**During the Great Patriotic War, the Pe-2 was the most massive Soviet bomber. The development of the Pe-2 was started in mid-1938 by a group of designers led by V.M.Petlyakov in the TSKB-29. Pe-2 fought on all fronts and in naval aviation of all fleets. In the hands of Soviet pilots, the Pe-2 fully revealed its inherent capabilities. Speed, maneuverability,**** powerful weapons plus durability, reliability and survivability were its distinctive features. From the first to the last day of the Great Patriotic War, the "Pawn" served faithfully.**