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| LWS-4 (PZL-30) Zubr | ||
|---|---|---|
| Description | ||
| Role | Medium bomber | |
| Crew | 4 | |
| First Flight | March 1936 | |
| Entered Service | 1938 | |
| Manufacturer | LWS | |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 15.40 m | in |
| Wingspan | 18.50 m | in |
| Height | 4 m | in |
| Wing area | 49.5 m² | ft² |
| Weights | ||
| Empty | 4,788 kg | lb |
| Loaded | 6,747 kg | lb |
| Maximum takeoff | 6,876 kg | lb |
| Powerplant | ||
| Engines 2 x | Bristol Pegasus | |
| Power 2 x | Pegasus VIII | |
| 670-700 hp | kW | |
| Performance | ||
| Maximum speed | 341 km/h | mph |
| Combat range | 750 km (with bombs) | miles |
| Ferry range | 1,250 km | miles |
| Service ceiling | 6,700 m | ft |
| Rate of climb | 6.8 m/s | ft/min |
| Wing loading | 136 kg/m² (with bombs) | lb/ft² |
| Power/Mass | hp/lb | kW/kg |
| Armament | ||
| Guns | 5 x 7.7 mm machine guns: 2 in nose turret 2 in rear upper turret 1 in underbelly station | |
| Bombs | 660 kg | lbs |
The LWS-4 Zubr (PZL-30 Zubr) was the Polish twin-engine medium bomber, produced in a small series in the LWS factory before the World War II.
It was initially designed in the PZL in the early-1930s as a passenger plane. Since the Polish Airlines LOT bought Douglas DC-2 planes instead, the project was converted to a bomber aircraft, with a projected bomb load 1,200 kg. It was developed as an alternative less-advanced tradtional design, in case the modern bomber design, PZL.37 Los would fail. The first prototype, designated PZL-30 flew in March 1936 (only three months before PZL-37 prototype).
The plane was accepted for a limited production in the LWS factory in Lublin, with a name Zubr (in Polish - the wisent). It was planned to produce 16 aircraft for the Polish Air Force. After a crash of the PZL-30 prototype on November 7, 1936, caused by a weak construction of a wing, the aircraft was strengthened. Due to increased weight, the aircraft had much less bomb load, than expected. An improved prototype, designated LWS-6, was made with a double tail fin, and flown in the end of 1937. The serial variant, however, received a designation LWS-4 and returned to a single tail fin configuration. A series of 15 aircraft was built in 1938. There was also proposed a hydroplane variant LWS-5, but was rejected by the naval aviation due to its mass and low useful weight.
The produced 15 LWS-4 planes were given to the Polish Air Force. Just from the beginning, they were considered as too obsolete, and moved to training units. They revealed several faults as well - for example, an undercarriage retracted on some planes while landing. As training machines, these planes carried no armament. Zubr showed much inferior, than its counterpart PZL.37 Los, developed at the same time. For a similar price, it had older construction, worse speed, handling and, especially, much lower bomb load.
During the Polish September CampaignThe Polish September Campaign refers to the conquest of Poland by German and Soviet armies, and a small contingent of Slovak forces, in September 1939. The German plan was codenamed Fall Wei ("Fall Weiss" or "Case White") by the German Wehrmacht. This mil in 1939Events January-June January 2 End of term for Frank Finley Merriam, 28th Governor of California. He is succeeded by Culbert Levy Olson. January 24 Earthquake kills 30. 000 in Chile about 50. 000 sq mi razed January 26 Falangists take Barcelona January 26, Zubr's were not used in combat. Several planes were bombed by the Germans in air bases. The Germans captured several LWS-4 and the single LWS-6, and used them for training until at least 1942 (among others, for blind flying training). Ironically, the German service of this needless bomber was longer, than the Polish one.
Apart from the Polish Air Force, also the Romania showed an interest in Zubr prototype in 1936, and wanted to buy 24 planes. However, after the prototype crash on November 7, with two Romanian officers onboard, Romania resigned from this plane (it later ordered PZL.37 Los).
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