Polikarpov I-17
Moscow Aviation Plant No. 39 · Soviet Union · first flew 1934 · fighter
The Polikarpov I-17 was a Soviet single-seat fighter prototype of the mid-1930s, designed to explore the use of a liquid-cooled inline engine (Hispano-Suiza 12Y) in a clean low-wing monoplane airframe concurrent with the development of the radial-engined I-16. It demonstrated excellent performance but was not selected for production.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 7.3 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Mid-1930s Soviet monoplane fighter with Hispano-Suiza engine
- Retractable undercarriage on a clean low-wing monoplane
- Predecessor concept to the I-16 with inline liquid-cooled engine
A slim low-wing monoplane with a long-nosed liquid-cooled engine, retractable undercarriage, and enclosed cockpit; the inline engine distinguishes it from the stubby radial-engined I-16 developed in parallel.
Specifications
- The Polikarpov I-17 has a length of 7.3 m (24 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 10.19 m (33 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 490 km/h (304 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed by Nikolai Polikarpov's team and first flown in 1934, the I-17 achieved a high maximum speed for its era and impressed Soviet evaluators. However, logistical concerns about the imported Hispano-Suiza engine and the simultaneous success of the I-16 led to the cancellation of further development. Lessons from the I-17 influenced Soviet fighter design philosophy into the late 1930s.
Variants
Two prototype variants were built (TsKB-15 and TsKB-19), differing in engine fit and canopy arrangement.
Where you'll see it
Never entered operational service; used for state evaluation trials in 1934–1935.
Related aircraft
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 4,893 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.