I-16TK, N.N.Polikarpov

T
he high altitude modification of the I-16 Type 10, fitted with two TK-1 turbosuperchargers. TK-1 was developed in the TsIAM. Both TK-1 operated in parallel as first stage of compression with PTsN as the second stage. Armament was reduced to pair of nose-mounted ShKAS machine guns to save weight. Landing gear was also strengthened to handle increased weight.
To provide room for the TK-1's engine cowling and exhaust system were redesigned with additional air intakes and heat resistant steel plates behind the supercharger exhaust. Fixed-pitch propeller was replaced by 'hydromatic' constant rotation rate AV-1 propeller with 30dig range of pitch change.
The I-16TK program was phased out as more powerful M-62 and M-63 engines became available. Decision was made to try TK-1 with those engines, but it became obvious that I-16 airframe provides no room for heavier turbocharged powerplants.
Performance of the I-16TK vs the standard I-16 Type 10
Modification I-16TK I-16 Type 10
Ceiling 11000m 8260m
Speed 494km/h at 8600m 448km/h at 3160m
PredecessorsModifications

I-16 Type 10		 None
ReferencesLinks
  • "History of aircraft construction in the USSR" by V.B.Shavrov, Vol.1 p.496;
  • 'Polikarpov Fighters in action, Part 2' by Hans-Herri Stapfer.
    		•
  • See the I-16 Links Page
    		• Technical data
    TypeI-16TK
    Function Experimental fighter
    Year 1939
    Crew 1
    Engines 1*750/775hp M-25V with two TK-1
    Length 6.07m
    Wingspan 9.0m
    Wing area 14.5m2
    Empty weight 1443kg
    Loaded weight 1840kg
    Wing load 127kg/m2
    Power load 2.45kg/hp
    Speed at 8600m 494km/h
    Landing Speed km/h
    Landing Roll 290m
    18sec
    Takeoff Roll 220m
    12sec
    Ceiling 11,000m
    Climb
    3000m 3.0min
    5000m 6.1min
    7000m 9.0min
    10000m 13min
    Armament
    Guns 2*mg (nose) 7.62mm ShKAS 650rpg
    Created August 08
    Modified March 10, 1998 by Alexandre Savine    		 Back to
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