The WWII Bomber Strap With 88 Sub Machine-Guns You Didn’t Know About

During World War II, the Soviet Union experimented with some unconventional designs to enhance its military capabilities. One of the most unusual innovations was a modified version of the Tupolev Tu-2 bomber, designed to deliver devastating firepower against ground targets. This experimental aircraft, nicknamed the “Fire Hedgehog,” was equipped with 88 PPSh-41 submachine guns, turning it into a flying arsenal.

The Tupolev Tu-2: A Proven Platform

The Tupolev Tu-2, introduced in 1941, was one of the Soviet Union’s most reliable bombers. Comparable to the American B-26 Marauder, the Tu-2 was versatile, rugged, and well-suited for low-level attack missions. It featured armored protection for its crew and critical components, making it a durable option for missions against German forces. The bomber’s standard armament included two forward-firing 20mm cannons and three rear-firing 7.62mm machine guns, providing decent offensive and defensive capabilities.

As the Red Army advanced westward in 1944, Soviet engineers sought to increase the Tu-2’s lethality against enemy infantry and light vehicles. Weapons designers Nadashkovich and S.V. came up with the idea of replacing the bomber’s bomb load with a new weapon system—an array of PPSh-41 submachine guns mounted in the aircraft’s bomb bay.

The PPSh-41: An Unusual Choice

The PPSh-41, affectionately known as the “Papasha” by Soviet troops, was a highly effective infantry submachine gun. Chambered for the 7.62x25mm Tokarev round, it had a blistering rate of fire at 900 rounds per minute. It was widely used by Soviet forces and admired for its reliability and ease of manufacture. However, its relatively short range made it an unusual choice for an aerial weapon.

For the “Fire Hedgehog” project, 88 PPSh-41s were mounted in a custom rack inside the Tu-2’s bomb bay. Each submachine gun was loaded with a 50-round drum magazine, and the entire system was synchronized to fire simultaneously. This configuration allowed the bomber to unleash a staggering 6,200 rounds in just four seconds, blanketing a narrow area of approximately 1,800 feet in length and four feet in width.

Testing the “Fire Hedgehog”

Aiming the “Fire Hedgehog” required a specialized sight installed in the cockpit. The pilot could activate the weapon system with the press of a button, releasing a deadly hail of bullets onto enemy positions. Tests showed that the weapon was highly effective against personnel, light vehicles, and unarmored fortifications. The incendiary rounds fired by the PPSh-41s could also ignite fuel and ammunition depots, adding to its destructive potential.

Despite its effectiveness, the system had significant drawbacks. Reloading the 88 submachine guns and replacing jammed weapons was an arduous task for ground crews. The Tu-2 also had to fly at extremely low altitudes—under 800 feet—to ensure the PPSh-41’s rounds would hit their targets, exposing the aircraft to intense ground fire from German forces. These vulnerabilities, combined with the logistical challenges, led to the project’s cancellation.

Although the “Fire Hedgehog” never entered operational service, both the Tu-2 and the PPSh-41 remained important tools for the Soviet military. The Tu-2 served throughout World War II and beyond, with the last examples being retired by Soviet-aligned nations as late as 1982. The PPSh-41, on the other hand, became one of the most iconic submachine guns of the 20th century, seeing action in conflicts around the world, including recent use in Ukraine.