Nikitin NV-6
Vasily Nikitin · Soviet Union · first flew 1940 · fighter
The Nikitin NV-6 (IS-1/IS-2) was a remarkable Soviet experimental fighter concept that could fold its lower wing to convert between biplane and monoplane configurations in flight. Only prototypes were built before the programme ended.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 5.8 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
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Spot it by:
- Soviet experimental folding-wing biplane/monoplane convertible fighter
- Could reconfigure wing layout in flight
- Very small and compact experimental prototype
Tiny, compact fighter with a straight mid-set wing, inline engine, and the ability to present either biplane or monoplane profile — unique in aviation history.
Specifications
- The Nikitin NV-6 has a length of 5.8 m (19 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 7 m (23 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 270 km/h (168 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Vasily Nikitin designed the NV-6 as a way to combine the take-off and climb performance of a biplane with the high-speed performance of a monoplane. The concept called for the lower wing to fold flush with the fuselage once airborne. Limited trials showed the idea was workable but impractical for service use, and the project was abandoned.
Variants
The IS-1 and IS-2 were successive prototypes with different engines; no production series was ordered.
Where you'll see it
Never entered service; expended in experimental trials only.
Related aircraft
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