Tupolev I-4
Tupolev / Khrunichev · Soviet Union · first flew 1927 · fighter
The Tupolev I-4 (ANT-5) was a Soviet parasol-monoplane fighter of the late 1920s, notable for its all-metal corrugated duralumin construction. It entered service with the Soviet Air Force and was among the first Soviet-designed fighters to reach production.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 7.27 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Soviet parasol-wing monoplane fighter of the 1920s
- Corrugated duralumin skin construction
- Armed with two synchronised machine guns
Distinctive parasol monoplane layout with corrugated metal skin, radial engine, and fixed undercarriage with wheel fairings.
Specifications
- The Tupolev I-4 has a length of 7.27 m (24 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.42 m (37 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 257 km/h (160 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed by Andrei Tupolev's TSAGI bureau and first flown in 1927, the I-4 benefited from Tupolev's expertise in metal construction. It was built at the Khrunichev plant and served alongside biplane fighters in the early Soviet air arm. Around 370 were produced, making it a significant type in early Soviet aviation.
Variants
The I-4bis featured an improved engine and minor aerodynamic refinements over the baseline I-4.
Where you'll see it
The I-4 equipped Soviet fighter regiments from 1928 into the early 1930s before being replaced by more advanced designs.
Related aircraft
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