I-16 Type 6 by N.N.Polikarpov

b/w 80k Type 6 from Ever Changing Page of Roy Cochrun. Interestingly, the windshield installed appears to be a rear cockpit windshield from late UTI-4 trainer

In late 1937 the I-16 Type 5 was replaced in production line by better powered Type 6 with improved M-25A engine. It also had fixed smaller single-peace windscreen to comply with pilots suggestions. More advanced gunsight PAK-1 replaced OP-1 tube. Gun camera became more common than in the Type 5, and trim tab was added to the flaps on late production models (retrofitted on service aircraft too).
For winter operation fixed skis could be employed. Before arrival of the Il-2 many I-16 Type 6 were used for ground attack, carrying 4 or 6 RS-82 unguided rockets.
Served with Spanish Republican airforce since May 21, 1937 (first delivery), reassigned to training units when better armed Type 10 was delivered. Some early Type 6 served in China (differed by old OP-1 gunsight).
During the World War II few of Type 6 were captured by Finnish Army, only one was airworthy. It had a fixed ski undercarriage, replaced lated by wheels. Used in combat.
16k photo of Finn captured Type 6
About 700 built.
PredecessorsModifications

I-16 Type 5
I-16 Type 10
ReferencesLinks
  • "History of aircraft construction in the USSR" by V.B.Shavrov, Vol.1 p.495;
  • 'Polikarpov Fighters in action, Part 2' by Hans-Herri Stapfer.
    		•
  • See the I-16 Links Page
    		• Technical data
    Type I-16 Type 6
    Function Fighter
    Year 1937
    Crew 1
    Engines 1*650/730hp M-25A
    Length 6.07m
    Wingspan 9.0m
    Wing area 14.5m2
    Empty weight 1260kg
    Loaded weight 1660kg
    Wing load 114.5kg/m2
    Power load 2.27kg/hp
    Maximum Speed (ground) 390km/h
    Maximum Speed at 3000m 440km/h
    Landing Speed 115km/h
    Turn time 15.5sec
    Ceiling 9100m
    Takeoff roll 12sec
    210m
    Landing Roll 250m
    Climb
    5000m 6.3min
    Armament
    Guns
    (wings)    		 2*mg 7.62mm ShKAS
    900rpg
    Bombs 200kg
    Rockets 4 or 6 RS-82
    Created March 05, 1998
    by Alexandre Savine    		 Back to
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