VEF I-16

The VEF Irbītis I-16 was a Latvian fighter in the prototype stage. It was constructed in 1939 by Karlis Irbītis and built by the company valsts elektrotehniskā fabrika (VEF ). The development was stopped under the Soviet occupation of Latvia and related purge of the staff of the VEF. The only built specimen was later captured by the Wehrmacht and tested by the then Air Force.

Design Features

The I-16 was a conventional monoplane in low ceiling design with an air-cooled turbocharged V -12 engine of Czechoslovak origin, a two-bladed propeller, blown cab hood and rounded wingtips. The prototype had a solid, non- retractable landing gear, while a retractable landing gear was provided for the standard version. The prototype was unarmed, but the installation of two Browning machine guns in the fuselage was provided, and there was the option under each wing an extra gun to attach to.

Specifications

  • Crew: 1
  • Length: 7.30 m
  • Wingspan: 8.23 m
  • Height: 2.70 m
  • Area: 11.4 m²
  • Empty weight: 1100 kg
  • Takeoff weight: 1550 kg
  • Powerplant: one Walter Sagitta I- SR with 343 kW power
  • Maximum speed: 483 km / h
  • Range: 805 km
  • Ceiling: 8,100 m
  • Wing loading: 136 kg / m²
  • Power / weight ratio: 220 W / kg
  • Armament: 2 x 0.303 inch ( 7.7 mm ) Browning machine guns
Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact John Browning
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