Biplanes of the 1930s and 1940s
(Ne-51A-1, Ki-10-II, U-2/Po-2VS) In the early 1930s, biplanes of various types and purposes formed the basis of the air forces of many countries. They had their advantages, including good stability in the air, high maneuverability and reliability. This allowed many of them to remain in service with the Air Force throughout the 1930s and 1940s. They also took an active part in the hostilities of the Second World War. The Ki-10 fighter of the Imperial Japanese Army was one of the best biplanes of its time, and during World War II it was used to train aviation units. The U-2 aircraft was one of the most massive and famous aircraft in the history of world aviation; the U-2VS modification was effectively used as a light night bomber. The Heinkel He 51 biplane became the first serial fighter of the German Luftwaffe. The prototype aircraft made its first flight in the summer of 1933, and serial production began in 1935. On the eve of World War II, these aircraft were transferred to training units.
