VEF I-15
VEF · Latvia · first flew 1939 · fighter
The VEF I-15 was Latvia's only indigenous fighter design, a small all-wood low-wing monoplane powered by a de Havilland Gipsy Six engine and capable of approximately 330 km/h. Two prototypes were completed before the Soviet occupation of Latvia in 1940 ended further development.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 7.1 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Latvian all-wood low-wing fighter monoplane, late 1930s
- de Havilland Gipsy Six inline engine with close-fitting cowl
- Two prototypes only; Soviet occupation ended development
A small, compact low-wing monoplane with an inline engine giving a narrow nose profile. The all-wood construction and simple fixed undercarriage distinguish it from its metal-airframe contemporaries. Small wing area reflects a performance-oriented design.
Specifications
- The VEF I-15 has a length of 7.1 m (23 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 8 m (26 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 331 km/h (206 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed by engineers at the Valsts Elektrotehniskā Fabrika (State Electrotechnical Factory) in Riga, the I-15 was an ambitious attempt to provide Latvia with a modern fighter. It first flew in 1939 and demonstrated promising performance, but the Soviet occupation in June 1940 immediately terminated the programme. The prototypes' fate under Soviet control is not recorded.
Variants
Two prototypes built; no production.
Where you'll see it
Never entered Latvian Air Force service; programme cancelled by Soviet occupation in 1940.
Related aircraft
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