Advantages of the Po-2 and Night Tactics

Gary explains how the light wooden planes evaded detection and the tactical benefits of slow, maneuverable craft.

Play episode from 08:53

chevron_right

Transcript

chevron_right

Transcript

Episode notes

In the dark skies over the Eastern Front of World War II, the Soviet Union deployed one of the most unusual and effective combat units of the war: the Night Witches.

Officially the 588th Night Bomber Regiment, this unit flew outdated, fragile biplanes on nighttime harassment missions against German forces, cutting their engines to glide silently toward their targets before dropping bombs.

More notably, the regiment was entirely composed of women.

Learn about the Night Witches on this episode of Everything Everywhere Daily.

Sponsors