An important technical event was the manufacture of the ER-2 long-range night bomber, designed by V. G. Ermolayev, at the Plant. The unorthodox wing configuration — 'inverted gull-wing' offered many advantages as to stability and controllability, but gave rise to essential technological problems. Some scientific and research institutes and engineering services of the Plant were successful to solve the complicated problem of manufacture of large-size parts from high-strength steels. More than 300 aircrafts ER-2 in its bomber version were built at the Plant. Fourty five ER-2 bombers manufactured at the Irkutsk Plant adopted by the 16th Air Army of the 2nd Byelorussian Front took part in the conclusive actions for the seizure of Berlin in April—May, 1945. In January, 1944 two aircrafts were converted info a ER-2 ON (special-purpose) executive version to transport the country leaders. The aircraft could carry 10 to 12 passengers for 10 to 15 h of flight.

1948. February, 23