Technical requirements on this new generation front line bomber (so designation FB, Frontovoj Bombardirovschik) became clear in 1940:

twin-engined aircraft;
speed close to fighter's;
all-weather operation;
internal bomb bay allowing to carry heavy bombs;
dive bombing capability;
long operation range;
appropriate defensive armament;

Officially project started on March 1, 1940. Most of the design team (including also R.L.Bartini and S.P.Korolev) was imprisoned as the 'Enemies of the People', and the first aircraft was built on January 8, 1941. Planned M-120 engines were not ready and aircraft was redesigned for available AM-37 powerplants with 3-blade VISh-61T propeller.

Crew included 3 members: pilot in front cockpit, navigator and gunner - in rear behind the wing.

Maiden flight (January 29, 1941) was performed by test-pilot M.A.Nukhtikov and engineer V.A.Miruts. Trials continued until July 1941 (State Trials). ANT-58 was clearly superior over series built Pe-2 in speed, bomb load and armament. Handling also was excellent.

'103' was slightly smaller than following prototypes and series aircraft.

Technical requirements on this new generation front line bomber (so designation FB, Frontovoj Bombardirovschik) became clear in 1940:

Specifications