Polikarpov R-5
Polikarpov · Soviet Union · first flew 1928 · bomber
The Polikarpov R-5 was a Soviet two-seat biplane used for reconnaissance and light bombing that became one of the most widely produced aircraft in early Soviet aviation.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 10.56 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Soviet biplane reconnaissance bomber of the early 1930s
- Single-bay biplane with open tandem cockpits
- Large single radial or inline engine in nose
A large single-engine biplane with an open tandem cockpit; the strong equal-span wings and robust undercarriage are typical of Soviet interwar designs.
Specifications
- The Polikarpov R-5 has a length of 10.56 m (35 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 15.5 m (51 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 228 km/h (142 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed by Nikolai Polikarpov, the R-5 first flew in 1928 and entered production in 1930. It was used extensively in the 1930s, including during the Spanish Civil War, and served in large numbers before being replaced by monoplanes.
Variants
Variants include the R-5 reconnaissance aircraft, the R-5Sh ground-attack version with underwing weapons, and the P-5 civil mail carrier.
Where you'll see it
Served widely with the Soviet Air Forces through the 1930s and into the early years of WWII in secondary roles.
Related aircraft
- Polikarpov I-3
- Polikarpov Po-2
- Polikarpov DI-1
- Polikarpov TB-2
- Beardmore Inflexible
- BFW M.22
- Caproni Ca.101
- Fairey Fox Floatplane
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