ANBO IV


The ANBO IV was a reconnaissance aircraft used by the Lithuanian Air Force in World War II, designed by Lithuanian aircraft designer Antanas Gustaitis. The Lithuanian ANBO 41 was far ahead of the most modern foreign reconnaissance aircraft of that time in structural features, and most importantly in speed and in rise time. All ANBO 41 aircraft were likely destroyed during World War II.

Development

The ANBO IV was developed from the ANBO III trainer. The design was supervised by colonel Antanas Gustaitis. The first flight took place on July 14, 1932, and the prototype was powered by a Wasp engine. After successful trials, series production began. Thirteen series-built aircraft were powered by British Bristol Pegasus engines and were manufactured by Lithuanian Aircraft State Factory. It could be armed with two pairs of light machine guns and could carry 200 kg of bombs.

Operational history

ANBO IVs were introduced into Lithuanian Air Force in 1934 and shortly before that a few aircraft made demonstration flights in a few European countries: Soviet Union, France, United Kingdom and most Scandinavian countries. Between June 25 and July 29, 1934, three aircraft commanded by colonel Gustaitis flew 10,000 km route.
ANBO IV and ANBO 41 aircraft equipped one and two reconnaissance squadrons respectively in Lithuanian Air Force, at the time of the Soviet Occupation of Baltic Republics in the summer of 1940.
A showing that at least one Anbo IV or Anbo 41 survived this period and was operated by the Luftwaffe during the German occupation.

Variants

;ANBO IV
;ANBO 41

Operators