Ardpol 72-016 PZL-46 SUM

The PZL.46 Sum was a prototype Polish light bomber and reconnaissance aircraft with an all-metal structure, low wing configuration, with a fixed undercarriage. The drive was provided by a single engine Bristol Pegasus XXB with a maximum power of 920 hp. The prototype flight took place in 1938. The plane never entered mass production. The armament was to consist of 4 7.92 mm FK wz.36 machine guns, 2 7.92 mm PWU wz.37 machine guns and a load of up to 600 kg of bombs.

Work on the PZL.46 Sum began in 1937, when the Polish Aviation Command asked the PZL plants to develop a new light bomber that would be the successor to the PZL.23 Karaś. These plants - as it were - necessarily based on the experience gained in the production and operation of the PZL.23 aircraft and on the conclusions drawn from the experimental PZL.42. First of all, a more powerful engine was used in the new machine, the aerodynamics of the wings and fuselage were much more refined, a completely new bombardier-shooter nacelle and a sheltered rear gunner position. These changes have led to a significant increase in performance. However, due to the prolonged design work on improving the machine, the PZL.46 Sum never entered mass production. In total, only 2 prototypes of this aircraft were built.