was a Soviet heavy bomber aircraft of World War II, the only four-engined bomber the USSR built during the war. The USSR had no plans for strategic bombardment, and only a few Pe-8 attacks on Germany were flown, the first in early August, 1941 (only weeks after the German attack on the USSR had started), when aircraft of the 81 DBAD (Long Range Bomber Division) bombed Berlin. Most Pe-8 attacks on Berlin were 'nuisance' bombings involving only a handful of aircraft (e.g. 14 in the first raid). It was used in the strategic bomber role to attack targets in German-held Eastern Europe and as a tactical bomber to support ground forces in the battles of Stalingrad and Kursk. The Pe-8 at first equipped a single bomber regiment, the 432 BAP (ON) (432nd Special Bomber Regiment) and its reserve unit, the 433rd; they were later reorganized into the 746 and 890 BAP (bomber regiment).

Petlyakov Pe-8 Designed to meed a 1934 requirement for a four-engine heavy bomber, the Pe8 was first flown on December 27th, 1936.