KhAI-5 I.G.Neman

Drawing (20k) of KhAI-5 prototype from 'Modelist-Konstructor' magazine;

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KhAI-5 was a prototype of the fast photo-reconnaissance aircraft. It featured numerous innovations developed for KhAI-1 aircraft, including retractable gear (tail wheel also retractable), wing and control surfaces with stressed skin, internal bomb/camera bay, new type of gunner's turret (I.V.Venevidov and G.M.Mozharovskij), and remotely controlled camera capable to make shots at 800 relatively to flight direction.
Neman's slogan was "No parts in the air flow", so the whole design was very clean.
Development of this very promising design was terminated after I.G.Neman was arrested (not an extraordinary case in late 30's) and his design bureau was disbanded.
References:
  • "History of aircraft construction in the USSR" by V.B.Shavrov, Vol.2 p.42;
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  • R-10, Neman
    		• Technical data
    Year 1936
    Function Prototype for reconnaissater and light bomber
    Crew 2
    Engine 1*712hp Cyclone F-3
    Length 9.4m
    Wing Span 12.2m
    Wing Area 26.8m2
    Empty Weight 1650kg
    Take off Weight 2515kg
    Wing load 94kg/m2
    Power load 3.6kg/hp
    Turn time 18sec
    Speed at 0m 350km/h
    Speed at 2500m 388km/h
    Landing Speed 125km/h
    Landing Roll 230m
    15sec
    Take off roll 250m
    14sec
    Climb
    1000m 2.4min
    5000m 12.0min
    Range 1050km
    Ceiling 7700m
    Armament
    Guns 3*mg7.62mm ShKAS
    Bombs 300kg (6*FAB-50) inside
    Modified December 2, 1997
    by Alexandre Savine;    		 Back to
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