E xperiments with parasite fighters (see Vakhmistrov's Zveno
article) continued with considerable success during 10 years. Finally was found that the 'lower' configuration is the most
practical. In this case (Zveno-6) two I-16 were attached under the wing of carrier
bomber, outboard from the outer engines.
Unusual practical application of Zveno-6 was the Composite Dive Bomber, Sostavnoj Pikirujuschij
Bombardirovschik. It was a TB-3 heavy bomber carrying two
fighter under the wings. Fighters were attached while on the ground, than their
landing gear was retracted. Procedure required minimal jacking. Each I-16
carried in turn up to 1000kg bombs. I-16 were released near the target,
performed high precision dive bombing and return to the base on their own. This allowed to combine long range of
heavy bomber with high-speed strike by small and agile
fighters.
First flight was performed in July 1937 by pilots Stefanovsky (carrier),
Nikolaev and Taborovskij (I-16s).
At least six SPB were built, and used (mostly) early in the Second World War on Black Sea Theater. More than thirty missions
were performed during 1941. Last (known to me - A.S.) sortie was flown (according
to Shavrov) on May 25, 1943 against
Dunabe bridge at Chyernovod. This bridge had very strong anti-aircraft defense system, and few attacks by
Il-4 failed. Then single SPB was sent. After approaching undetected from the sea,
TB-3 released I-16s. Those
approached bridge at high speed and altitude... and destroyed the target fifth their four
FAB-250 bombs. All three aircraft returned safely.
| Predecessors | Modifications |
|---|
|
Zveno-6
|
Zveno-7
|
| Technical data |
|---|
