Vakhmistrov I-Ze
| Vakhmistrov I-Ze | |
|---|---|
| Role | Parasite fighter |
| National origin | USSR |
| Designer | Vladimir Sergeyevich Vakhmistrov[1] |
The Vakhmistrov I-Ze was a parasite fighter designed in the USSR in 1934-5.[1]
Development[edit]
To take the best advantage of parasite bomber/fighter combinations like the Vakhmistrov Zveno project,[2] Vakhmistrov designed a special fighter to be carried by Kalinin VS-2 bombers. This aircraft was to have been a small low-wing monoplane powered by an 850 hp (630 kW) Gnome-Rhone GRKs engine. With a weight of only 1910 kg, it was expected that a top speed of 518 km/h (321 mph) would be attainable. Weight was to be kept to a minimum by the use of a centerline skid undercarriage and small dimensions:- a wingspan of 7.75m (25 ft 5in) and a wing area of only 10 m2 (110 sq ft).[1] Construction of the prototype was started but discontinued in 1936 when support faded for the Zvyeno ("link") concept, as the supporters were eliminated in the Stalinist purges.[1]
Specifications (I-Ze)[edit]
Data from [1]
General characteristics
- Crew: one
- Wingspan: 7.75 m (25 ft 5 in)
- Wing area: 10 m2 (110 sq ft)
- Gross weight: 1,910 kg (4,211 lb)
- Powerplant: 1 × GRKs , 630 kW (850 hp)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 518 km/h (322 mph, 280 kn)
See also[edit]
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
References[edit]
- Gunston, Bill. “The Osprey Encyclopaedia of Russian Aircraft 1875 – 1995”. London, Osprey. 1995. ISBN 1-85532-405-9