Polikarpov I-3

Polikarpov · Soviet Union · first flew 1928 · fighter

The Polikarpov I-3 was a Soviet single-seat biplane fighter that entered service in 1928, representing an improvement over earlier designs with its more powerful engine and better armament. It bridged the gap between the older I-1 and the later I-5 in Soviet Air Force biplane fighter development.

Recognition (WEFT)

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Spot it by:

• Soviet biplane fighter with BMW VI water-cooled V-12 and open cockpit
• Sesquiplane-style layout with smaller lower wing typical of Polikarpov biplanes
• Fixed spatted undercarriage and twin-gun armament in the forward fuselage

The I-3's biplane layout with inline engine and open cockpit resembles other interwar Soviet fighters; its relatively large lower wing and heavier build distinguish it from the later, lighter I-15.

Specifications

• The Polikarpov I-3 has a length of 8.08 m (27 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 11 m (36 ft).
• Its maximum speed is 278 km/h (173 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 bureau and first flown in 1928, the I-3 was accepted into VVS service and produced in modest numbers. It was powered by a BMW VI liquid-cooled engine built under licence, giving it reasonable performance for its era.

Variants

Minor production batches differed in engine fit; the I-3 was supplanted by the superior I-5 from 1930.

Where you'll see it

Operated by the Soviet Air Force (VVS) from 1928 into the early 1930s as a front-line fighter before passing to training duties.

Related aircraft

• Polikarpov Po-2
• Polikarpov R-5
• Polikarpov DI-1
• Polikarpov TB-2
• Boeing P-12/F4B
• Boeing XF4B-1
• Boeing XP-8
• Curtiss F8C-1 Falcon

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