Forging Destiny: Sunrise of a new world

[Davout]

They're undergunned and underpowered but at least the Italian aircraft look stylish, especially compared to the French.

 

[trekaddict]

They're undergunned and underpowered but at least the Italian aircraft look stylish, especially compared to the French.

You want stylish?

 

[KiMaSa]

You want stylish?

I've found something even you will agree is more beautiful than a Spitfire...

A whole squadron of Spitfires.

 

[trekaddict]

*Falls over from Awesome*

 

[Kurt_Steiner]

They're undergunned and underpowered but at least the Italian aircraft look stylish, especially compared to the French.

Anything looks stylish compared to a French aircraft.









Even the CAC Boomerang.

 

[Davout]

Poor trekaddict. We are going to have to scrape him off the ceiling after that little episode. Very messy indeed.

 

[trekaddict]

Poor trekaddict. We are going to have to scrape him off the ceiling after that little episode. Very messy indeed.

I'm still here. What's worse is that I found that not only did they dubb Top Gear into German, they are also broadcasting very old episodes on the Saturday early evening slot.

 

[KiMaSa]

孝道​

Chapter LXXXIV: Air Italia, Part 2​

Bombers​

Savoia-Marchetti SM.79 Sparviero

Italian aircraft have previously been noted as lacking in engine performance. In compensation for this fact, the Italians have constructed the SM.79 around three Alfa Romeo radial engines and in doing so have created perhaps the best medium bomber in existence today.

Specification
MODEL S.M.79-I
CREW 5
ENGINE 3 x Alfa Romeo 126 RC.34, 582kW
WEIGHTS
Take-off weight 10480 kg 23105 lb
Empty weight 6800 kg 14992 lb
DIMENSIONS
Wingspan 21.2 m 70 ft 7 in
Length 15.8 m 52 ft 10 in
Height 4.3 m 14 ft 1 in
Wing area 61.7 m2 664.13 sq ft
PERFORMANCE
Max. speed 430 km/h 267 mph
Ceiling 6500 m 21350 ft
Range 1900 km 1181 miles
ARMAMENT 3 x 12.7mm machine-guns, , 1 x 7.7mm machine-guns, 1250kg of bombs
​

Breda Ba.82

A new design medium bomber under development. With the history of uninspiring performance of Italian engines, analysts predict this design to fall short of operational requirements.

General characteristics
* Crew: 4
* Length: 14.00 (45 ft 11 in)
* Wingspan: 21.00 m (68 ft 10¾ in)
* Height: 4.50 (14 ft 9 in)
* Wing area: 66 m² (710 ft²)
* Empty weight: 6,840 kg (15,079 lb)
* Loaded weight: 10,400 kg (22,928 lb)
* Powerplant: 2× Fiat A.80 RC 41, 745 kW (1000 hp) each
Performance
* Maximum speed: 425 km/h (229 kn, 264 mph)
* Cruise speed: 368 km/h (199 kn, 229 mph)
* Service ceiling: 9,500 m (31,168 ft)
Armament
* 3 x 7.7-millimeter (0.303-inch) Breda-SAFAT machine guns
​

Savoia-Marchetti SM.81 Pipistrello

Adapted from the SM.73 Airliner, this aircraft is a competent multirole bomber/transport.

General characteristics
* Crew: 6
* Length: 18.3 m (58 ft 5 in)
* Wingspan: 24 m (78 ft 9 in)
* Height: 4.3 m (14 ft 7 in)
* Wing area: 92.2 m² (1,001 ft²)
* Empty weight: 6,800 kg (AR.125 engines) (13,900 lb)
* Loaded weight: 9,300 kg (19,000 lb)
* Max takeoff weight: 10,505 kg (20,500 lb)
* Powerplant: 3× Piaggio P.X RC.15 (or Alfa Romeo 125 RC.35, 126 RC.34 or Gnome-Rhône 14K) radial engines, 522 kW (670 hp) each
Performance
* Maximum speed: 320-347 km/h (211 mph)
* Range: 2,000 km ferry range, 430 km with 2,000 kg and 640 km endurance with the same load, max practical combat range 1,500 km. (1,240 mi)
* Service ceiling: 7,000 m (23,000 ft)
* Wing loading: 101 kg/m² ()
* Power/mass: 4.9 hp/kg ()===Performance when fitted with Alfa Romeo 125 engines===
* Maximum speed 340 km/h at 4,000 m
* Cruise speed 260 km.
* Minimum speed 110 km/h.
Climb to
* 1,000 m (3,280 ft) in 4 min 15 s
* 3,000 m (9,840 ft) in 11 min 48 s
* 5,000 m (16,400 ft) in 20 min 36 s
Armament
* 6 × 7.7 mm (.303 in) Breda-SAFAT machine guns
* Up to 2,000 kg (4,409 lb) of bombs
​

Piaggio P.50

A heavy bomber currently under development.

(General characteristics
* Length: 19.8 m (64 ft 11½ in)
* Wingspan: 25.76 m (84 ft 6 in)
* Powerplant: 4 × Isotta-Fraschini XI RC V12 piston, 544 kW (730 hp) each
Performance
* Maximum speed: 435 km/h (270 mph)
Armament
* 3 x defensive machine gun positions
* 2,500 kg (5,512 lbs) of bombs)
​

Piaggio P.16

A three engined heavy bomber.

General characteristics
* Powerplant: 3 × Piaggio Stella IX RC 40 radial engines with two-stage superchargers, 417 kW (560 hp) each
Performance
* Maximum speed: 399 km/h (248 mph)
* Range: 1,496 km (930 miles)
Armament
* 2 x fixed 7.62-mm (0.3-in) machine guns in wing leading edge
* 1 x flexible 7.62-mm (0.3-in) machine gun in dorsal turret
* 1 x flexible 7.62-mm (0.3-in) machine gun in rear underside of fuselage
* 998kg of bombs (2,200lbs of bombs)
​

Piaggio P.32

A prototype medium bomber.

(General characteristics
* Crew: 5/6
* Length: 16.3 m (53 ft 6 in)
* Wingspan: 18 m (59 ft)
* Height: 5.1 m (16 ft 9 in)
* Wing area: 60 m² (645.6 ft²)
* Empty weight: 6,355 kg (13,981 lb)
* Max takeoff weight: 9,355 kg (20,581 lb)
* Powerplant: 2× Isotta Fraschini Asso XI RC 40 V12 inline engines, 615 kW (825 hp) each
Performance
* Maximum speed: 386 km/h (208 kn, 240 mph)
* Range: 1,950 km (1,053 nmi, 1,212 mi)
* Service ceiling: 7,250 m (23,780 ft)
* Climb to 5,000 m (16,400 ft) : 19 min 54 sec.
Armament
* 5 × 7.7 mm (0.303 in) Breda-SAFAT machine guns
* 1,600 kg (3,500 lb) of bombs)
​

Fiat BGA

Another prototype medium bomber design currently undergoing testing.

(General characteristics
* Length: 15.73 m (51 ft 7 in)
* Wingspan: 21.46 m (70 ft 5 in)
* Height: 4.85 m (15 ft 11 in)
* Wing area: 126.5 m2 (1,362 sq ft)
* Empty weight: 6,100 kg (13,448 lb) empty equipped
* Max takeoff weight: 9,080 kg (20,018 lb)
* Powerplant: 2 × Fiat A.80 RC 41 18-cylinder radial piston engine, 750 kW (1,000 hp) each
Performance
* Maximum speed: 405 km/h (252 mph; 219 kn)
* Range: 2,000 km (1,243 mi; 1,080 nmi)
* Service ceiling: 8,500 m (27,887 ft)
Armament
* Guns: three 7.7mm (0.303 in) machine-guns
* Bombs: 1000 kg in fuselage bay)
​

Fiat BR.20 Cicogna

Medium bomber introduced concurrently with the SM.79. Reportedly available for export.

Specification
CREW 4-5
ENGINE 2 x FIAT A.80 R.C.41, 735kW
WEIGHTS
Take-off weight 10100 kg 22267 lb
Empty weight 6400 kg 14110 lb
DIMENSIONS
Wingspan 21.6 m 71 ft 10 in
Length 16.2 m 53 ft 2 in
Height 4.8 m 16 ft 9 in
Wing area 74.0 m2 796.53 sq ft
PERFORMANCE
Max. speed 430 km/h 267 mph
Cruise speed 340 km/h 211 mph
Ceiling 7200 m 23600 ft
Range w/max.fuel 3000 km 1864 miles
ARMAMENT 2 x 12.7mm machine-guns, 2 x 7.7mm machine-guns, 1600kg of bombs​

Fiat CR.25

A recon bomber currently in the design phase.

(General characteristics
* Crew: 2 or 3 (a third member was needed for bombing missions)
* Length: 13.56 m (44 ft 6 in)
* Wingspan: 16 m (52 ft 6 in)
* Height: 3.30 m (10 ft 10 in)
* Wing area: 39.20 m² (421.39 ft²)
* Empty weight: 4,475 kg (9,845 lb)
* Loaded weight: 6,625 kg (14,575 lb)
* Powerplant: 2× Fiat A.74 RC-38 radial engines, 627 kW (840 hp) each
Performance
* Maximum speed: 450 km/h (241 kn, 278 mph)
* Range: 1,500 km (810 nmi, 925 mi)
* Service ceiling: 7,950 m (26,076 ft)
Armament
* Guns: 3 × 12.7 mm (.5 in) Breda-SAFAT machine guns
* Bombs: Up to 300 kg (660 lb))
​

CANT Z.1007

A land based bomber based on the Z.506 seaplane. Currently under development.

(General characteristics
* Crew: 5
* Length: 18.35 m (60 ft 2.5 in)
* Wingspan: 24.80 m (81 ft 4.5 in)
* Height: 5.22 m (17 ft 1.5 in)
* Wing area: 70 m² (750 ft²)
* Empty weight: 9,396 kg (20,715 lb)
* Max takeoff weight: 13,621 kg (30,029 lb)
* Powerplant: 3× Piaggio P.XI RC.40 radial engines, 745 kW (1,000 hp) each
Performance
* Maximum speed: 458 km/h (245 kn, 285 mph)
* Cruise speed: 338 km/h (183 kn, 210 mph)
* Range: 1,795 km (969 nmi, 1,115 mi)
* Service ceiling: 7,500 m (25,000 ft)
Armament
* Guns:
o 2 × 12.7 mm (0.5 in) Isotta-Fraschini Scotti or Breda-SAFAT machine guns
o 2 × 7.7 mm (0.303 in) Breda-SAFAT machine guns
* Bombs:
o 1,200 kg (2,645 lb) of bombs internally. 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) externally on underwing hardpoints. Or a combined load of 2,200 kg (4,900 lb) of bombs internally and on external hardpoints.
o 2 × 450 mm (17.7 in) 800 kg (1,800 lb), torpedoes)
​

Caproni Ca.135

Another medium bomber design. First flown in 1935, the Ca.135 was; like many Italian aircraft, underpowered.

Ca.135 P.XI
General characteristics
* Crew: 4 (sometimes 5)
* Length: 14.4 m (47 ft 3 in)
* Wingspan: 18.8 m (61 ft 8 in)
* Height: 3.4 m (11 ft 8 in)
* Wing area: 60.0 m² (645.86 ft²)
* Empty weight: 6,050 kg (13,340 lb)
* Max takeoff weight: 9,550 kg (21,050 lb)
* Powerplant: 2× Piaggio P.XI-RC40 14-cylinder radial engines, 746 kW (1,000 hp) each
Performance
* Maximum speed: 440 km/h (273 mph) at 4,800 m (15,750 ft)
* Cruise speed: 350 km/h (217 mph)
* Range: 2,600 km (1,244 mi)
* Service ceiling: 6,500 m (21,325 ft)
Armament
* 3 × 12.7 mm (0.5 in) dorsal Breda-SAFAT machine guns in nose, dorsal, and ventral turrets.
* 1,600 kg (3,527 lb) internal bomb load.





Reconnaissance aircraft​

IMAM Ro.37 Lince

A relatively successful biplane reconnaissance aircraft. Many have been exported.

General characteristics
* Crew: 2
* Length: 28 ft 1 in (8.56 m)
* Wingspan: 36 ft 4 in (11.08 m)
* Height: 10 ft 4 in (3.15 m)
* Wing area: 337.46 sq ft (31.35 m²)
* Empty weight: 3,494 lb (1,585 kg)
* Max takeoff weight: 5,335 lb (2,420 kg)
* Powerplant: 1× Piaggio P.IX RC.40, 9-cylinder, air-cooled, radial, piston engine, 560 hp (418 kW)
Performance
* Maximum speed: 205 mph (330 km/h)
* Cruise speed: 155 mph (250 km/h)
* Range: 696 miles (1,120 km)
* Service ceiling: 23,620 ft (7,200 m)
Armament
* Two 7.7mm (0.303in) fixed forward firing Breda-SAFAT machine guns
* One 7.7mm (0.303in) flexible mount machine gun in rear cockpit
* 397 lb (180kg) of bombs on underfuselage racks
​

IMAM Ro.43​

A naval seaplane spotter derived from the Ro.37

General characteristics
* Crew: Two
* Length: 9.71 m (31 ft 10 in)
* Wingspan: 11.57 m (37 ft 11 in)
* Height: 3.51 m (11 ft 6 in)
* Wing area: 33.36 m² (358 ft²)
* Loaded weight: 2,400 kg (5,300 lb)
* Powerplant: 1× Piaggio P.XR 9-cylinder radial engine, 522 kW (700 hp)
Performance
* Maximum speed: 300 km/h (162 knots, 186 mph) at 2,500 m (8,200 ft)
* Range: 1,500 km (590 nm, 678 mi)
* Service ceiling: 6,600 m (21,600 ft)
Armament
* 2 × 7.7 mm machine guns
​

Caproni Ca.111​

A fairly successful reconnaissance aircraft. Designed for use in areas where extensive ground support was unavailable.

General characteristics
* Crew: 2-4
* Length: 15.30 m (50 ft 3 in)
* Wingspan: 19.65 m (64 ft 3 in)
* Height: 3.85 m (12 ft 8 in)
* Wing area: 61.5 m² (662 ft²)
* Empty weight: 3,490 kg (7,694 lb)
* Gross weight: 5,490 kg (12,103 lb)
* Powerplant: 1 × Isotta-Fraschini Asso 750 RC, 619 kW (830 hp)
Performance
* Maximum speed: 290 km/h (180 mph)
* Range: 1,300 km (808 miles)
* Service ceiling: 6,700 m (21,980 ft)
* Rate of climb: 3.1 m/s (610 ft/min)
Armament
* 4 × 7.7 mm (.303 in) Breda-SAFAT machine gun in flexible positions in dorsal, ventral, and beam positions
* Up to 600 kg (1,323 lb) of bombs
​

Caproni-Begamaschi Ca.310 Libeccio​

A twin engined recon/bomber currently under development.

(General characteristics
* Crew: 3
* Length: 12.20 m (40 ft)
* Wingspan: 16.20 m (53 ft)
* Height: 3.52 m (11.5 ft)
* Wing area: 38.7 m² (127 ft²)
* Empty weight: 3,050 kg (6,724 lb)
* Loaded weight: 4,650 kg (10,251 lb)
* Powerplant: 2× Piaggio P.VIII C.35, 350 kW (470 hp) each
Performance
* Maximum speed: 365 km/h (227 mph)
* Cruise speed: 285-312 km/h (177-194 mph)
* Range: 1,690 km (1,050 mi)
* Service ceiling: 7,000 m (22,966 ft)
Armament
* Guns: 3 × 7.7 mm (0.303 in) Breda SAFAT machine guns (2 × 7.7 mm/0.303 in machine guns fixed forward firing mounted in the wing roots; 1 × 7.7 mm/0.303 in machine gun in a dorsal turret)
* Bombs: up to 450 kg (992 lb))





Patrol aircraft​

CANT Z.501​

A solid flying boat design used as a maritime reconnaissance aircraft.

General characteristics
* Crew: 4-5
* Length: 14.30 m (46 ft 11 in)
* Wingspan: 22.50 m (73 ft 9¾ in)
* Height: 4.40 m (14 ft 6 in)
* Wing area: 62 m² (670 ft²)
* Empty weight: 3,850 kg (8,490 lb)
* Max takeoff weight: 7,050 kg (15,300 lb)
* Powerplant: 1× Isotta Fraschini Asso XI RC2C.15 liquid-cooled V12 engine, 656 kW (880 hp)
Performance
* Maximum speed: 275 km/h (148 kn, 170 mph)
* Range: 2,400 km (1,300 nmi, 1,500 mi)
* Service ceiling: 7,000 m (23,000 ft)
Armament
* Guns: 3 × 7.7 mm (0.303 in) Breda-SAFAT machine guns (initially Vickers), but many had only two when the nose position was removed
* Bombs: 640 kg (1,400 lb) carried externally
​

CANT Z.506

A versatile and highly adaptable flying boat.

General characteristics
* Crew: 5
* Length: 19.24 m (63 ft 1.5 in)
* Wingspan: 26.50 m (86 ft 11.3 in)
* Height: 7.45 m (24 ft 5.3 in)
* Wing area: 86.26 m² (928.53 ft²)
* Empty weight: 8,750 kg (19,300 lb)
* Max takeoff weight: 12,705 kg (28,010 lb)
* Powerplant: 3× Alfa Romeo 126 RC.34 radial engines, 560 kW (750 hp) each
Performance
* Maximum speed: 350 km/h (190 kn, 220 mph)
* Range: 2,000 km (1,100 nmi, 1,200 mi)
* Service ceiling: 7,000 m (23,000 ft)
Armament
* Guns:
o 1 × 12.7 mm (0.50 in) Breda SAFAT machine gun
o 3 × 7.7 mm (0.303 in) machine guns
* Bombs:
o 1,200 kg (2,600 lb) of general ordnance or
o 1 × 800 kg (1,800 lb) torpedo
​

Transports

Savoia-Marchetti SM.75 Marsupiale

Transport currently under development.

(General characteristics
* Crew: 4 (+1 gunner in military use)
* Capacity: 18-25 passengers or 25 troops
* Length: 21.6 m (70 ft 10 in)
* Wingspan: 29.68 m (97 ft 4 in)
* Height: 5.1 m (16 ft 9 in)
* Wing area: 118.6 m² (1,276.14 ft²)
* Max takeoff weight: 13,000 kg (28,600 lb)
* Powerplant: 3× Alfa Romeo 126RC.34 radial piston, 559 kW (750 hp) each
Performance
* Maximum speed: 363 km/h (195 kn, 224 mph)
* Range: 1,720 km (928 nmi, 1,061 mi)
* Service ceiling: 6,250 m (20,500 ft)
Notes:
* Climb to 4,000 m (13,123 ft): 17 min 42 sec)







Next: The Air Forces of Mother Russia...​

 

[El Pip]

I'd forgotten quite how busy Bristol were at flogging engines to abroad, those triple Alfa Romeo engines were just licensed Bristols.

I congratulate you on wading through that list, scraping the Italian barrel of disappointment to yield a cavalcade of under-powered mediocrity. I'd admire your stamina.

 

[KiMaSa]

孝道
​

Chapter LXXXV: Wings of the Red Air Force Part 1...​

Soviet Union

Fighters​

Polikarpov I-5

First introduced in 1931, the I-5 is the standard fighter of the Soviet Air Force but is currently being superseded by newer designs.

General characteristics
* Crew: 1
* Length: 6.78 m (22 ft 3 in)
* Upper wingspan: 10.24 m (33 ft 7 in)
* Lower wingspan: 7.4 m (24 ft 3 in)
* Wing area: 21.3 m2 (229 sq ft)
* Airfoil: Göttingen-436
* Empty weight: 934 kg (2,059 lb)
* Gross weight: 1,355 kg (2,987 lb)
* Fuel capacity: 165
* Powerplant: 1 × Shvetsov M-22 9-cylinder, single-row radial engine, 358 kW (480 hp)
* Propellers: 2-bladed duralumin, 2.7 m (8 ft 10 in) diameter
Performance
* Maximum speed: 278 km/h (173 mph; 150 kn) at sea level
* Range: 660 km (410 mi; 356 nmi)
* Service ceiling: 7,500 m (24,606 ft)
* Time to altitude: 1.6 minutes to 1,000 metres (3,300 ft)
* Horizontal turn time: 10 sec
Armament
* Guns: 2 × 7.62-mm PV-1 machine guns
* Bombs: 2 × 22-lb (10-kg)
​

Kochyerigin DI-6

Adaptable as either a fighter or ground attack aircraft and powered by a licensed copy of the American Wright R-1820 radial engine, aircraft of this type have entered limited production.

General characteristics
* Crew: Two
* Length: 6.87 m (22 ft 6 in)
* Wingspan: 9.94 m (32 ft 7 in)
* Height: 3.2 m (10 ft 6 in)
* Wing area: 25.15 m² (270.7 ft²)
* Empty weight: 1,360 kg (2,998 lb)
* Loaded weight: 1,955 kg (4,310 lb)
* Powerplant: 1× Shvetsov M-25 radial engine, 522 kW (700 hp)
Performance
* Maximum speed: 372 km/h (201 knots, 231 mph)
* Range: 500 km (270 nm, 311 mi)
* Service ceiling: 7,700 m (25,262 ft)
* Wing loading: 78 kg/m² (16 lb/ft²)
* Power/mass: 267 W/kg (0.16 hp/lb)
* Time to altitude: 10 min to 5,000 m (16,400 ft)
* Horizontal turn time: 12 sec
Armament
* 3× 7.62 mm (0.3 in) ShKAS machine guns, two unsynchronized firing forward and one on a rear-facing mount, 750 rounds/gun
* Up to 40 kg (88 lb) of bombs
​

Borovkov-Florov I-207

A high speed, compact biplane project currently in development.

(General characteristics
* Crew: 1
* Length: 6.35 m (20 ft 10 in)
* Wingspan: 7 m (22 ft 11-3/4 in)
* Wing area: 18 m² (194 ft²)
* Empty weight: 1598 kg (3,523 lb)
* Gross weight: 1,950 kg (4,299 lb)
* Powerplant: 1 × Shvetsov M-62, 671 kW (900 hp)
Performance
* Maximum speed: 436 km/h (271 mph)
* Range: 700 km (435 miles)
* Service ceiling: 9,150 m (30,020 ft)
* Rate of climb: 13.44 m/s (2,,646 ft/min)
Armament
* 4 x 7.62mm ShKAS machine-guns in the forward fuselage.)
​

Polikarpov I-15

Powered by copies of the Bristol Jupiter radial engine, (later replaced by licensed copies of the Wright Cyclone R-1820.) The I-15 is a capable biplane fighter. Aircraft of this design have been exported to China.

General characteristics
* Crew: 1
* Length: 6.10 m (20 ft)
* Wingspan: 9.75 m (32 ft)
* Height: 2.20 m (7 ft 3 in)
* Wing area: 21.9 m² (236 ft²)
* Empty weight: 1,012 kg (2,231 lb)
* Loaded weight: 1,415 kg (3,120 lb)
* Powerplant: 1× M-22 radial engine, 353 kW (473 hp)[6]
Performance
* Maximum speed: 350 km/h (220 mph)
* Range: 500 km (310 mi)
* Service ceiling: 7,250 m (23,800 ft)
* Rate of climb: 7.6 m/s (1,490 ft/min)
* Wing loading: 65 kg/m² (13 lb/ft²)
* Power/mass: 0.25 kW/kg (0.15 hp/lb)
Armament
* 4 × fixed forward-firing 7.62 mm PV-1 machine guns or
* 2 × fixed forward-firing 12.7 mm BS machine guns
* Up to 100 kg (220 lb) of bombs or
* 6 × RS-82 rockets

(The I-15 has continued to be refined. Below are statistics on the I-153, derived from the I-15.

General characteristics
* Crew: One
* Length: 6.18 m (20 ft 3 in)
* Wingspan:
* Top wing: 10.0 m (32 ft 10 in)
* Bottom wing: 7.5 m (24 ft 7 in)
* Height: 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in)
* Wing area: 22.1 m² (237.8 ft²)
* Empty weight: 1,348 kg (2,972 lb)
* Loaded weight: 1,765 kg (3,891 lb)
* Max takeoff weight: 1,859 kg (4,098 lb)
* Powerplant: 1× Shvetsov M-62 radial engine, 597 kW (800 hp)
Performance
* Maximum speed: 426 km/h (265 mph)
* Range: 740 km (460 mi)
* Service ceiling: 11,000 m (36,089 ft)
* Rate of climb: 15 m/s (2,985 ft/min)
* Wing loading: 80 kg/m² (16 lb/ft²)
* Power/mass: 0.34 kW/kg (0.21 hp/lb)
Armament
* 4 × 7.62 mm ShKAS machine guns, 2,500 rounds of ammunition total)
​

(Soviet built I-153 shown here in Nationalist Chinese markings.)





Grigorovich I-Z

Developed as a bomber killer, the I-Z is a limited run fighter armed with two 76.2 mm single shot cannon.

General characteristics
* Crew: One
* Length: 7.65 m (25 ft 1 in)
* Wingspan: 11.5 m (37 ft 9 in)
* Height: ()
* Wing area: 19.5 m² (209.9 ft²)
* Empty weight: 1,180 kg (2,601 lb)
* Loaded weight: 1,648 kg (3,633 lb)
* Powerplant: 1× M-22 radial engine, 358 kW (480 hp)
Performance
* Maximum speed: 259 km/h (140 knots, 161 mph)
* Range: 600 km (324 nm, 373 mi)
* Service ceiling: 7,000 m (23,000 ft)
* Wing loading: 85 kg/m² (17 lb/ft²)
* Power/mass: 217 W/kg (0.13 hp/lb)
* Time to altitude: 14 min to 5,000 m (16,400 ft)
* Horizontal turn time: 17 sec
Armament
* 1×7.62 mm (0.3 in) PV-1 machine gun
* 2×76.2 mm (3 in) Kurchevski DRP (APK) cannon
​

Grigorovich IP-1

IP-4 prototype shown.​

Another fighter originally conceived as a bomber killer, the IP-1 was initially designed with a five shot 75 mm cannon. This was replaced in production with a 20 mm autocannon and additional machine guns. The final development in the IP-1 was the IP-4, which had four 45 mm cannon.

General characteristics
* Crew: One pilot
* Length: 7.23 m (23 ft 9 in)
* Wingspan: 10.97 m (36 ft 0 in)
* Wing area: 20.0 m² (215 ft²)
* Empty weight: 1,200 kg (2,646 lb)
* Gross weight: 1,880 kg (4,145 lb)
* Powerplant: 1 × Shvetsov M-25, 530 kW (710 hp)
Performance
* Maximum speed: 410 km/h (255 mph)
* Range: 600 km (373 miles)
* Service ceiling: 8,300 m (27,230 ft)
* Rate of climb: 12.8 m/s (2,520 ft/min)
Armament
* 2 × fixed, forward-firing 7.62 mm ShKAS machine guns in forward fuselage
* 2 × fixed, forward-firing 20 mm ShVAK cannons in wing roots
* 6 × fixed, forward-firing 7.62 mm ShKAS machine guns in in trays under wings
​

Polikarpov I-16

A highly advanced monoplane fighter. Reports circulate of copies being exported to Nationalist China.

General characteristics
* Crew: One
* Length: 6.13 m (20 ft 1 in)
* Wingspan: 9 m (29 ft 6 in)
* Height: 3.25 m (10 ft 8 in)
* Wing area: 14.5 m² (156.1 ft²)
* Empty weight: 1,490 kg (3,285 lb)
* Loaded weight: 1,941 kg (4,279 lb)
* Max takeoff weight: 2,050 kg (4,519 lb)
* Powerplant: 1× Shvetsov M-63 supercharged air-cooled radial engine, 820 kW (1,100 hp) driving a two-blade propeller
Performance
* Maximum speed: 525 km/h (283 kn, 326 mph) at 3,000 m (9,845 ft)
* Range: 700 km (378 nmi, 435 mi (with drop tanks))
* Service ceiling: 9,700 m (31,825 ft)
* Rate of climb: 14.7 m/s (2,900 ft/min)
* Wing loading: 134 kg/m² (27 lb/ft²)
* Power/mass: 346 W/kg (0.21 hp/lb)
* Time to altitude: 5.8 minutes to 5,000 m (16,405 ft)
Armament
* 2 × fixed forward-firing 7.62 mm (0.30 in) ShKAS machine guns in upper cowling
* 2 × fixed forward-firing 20 mm (0.79 in) ShVAK cannons in the wings
* 6 × unguided RS-82 rockets or up to 500 kg (1,102 lb) of bombs
​

Tupolev I-14

A competitor to the Polikarpov I-16, the I-14 has seen numerous design changes and other teething issues and will probably not enter general service.

General characteristics
* Crew: 1
* Length: 6.11 m (20 ft 1 in)
* Wingspan: 11.25 m (36 ft 11 in)
* Height: 3.14 m (10 ft 4 in)
* Wing area: 16.8 m2 (181 sq ft)
* Empty weight: 1,170 kg (2,579 lb)
* Gross weight: 1,540 kg (3,395 lb) [5]
* Powerplant: 1 × Shvetsov M-25 9-cylinder air-cooled radial engine, 521.8 kW (699.7 hp)
Performance
* Maximum speed: 449 km/h (279 mph; 242 kn)
* Range: 1,050 km (652 mi; 567 nmi)
* Service ceiling: 9,430 m (30,938 ft)
* Time to altitude: 6.5 min to 5,000 m (16,400 ft)[5]
Armament
* Guns: 1× 7.62 mm (0.30 in) ShKAS machine gun and 1× 20 mm (0.79 in) ShVAK cannon​

Ilyushin I-21

A new fighter currently nearing test flight stage. Reports indicate it uses a new evaporation system in place of a conventional radiator.

(General characteristics
* Crew: 1
* Length: 8.366 m (27 ft 5 in)
* Wingspan: 10 m (32 ft 9 in)
* Wing area: 18.16 m² (195.5 ft²)
* Gross weight: 2,125 kg (4,685 lb)
* Powerplant: 1 × Mikulin AM-34FRN, 940 kW (1,260 hp)
Performance
* Maximum speed: 620 km/h (385 mph)
* Range: 766 km (476 miles)
* Service ceiling: 12,000 m (39,360 ft)
* Rate of climb: 1,250 m/s (4,000 ft/min)
Armament
* 4 x 7.62 mm ShKAS machine guns (initial fit)
* 2 x 20 mm ShVAK cannon (later fit))





Next Update: Stalin Bombs Out...​

 

[Kurt_Steiner]

Polikarpov I-5

The image belongs to an Heinkel HD 37/Polikarpov I-7, not to a I-5.

This a I-5.

 

[KiMaSa]

The image belongs to an Heinkel HD 37/Polikarpov I-7, not to a I-5.

This a I-5.

Thanks for the correction! It will be immediately fixed!

I need better searching. I usually use Google images and for this plane, everything was either models or the mislabeled I-7 shot.o

Edit: Corrected.

 

[KiMaSa]

I'd forgotten quite how busy Bristol were at flogging engines to abroad, those triple Alfa Romeo engines were just licensed Bristols.

I congratulate you on wading through that list, scraping the Italian barrel of disappointment to yield a cavalcade of under-powered mediocrity. I'd admire your stamina.

True. The majority of Italian designs can safely be classed as inconsequential. Although the Sparviero is the exception that proves the rule. Truly one of the great "Twin Engined" bombers pf WW-2.

Historically, the IJAAF flew a number of the Fiat BR.20s as an interim measure until adequate numbers of the Mitsubishi Ki-21 became available. As in TTL, Japan will be much less eager to purchase from Mussolini's government, alternatives from a competing nation will be required.

 

[trekaddict]

True. The majority of Italian designs can safely be classed as inconsequential. Although the Sparviero is the exception that proves the rule. Truly one of the great "Twin Engined" bombers pf WW-2.

Historically, the IJAAF flew a number of the Fiat BR.20s as an interim measure until adequate numbers of the Mitsubishi Ki-21 became available. As in TTL, Japan will be much less eager to purchase from Mussolini's government, alternatives from a competing nation will be required.

 

[KiMaSa]

Exactly!

Provided of course that His Majesty's Government is in a mood to deal. Frankly Her Imperial Majesty is somewhat annoyed with all these fascist and communist aircraft finding their way into Chinese hands. If Hitler and Stalin want to kiss up to the Kuomintang, then Japan will be glad to do business elsewhere.

 

[El Pip]

Although the Sparviero is the exception that proves the rule. Truly one of the great "Twin Engined" bombers pf WW-2.

Good work sir, a truly outstanding description.

 

[ForzaA]

Happened to run into this AAR (wonderful so far)
Sadly, it seems some installments are missing - I'm currently at the '36 ('37?) world tour, and there's references in comments to the Empress' speaking in Britain, but what she said seems to be missing [after chapter XXX]

 

[KiMaSa]

Happened to run into this AAR (wonderful so far)
Sadly, it seems some installments are missing - I'm currently at the '36 ('37?) world tour, and there's references in comments to the Empress' speaking in Britain, but what she said seems to be missing [after chapter XXX]

Sometimes things don't work so they may get changed as I take a longer look after some feedback. I happily admit I learn much from my readaars as I go. That piece in particular looked good when I first wrote it but under more critical eyes. (Which admittedly it took a while to appreciate properly) the piece proved in need of another go. Just hold on tight and hopefully your patience will be rewarded!

 

[KiMaSa]

孝道

Chapter LXXXVI: Wings of the Red Air Force Part 2...​

Bombers​

Tupolev TB-3

A four engined bomber first flown in 1930. Aircraft of this design are also used as mothercraft for the Zveno project in which fighters are towed into action by their parent conveyor aircraft. Some TB-3s have been exported to China.

General characteristics
* Crew: Four
* Length: 24.4 m (80 ft 1 in)
* Wingspan: 41.80 m (137 ft 2 in)
* Height: 8.50 m (27 ft 11 in)
* Wing area: 234.5 m2 (2,524 ft2)
* Empty weight: 11,200 kg (24,690 lb)
* Loaded weight: 17,200 kg (37,920 lb)
* Max takeoff weight: 19,300 kg (42,550 lb)
* Powerplant: 4× Mikulin M-17F V12 engine, 525 kW (705 hp) each
Performance
* Maximum speed: 212 km/h (114 knots, 129 mph) at 3,000 metres (9,800 ft)
* Range: 2,000 km (1,080 NM, 1,240 mi)
* Service ceiling: 4800 m (15,750 ft)
* Rate of climb: 1.25 m/s (246 ft/min)
* Wing loading: 73 kg/m² (15 lb/ft²)
* Power/mass: 0.15 kW/kg (0.09 hp/lb)
* Time to altitude: 5 min to 1,000 metres (3,300 ft), 29 min to 3,000 metres (9,800 ft)
* Best turn time: 40 seconds
* Takeoff roll: 300 metres (980 ft)
* Landing roll: 330 metres (1,080 ft)
Armament
* Guns: 5-8× 7.62 mm DA machine guns, 100 63-round magazines
* Bombs: Up to 2,000 kilograms (4,400 lb) of bombs
​

Tupolev DB-1

A limited production bomber first appearing in 1934. Due to a prolonged design cycle, the aircraft as considered obsolete immediately upon entry into service.

General characteristics
* Crew: 3
* Length: 13.4 m (43.96 ft)
* Wingspan: 34 m (111.54 ft)
* Height: ()
* Wing area: 88.2 m2 (949.376 sqft)
* Loaded weight: 7806 kg (17,209.3 lb)
* Powerplant: 1× Mikulin AM-34R liquid-cooled V-12, 611.5 kW (820 hp)
Performance
* Maximum speed: 200 kp/h (124.27 mph)
* Range: 4000 km (2485.5 mi)
* Service ceiling: 3000 m (9843 ft)
Armament
* Guns: 2 x 7.62 mm (0.3 in) DA machine guns
* Bombs: up to ten 100 kg (220 lb) FAB-100 bombs
​

Tupolev SB-2

A high speed bomber first flown in 1934. It is being produced in large numbers. (Copies exported to China in 1937)

General characteristics
* Crew: 3
* Length: 12.57 m (41 ft 2¾ in)
* Wingspan: 20.33 m (66 ft 8 in)
* Height: 3.60 m (11 ft 9¾ in)
* Wing area: 56.7 m² (610.3 ft2)
* Empty weight: 4,768 kg (10,512 lb)
* Loaded weight: 6,308 kg (14,065 lb)
* Max takeoff weight: 7,880 kg (17,370 lb)
* Powerplant: 2× Klimov M-103 liquid-cooled V12 engine, 716 kW (960 hp) each
Performance
* Maximum speed: 450 km/h (243 knots, 280 mph) at 4,100 m (13,450 ft)
* Range: 2,300 km (1,243 nmi, 1,429 mi)
* Service ceiling: 9,300 m (30,510 ft)
* Climb to 1,000 m (3,280 ft): 1.8 min
* Climb to 9,000 m (29,500 ft): 32 min
Armament
* Guns: 4 × 7.62 mm ShKAS machine guns (two in nose, one in dorsal and one in ventral position)
* Bombs: 6 × 100 kg (220 lb) or six 50 kg (110 lb) bombs in bomb-bay, 2 × 250 kg (550 lb) bombs on wing racks
​

Bolkhovitinov DB-A

A promising long range bomber design. Intended to replace the TB-3.

General characteristics
* Crew: 8
* Length: 24.4 m (80 ft 0-5/8 in)
* Wingspan: 39.5 m (129 ft 7 in)
* Wing area: 230 m² (2,476 ft²)
* Empty weight: 16,150 kg (35,605 lb)
* Gross weight: 22,000 kg (48,500 lb)
* Powerplant: 4 × M-34FRN + turbo-chargers, 671.1 kW (900 hp) each
Performance
* Maximum speed: 316 km/h (196.4 mph)
* Range: 4500 km (2,796 miles)
* Service ceiling: 7,730 m (25,360 ft)
Armament
* 2 x ShKAS 7.62mm machine-guns in each of the inner nacelle gun positions.
* 1 x ShKAS 7.62mm machine-guns in nose and tail positions.
* 1 x ShVAK 20mm cannon in the dorsal turret.
* 5,000 kg of bombs in internal bomb-bay.​

Ilyushin DB-3

A medium bomber and torpedo bomber currently in testing. Few details known.

(Specification
MODEL DB-3M
ENGINE 2 x M-87B, 708kW
WEIGHTS
Take-off weight 7660 kg 16887 lb
Loaded weight 5270 kg 11618 lb
DIMENSIONS
Wingspan 21.44 m 70 ft 4 in
Length 14.22 m 47 ft 8 in
Height 4.19 m 14 ft 9 in
Wing area 65.6 m2 706.11 sq ft
PERFORMANCE
Max. speed 445 km/h 277 mph
Ceiling 9700 m 31800 ft
Range 3800 km 2361 miles
ARMAMENT 3 x 7.62mm machine-guns, 2500kg of bombs)​

Ilyushin Il-4

A reported offshoot of the DB-3 under development.

(General characteristics
* Crew: 4 (pilot, navigator, gunner/wireless-operator, rear gunner)
* Length: 14.80 m (48 ft 6.75 in)
* Wingspan: 21.44 m (70 ft 4.5 in)
* Height: 4.10 m (13 ft 5.5 in)
* Wing area: 66.7 m² (718 ft²)
* Empty weight: 5,800 kg (12,787 lb)
* Max takeoff weight: 11,300 kg (24,912 lb)
* Powerplant: 2× Tumansky M-88B radial engines, 820 kW (1,100 hp) each
Performance
* Maximum speed: 430 km/h (232 kn, 267 mph)
* Range: 3,800 km (2,052 nmi, 2,361 mi)
* Service ceiling: 9,700 m (31,825 ft)
Armament
* 2 × 7.62 mm ShKAS machine guns
* 1 × 12.7 mm Berezin UB machine gun
* Up to 2,500 kg (5,500 lb) of bombs or mines. Alternatively, 1 × 940 kg (2,072 lb) 45-36-AN or 45-36-AV torpedo. Very rarely, 2 × BETAB-750DS 305 mm rockets)​

Neman R-10

A light/reconnaissance bomber under design.

General characteristics
* Crew: Two (pilot and observer)
* Length: 9.40 m (30 ft 10 in)
* Wingspan: 12.20 m (40 ft 0 in)
* Height: 3.80 m (12 ft 6 in)
* Wing area: 26.8 m² (288.3 ft²)
* Empty weight: 2,197 kg (4,833 lb)
* Loaded weight: 2,877 kg (6,329 lb)
* Powerplant: 1× Shvetsov M-25 radial engine, 545 kW (730 hp)
Performance
* Maximum speed: 388 km/h (210 kn, 240 mph)
* Range: 1,300 km (702 nmi, 802 mi)
* Service ceiling: 6,700 m (21,982 ft)
* Rate of climb: 417 m/min (1,368 ft/min)
Armament
* Guns:
o 2 × fixed, forward-firing 7.62 mm ShKAS machine guns in wings (450 rounds)
o 1 × 7.62 mm ShKAS machine gun in a rear turret (600 rounds)
* Bombs: 300 kg (661 lb) of bombs
​

Tupolev MTB-2

A projected flying boat designed as a large patrol bomber.

(General characteristics
* Length: 22.42 m (73 ft 7 in)
* Wingspan: 36.45 m (119 ft 7 in)
* Height: ()
* Wing area: 144.7 m² (1557.5 ft²)
* Empty weight: 13,000 kg (28,660 lb)
* Loaded weight: 19,000 kg (41,888 lb)
* Powerplant: 4× Tumansky M-87A radial engines, 709 kW (950 hp) each
Performance
* Maximum speed: 355 km/h (192 kn, 221 mph)
* Ferry range: 4,500 km (2,430 nmi, 2,796 mi)
* Service ceiling: 23,294 ft (7,100 m)
* Wing loading: 131 kg/m² (27 lb/ft²)
* Power/mass: 149 W/kg (0.09 hp/lb))





Patrol aircraft​

Tupolev MTB-1

A flying boat produced in limited numbers.

Specification
MODEL ANT-27bis
CREW 5
ENGINE 3 x AM-34R, 610hp
WEIGHTS
Take-off weight 16250 kg 35825 lb
Empty weight 10521 kg 23195 lb
DIMENSIONS
Wingspan 39.4 m 129 ft 3 in
Length 21.9 m 72 ft 10 in
Height 8.6 m 28 ft 3 in
Wing area 177.5 m2 1910.59 sq ft
PERFORMANCE
Max. speed 225 km/h 140 mph
Ceiling 4470 m 14650 ft
Range 2000 km 1243 miles​

Chyetverikov ARK-3

A multirole flying boat intended for use in arctic waters. Undergoing tests.

(General characteristics
* Crew: 4
* Capacity: 10 pax
* Length: 14.6 m (47 ft 11 in)
* Wingspan: 20 m (65 ft 7-1/4 in)
* Wing area: 59.5 m² (640 ft²)
* Empty weight: 3,642 kg (8,029 lb)
* Gross weight: 5,600 kg (12,346 lb)
* Powerplant: 2 × M-25A, 544.36 kW (730 hp) each
Performance
* Maximum speed: 320 km/h (199 mph)
* Rate of climb: 4.76 m/s (937.4 ft/min)
Armament
* 1 x machine gun in a manually operated bow turret.
* 1 x machine-gun in a dorsal sliding hatch)
​

Chyetverikov MDR-3

A parallel flying boat design.

(General characteristics
* Crew: 6
* Length: 21.9 m (71 ft 10-1/2 in)
* Wingspan: 32.2 m (105 ft 7-3/4 in)
* Wing area: 153 m² (1,649 ft²)
* Empty weight: 8,928 kg (19,683 lb)
* Gross weight: 13,973 kg (30,805 lb)
* Powerplant: 4 × BMW VI, 507 kW (680 hp) each
Performance
* Maximum speed: 210 km/h (130.5 mph)
* Range: 1,600 km (1,000 miles)
* Service ceiling: 2,200 m (7,218 ft)
* Rate of climb: 4.76 m/s (937.4 ft/min)
Armament
* 1 x machine gun in a nose mounting.
* 1 x machine-gun in a dorsal mounting)


Military reconnaissance aircraft​

Beriev MBR-2

An amphibious flying boat. Test flown in 1931 and entering field service in 1934.

General characteristics
* Crew: 4-5
* Length: 13.50 m (44 ft 3½ in)
* Wingspan: 19.00 m (62 ft 4 in)
* Height: 4.40 m (14 ft 9 in)
* Empty weight: 2,718 kg (5,990 lb)
* Max takeoff weight: 4,245 kg (9,359 lb)
* Powerplant: 1× Mikulin AM-34N V12 engine, 559 kW (750 hp)
Performance
* Maximum speed: 275 km/h (148 knots, 171 mph)
* Range: 1,500 km (810 nm, 930 mi)
* Service ceiling: 4,900 m (16,080 ft)
Armament
* Guns:
o 1× 7.62 mm (0.30 in) PV-1 machine gun in bow
o 1× 7.62 mm ShKAS machine gun in dorsal turret
* Bombs: 300 kg (660 lb) of bombs, mines, and depth charges carried underwing
​

Beriev Be-2

A planned shipboard reconnaissance seaplane.

(General characteristics
* Crew: two, pilot and observer
* Length: 8.67 m (28 ft 3 in)
* Wingspan: 11.00 m (36 ft 1 in)
* Height: 3.80 m (12 ft 6 in)
* Wing area: 29.3 m² (315 ft²)
* Empty weight: 1,800 kg (3,970 lb)
* Gross weight: 2,686 kg (5,920 lb)
* Powerplant: 1 × Shvetsov M-25A radial engine, 522 kW (700 hp)
Performance
* Maximum speed: 245 km/h (152 mph)
* Range: 1,000 km (621 miles)
* Service ceiling: 6,600 m (21,654 ft)
Armament
* 2 × fixed, forward-firing 7.62 mm ShKAS machine guns
* 1 × flexible 7.62 mm ShKAS machine gun for observer
* 100 kg (220 lb) of bombs)
​

Bartini DAR

A long range arctic recon flying boat in flight tests.

General characteristics
* Crew: 3+
* Empty weight: 4,820 kg (10,626 lb)
* Gross weight: 7,200 kg (15,873 lb)
* Powerplant: 2 × Hispano-Suiza 12YBRShp, 641.3 kW (860 hp) each
Performance
* Maximum speed: 240 km/h (149 mph)
* Cruising speed: 229 km/h (142 mph)
* Range: 2,000 km (1,243 miles)
* Endurance: 20 hours
​

Putilov Stal-11

A multirole transport and recon aircraft in advanced design stage.

(General characteristics
* Crew: 1
* Capacity: 4 pax
* Length: 12.5 m (41 ft in)
* Wingspan: 15 m (49 ft 2-1/2 in)
* Wing area: 31 m² (333.7 ft²)
* Empty weight: 1,830 kg (4,034 lb)
* Gross weight: 2,700 kg (5,952 lb)
* Powerplant: 1 × M-100A, 626.4/641.3 kW (840/860 hp)
Performance
* Maximum speed: 430 km/h (267 mph)
* Cruising speed: 370 km/h (230 mph)
* Range: 1,000 km (621 miles)
* Service ceiling: 8,000 m (26,250 ft))
​

Beriev MBR-7

A short ranged flying boat bomber under design to replace the MBR-2. (Never produced.)

(General characteristics
* Crew: 2 (pilot, observer/gunner
* Length: 10.6 m (34 ft 9 in)
* Wingspan: 13.0 m (42 ft 8 in)
* Wing area: 13.0 m2 (140 sq ft)
* Powerplant: 1 × Klimov M-103 inline piston engine, 710 kW (950 hp)
Performance
* Maximum speed: 376 km/h (234 mph; 203 kn) at 4300mm (14110 ft)
* Range: 1,215 km (755 mi; 656 nmi)
* Service ceiling: 8,500 m (27,887 ft)
Armament
* Guns: one fixed and one flexible-mounted 7.62mm (0.3in) ShKAS machine-guns.
* Bombs: 500kg (1102lb))




Next time a round up of some of the smaller powers...​

 

[El Pip]

I have to say those Soviet flying boats do look pretty cool, maybe it's just me but I do like the look of the top-mounted push-pull engine layout. An engineering disaster of course, but funky nevertheless.