P-2, N.N.Polikarpov


B
iplane 2-seat trainer with 224kW M-6 engine. Aircraft was intended for transitional (Perekhodnyj, so "P" stays) training from U-2 to R-5. It differed from all contemporary Soviet biplanes by single diagonal strut replacing wing lift and ant-lift wires. The idea was to simplify tuning of biplane box. This technic worked fine on pre-production aircraft.
Factory 'Red Pilot' started production in 1928. Once aircraft came into service, problems started to rise with wing adjustment. Moreover, P-2 started to show dangerous delays during spin. More than 200 flights were performed to improve spin behavior. In process of wing adjustment designers had to return to bracing tapes, try several lengths of struts, incidence angle for upper and lower wing.
Result was quite predictable - 'over-adjusted' wings collapsed in flight. Pilot B.L.Bukhgolts baled out with parachute. P-2 saw very limited service, and retired R-1 were used as transitional trainers.
Only 55 built in 1928-1930.
PredecessorsModifications

I-3
R-5
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  • P-2, Polikarpov
    References:
  • "History of aircraft construction in the USSR" by V.B.Shavrov, Vol.1 p.391;
    		• Technical data
    Type P-2
    Function Transitional trainer
    Year 1927
    Crew 2
    Engines 1*300hp M-6
    Length 7.84m
    Wingspan 10.4m
    Wing area 28.0m2
    Empty weight 1000kg
    Loaded weight 1470kg
    Wing load 52.0kg/m2
    Power load 4.8kg/hp
    Speed at 0m 208km/h
    Landing Speed 85km/h
    Landing Roll 16sec
    200m
    Takeoff Roll 7sec
    80m
    Turn time 14sec
    Range 800km
    Flight Endurance 4.0h
    Ceiling 5680m
    Climb
    1000m 3.3min
    2000m 7.7min
    3000m 12.7min
    5000m 32.0min
    Armament
    Guns 1*mg defensive
    Modified February 03, 1998
    by Alexandre Savine;    		 Back to
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