Nikitin NV-2
Vasily Nikitin · Soviet Union · first flew 1935 · fighter
The Nikitin NV-2 was an experimental Soviet fighter concept designed by Vasily Nikitin with wings that could be folded in flight to transition between biplane and monoplane configurations. The concept aimed to combine the low-speed agility of a biplane with the high-speed performance of a monoplane.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 6.3 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Soviet experimental folding-wing biplane/monoplane concept
- Wings could be folded in flight to convert from biplane to monoplane
- Small interwar Soviet prototype with unique variable-geometry feature
Small single-seat monoplane in its high-speed configuration, with provisions for a folding lower wing that is either retracted flush or deployed as a biplane lower wing; the distinctive hinge fairings on the fuselage sides identify the type.
Specifications
- The Nikitin NV-2 has a length of 6.3 m (21 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 8 m (26 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 350 km/h (217 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in 1935, the NV-2 explored the variable-configuration concept that Nikitin developed further in the IS series. While the idea was innovative, practical difficulties with the folding mechanism and limited performance gains over a conventional monoplane led the Soviet authorities not to pursue production.
Variants
The IS-1 and IS-2 were subsequent Nikitin designs that further developed the folding-wing biplane/monoplane concept.
Where you'll see it
The NV-2 was a single experimental prototype and never entered service.
Related aircraft
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