Sikorsky S-16

The Sikorsky S-16, or RBVZ S-XVI (named after its manufacturer), was a Russian equi-span single-bay two-seat biplane designed by Igor Sikorsky in 1914-15. Conceived in response to demand for an escort fighter for the Ilya Muromets bombers, it was noteworthy in that it was one of the first aircraft to possess synchronisation gear for its 7.7 mm machine gun. The first S-XVI was completed on 6 February 1915 with an 80 hp engine instead of the intended 100 hp because of supply problems. On 17 December 1915, the Russian government placed an order for 18 aircraft, these being delivered in early 1916.

S-16
Sikorsky S-16 circa 1915
Role Fighter
National origin Russian Empire
Manufacturer RBVZ (Russo-Baltic Wagon Works)
Designer Igor Sikorsky
First flight 6 February 1915
Introduction January 1916
Retired 1923
Primary users Imperial Russian Air Service
Soviet Air Force

Operational history

Full scale non-flying replica of the S-16 exhibited at the New England Air Museum in Connecticut

Although highly maneuverable, the S-XVI possessed a comparatively poor performance due to insufficient power. A further small batch were completed in 1917, with the aircraft being used during the Russian Revolution and staying in service until 1923. At least one aircraft have been used by the Ukrainian People's Republic after 1917.[1]

Operators

 Russian Empire
  • Imperial Russian Air Force
 Russian SFSR
  • Soviet Air Force
 Ukrainian People's Republic

Specifications

General characteristics

  • Crew: One
  • Length: 6.20m (20 ft 4 in)
  • Wingspan: 8.40m (27 ft 6¾ in)
  • Height: 2.78m (9 ft 1½ in)
  • Wing area: 25.36m² (272.98 ft²)
  • Empty weight: 407 kg (897 lb)
  • Loaded weight: 676 kg (1,490 lb)
  • Powerplant: 1 × 100 hp Le Rhone/80 hp Gnome air-cooled rotary engine, 75 kW (100 hp)

Performance

Armament

  • Guns: 1 x 7.7 mm Lavrov or 1 х Vickers, 500 rounds machine gun

References

Bibliography

  • William Green and Gordon Swanborough. The Complete Book of Fighters. Colour Library Direct, Godalming, UK: 1994. ISBN 1-85833-777-1.

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