Bisnovat SK-1
Matus Bisnovat · Soviet Union · first flew 1939 · fighter
The Bisnovat SK-1 was a Soviet high-speed experimental fighter prototype of 1939, demonstrating a clean low-wing design aimed at exceeding 700 km/h in level flight.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Short fuselage optimised purely for high speed |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Compact single-seat experimental monoplane with very clean cowling
- Short fuselage optimised purely for high speed
- Spatted fixed undercarriage on prototype
Distinguished by an exceptionally short, rounded fuselage and very small wing area relative to the cowling diameter; the fixed undercarriage with spats is a notable feature for a high-speed design.
Specifications
- The Bisnovat SK-1 has a length of 8 m (26 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 7.2 m (24 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 710 km/h (441 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed by Matus Bisnovat, the SK-1 was one of several Soviet speed-record contenders developed in the late 1930s. Powered by a Klimov M-62 radial, it achieved impressive performance for its era. The project remained experimental and did not lead to a production fighter.
Variants
Only a single prototype was built; no production variants followed.
Where you'll see it
The SK-1 flew only as a research prototype and never entered operational service.
Related aircraft
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