The Pe-2 "Peshka" was the Soviet answer to the Mosquito, a nimble and robust multi-role aircraft that was very successful in service. It was rather heavy on the controls at takeoff, though, and some of Russia's women pilots often needed the asistance of a second crew member to pull the control wheel back in order to leave the runway. It also had poor landing characteristics, and accidents were common. In the air, though, the Pe-2 was a fast and formidable aircraft.

Cool stuff for Pe-2 lovers: