VEF I-16

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The VEF I-16 was a prototype Latvian fighter aircraft designed by Karlis Irbitis (Kārlis Irbītis) and produced by VEF in 1939. Development was halted by the Soviet occupation of Latvia and subsequent purges of VEF personnel. The only example built was later captured by German forces and tested by the Luftwaffe.

[edit] Description

The I-16 was of conventional monoplane layout with an supercharged and air-cooled V-12 engine of Czech origin, a two-bladed propellor, a blown canopy, and a low set wing with rounded wingtips. The prototype had fixed undercarriage with aerodynamic fairings, but production models were to have retractable landing gear. While unarmed, there were provisions for two Browning machine guns in the fuselage, along with the ability to carry one additional gun under each wing.

[edit] Specifications (I-16)

General characteristics

• Crew: One
• Length: 7.30 m (23 ft 11 in)
• Wingspan: 8.23 m (27 ft 0 in)
• Height: 2.70 m (8 ft 10 in)
• Wing area: 11.4 m² (122 ft²)
• Empty weight: 1,100 kg (2,420 lb)
• Loaded weight: 1,550 kg (3,410 lb)
• Max takeoff weight: kg (lb)
• Powerplant: 1× Walter Sagitta I-SR , 343 kW (460 hp)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 483 km/h (301 mph)
• Range: 805 km (503 miles)
• Service ceiling: 8,100 m (26,568 ft)
• Rate of climb: m/s (ft/min)
• Wing loading: 136 kg/m² (28 lb/ft²)
• Power/mass: 220 W/kg (0.13 hp/lb)

Armament

• 2x .303 in (7.7 mm) Browning machine guns

[edit] External links

• VEF IRBITIS I-16 at LatvianAviation.com

[edit] Related content

Designation sequence

VEF I-11 - VEF I-12 - VEF I-14 - VEF I-15 - VEF I-16 - VEF I-17 - VEF I-18 - VEF I-19