The Most Advanced Bomber You’ve Never Heard Of

The PZL.37 Łoś, or “Moose,” was a Polish twin-engine bomber that combined sleek design and advanced engineering. Measuring 42 feet 5 inches long with a wingspan of 58 feet 10 inches, it could carry an impressive bomb load of up to 5,688 pounds—an exceptional feat for its size.

Capable of speeds up to 249 mph, the Łoś outpaced many fighters of its time, even surprising German pilots with its speed and agility.

Born Out of Need

In the mid-1930s, Poland faced growing threats from Germany and the Soviet Union. To strengthen its defenses, the Polish military envisioned a versatile bomber capable of reconnaissance, penetration missions, and light bombing. This led to the creation of the Łoś, designed to replace outdated reconnaissance planes and aging bombers.

Ahead of its Time

The Łoś featured a groundbreaking airfoil-shaped fuselage that generated extra lift, compensating for its compact design. Its advanced wing structure reduced drag, allowing its twin Bristol Pegasus radial engines to achieve higher speeds. Despite its smaller size, it carried a heavier payload than larger bombers, such as the British Vickers Wellington.

Its unique design included an innovative undercarriage for greater operational flexibility and a twin-tail configuration that improved stability and rear gunner visibility. By 1937, production was underway, and by 1939, Poland’s Air Force had 86 Łoś bombers.

Combat and Tragic Circumstances

The Łoś attracted international interest, with orders from several countries after successful showcases in Belgrade and Paris. However, the German invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939, thrust the bomber into action prematurely. Though Polish defenses struggled under the onslaught, Łoś crews valiantly conducted bombing missions against advancing German forces.

With the Soviet invasion on September 17, 1939, surviving Łoś bombers were flown to Romania, where they were later incorporated into Romanian operations against the Soviets. In April 1944, a handful returned to combat briefly before being retired.