The
Tupolev Tu-2 (development names
ANT-58 and
103;
NATO reporting name Bat) was a twin-engine Soviet high-speed daylight and front-line (SDB and FB) bomber aircraft of
World War II vintage. The Tu-2 was tailored to meet a requirement for a high-speed bomber or
dive-bomber, with a large internal bomb load, and speed similar to that of a single-seat fighter. Designed to challenge the
German Junkers Ju 88, the Tu-2 proved comparable, and was produced in
torpedo,
interceptor and
reconnaissance versions. The Tu-2 was one of the outstanding combat aircraft of World War II and it played a key role in the
Red Army's final offensives.