Tupolev I-8
Tupolev · Soviet Union · first flew 1930 · fighter
The Tupolev I-8 was a Soviet single-seat biplane fighter of 1930, one of several fighter designs produced by Tupolev's bureau using the characteristic corrugated-duralumin construction of the era.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 6.7 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Early Soviet biplane fighter with metal corrugated-skin construction
- Tupolev sesquiplane layout with prominent lower wing
- Single-seat open-cockpit fighter typical of early 1930s Soviet designs
A sesquiplane with a substantially larger upper wing, corrugated metal skinning on fuselage and wings, an open cockpit, and a nose-mounted radial engine — typical of Tupolev fighter experiments of the early 1930s.
Specifications
- The Tupolev I-8 has a length of 6.7 m (22 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9.03 m (30 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 303 km/h (188 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed as a replacement for older biplane fighters in Soviet service, the I-8 competed against other designs of the period. It did not progress to production, as the Polikarpov I-5 was preferred by Soviet authorities.
Variants
A single prototype was evaluated; no production followed.
Where you'll see it
The I-8 did not enter operational service with the Soviet Air Force.
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- Tupolev ANT-10
- Tupolev TB-6
- Tupolev ANT-14 Pravda
- Tupolev ANT-7
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- Berliner-Joyce XFJ
- Curtiss F6C-6 Hawk
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