Stal-6
TsAGI / Bartini · Soviet Union · first flew 1933 · fighter
The Stal-6 was a Soviet experimental high-speed monoplane designed by Robert Bartini at TsAGI, remarkable for attaining speeds exceeding 420 km/h in 1933. Its all-metal construction and aerodynamic refinement made it one of the fastest aircraft in the world at the time of its trials.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Notably streamlined fuselage with carefully faired undercarriage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Sleek all-metal low-wing monoplane with fully enclosed cockpit
- Notably streamlined fuselage with carefully faired undercarriage
- Soviet experimental racer achieving over 420 km/h in 1933
Distinguish by its exceptionally clean low-wing monoplane profile, enclosed cockpit, and absence of the square Soviet fighter lines typical of the era.
Specifications
- The Stal-6 has a length of 6.88 m (23 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9 m (30 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 420 km/h (261 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed by the Italian-born Soviet engineer Roberto Bartini, the Stal-6 first flew in 1933 as a technology demonstrator pushing the limits of streamlining and lightweight metal construction. The aircraft used a liquid-cooled piston engine carefully faired into a slim fuselage. Although it never entered production, its performance influenced subsequent Soviet fighter development.
Variants
The Stal-6 remained a one-off experimental airframe; Bartini followed it with the Stal-7 long-range transport concept.
Where you'll see it
The Stal-6 served solely as a research and demonstration aircraft for TsAGI and was never produced in quantity.
Related aircraft
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