The Petlyakov Pe-8 was the only Soviet four-engined bomber to actually be used for bombing during the war (the older TB-3 having been relegated to transport duties). With a layout remarkably similar to the Boeing B-17, the Pe-8 was widely regarded to be a promising addition to the Soviet arsenal on account of its good speed, powerful defensive armament and especially its range. Unfortunately, official indifference to strategic bombing relative to mass-produced tactical bombers never allowed the Pe-8 to be produced in anything more than a trickle despite promising perfomance. Nevertheless, Pe-8s were famous for a number of raids deep into Germany (including Berlin) and Eastern Europe as well as for unprecedented long flights like that which flew Foreign Minister Molotov from Moscow to Washington in 1942. Some examples continued in service well into the 1950s.

Known at first as the TB-7, this aircraft was developed from the ANT-42 prototypes which were flown in 1936-37. All prototypes were fitted with a fifth engine fitted under the fuselage but this was subsequently removed in production units. The TB-7 was under production for only a year with no major variants aside from constant engine changes which included the AM-35A, M-30B, and the M-82 radial to which many were re-converted. It was designated to the more recognizable Pe-8 after 1940.