VEF I-11
VEF · Latvia · first flew 1936 · fighter
The VEF I-11 was a single-seat fighter monoplane designed and built in Latvia by the state aircraft factory VEF (Valsts Elektrotehniskā Fabrika) in 1936, representing Latvia's most ambitious indigenous military aircraft project. It was a modern low-wing monoplane with retractable undercarriage that compared favourably with contemporary European fighters.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 7.2 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Inter-war Latvian single-seat fighter monoplane
- Low-wing all-metal construction with radial engine
- Fixed or semi-retractable undercarriage in wheel fairings
A clean 1930s low-wing fighter monoplane with a radial engine, closely comparable to contemporary types like the PZL P.24 or the early Hawker Hurricane in general layout.
Specifications
- The VEF I-11 has a length of 7.2 m (24 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9.5 m (31 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 440 km/h (273 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed by Kārlis Irbītis and first flown in 1936, the I-11 demonstrated competitive performance and was evaluated by the Latvian Air Force. The Soviet occupation of Latvia in 1940 ended all prospects of production, and the programme was terminated.
Variants
A series of VEF fighter designs was developed, including the I-12 and I-16 variants; the I-11 was the first to fly as a fully refined fighter.
Where you'll see it
Evaluated by the Latvian Air Force but did not enter full service before Latvia was occupied by the Soviet Union in 1940.
Related aircraft
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