PlaneFox tracks 1 Po-2 aircraft for sale and re-reads every one of them from the broker and dealer sites it watches, so the figures below move when the market moves. Every number on this page is measured from those live listings, not taken from a published price guide.
A Polikarpov Po-2 flies about 340 nm, roughly 630 km, which is about 5 h 46 min in still air at typical cruise.
The Polikarpov Po-2, originally designated U-2 until 1944, is a Soviet two-seat biplane designed by Nikolai Polikarpov. It first flew in 1927 and entered production in 1928, with Soviet production continuing into the 1950s and licensed Polish CSS-13 production following after the Second World War. Built primarily as a basic trainer, the type also served as a liaison aircraft, ambulance, agricultural aircraft, observation platform and night harassment bomber. Its significance comes from its simple structure, low-speed handling and extraordinary service history rather than speed or payload. Surviving examples are usually considered historic aircraft rather than practical cross-country machines.
The Po-2 is powered by a five-cylinder Shvetsov M-11 radial engine, most commonly in versions rated around 100 to 125 hp depending on installation. Typical cruise speed is about 60 to 70 knots, with a maximum speed commonly quoted near 80 knots. Range is generally around 340 nautical miles in standard configurations, subject to fuel fit and operating conditions. Service ceiling is approximately 13,000 feet. Published weights vary by variant, but many Po-2 aircraft have a maximum takeoff weight around 2,300 lb, with useful load in the region of 600 lb. The aircraft’s defining operating trait is its very low stall speed and forgiving control response, offset by modest climb and limited wind capability.
The Polikarpov Po-2 has two open tandem cockpits, with the student or passenger typically seated forward and the pilot aft in trainer configuration. There is no enclosed cabin, limited weather protection and minimal baggage accommodation. Original instrumentation was basic, reflecting its 1920s training role. Buyers should not expect factory avionics comparable to Garmin Perspective, G1000 or other integrated glass suites. Restored aircraft may carry modern VHF radio, transponder, ADS-B equipment, intercom and compact GPS, installed discreetly to meet current operating requirements while preserving historical character.
Used-market examples are rare and usually trade as collector aircraft, museum-quality restorations or active vintage warbirds. Inspection should focus on wood structure, fabric condition, wing and tail bracing, corrosion in fittings, control cables, landing gear, engine condition and the authenticity of logbooks and restoration records. Parts availability for the Shvetsov M-11 and original systems can be a limiting factor, so spares packages and specialist support materially affect value. Common identities include U-2, Po-2 and Polish-built CSS-13 aircraft, while military, trainer, ambulance and agricultural histories can influence desirability. The Po-2 is best compared with other antique open-cockpit biplanes, not modern light sport or touring aircraft.