Modelling > 1920s/1930s GB or Between the Wars GB
Tupolev I-4 - A One Wing Biplane
robunos:
Tupolev I-4 - A One Wing Biplane
Designed by Pavel O Sukhoi when a brigade leader of Andrei N Tupolev's AGOS (Aviatsiya, Gidroaviatsiya i Opytnoye Stroityelstvo - Aviation, Hydro-aviation and Experimental Construction) collective within the TsAGI (Tsentralnyi Aero-gidrodinamicheskii Institut -Central Aero and Hydro-dynamic Institute), the ANT-5 was the first Soviet all-metal fighter.
A single-seat sesquiplane powered by a nine-cylinder Gnome-Rhone Jupiter radial of 420hp, the first prototype underwent testing between 10 August and 25 September 1927. A second prototype, or dubler, with a 480hp Gnome-Rhone Jupiter 9ASB, was flown in July 1928, and underwent state testing between 1 December 1928 and 4 April 1929, series production of the type having meanwhile been initiated as the I-4.
The first series I-4 underwent state testing between 15 October and 26 November 1929, subsequent aircraft having the 480hp M-22 engine, a licence-built version of the G-R Jupiter 9ASB, and an armament of twin 7.62mm guns. Second series aircraft had the controllable slats occupying 44.5% of the remaining wing's leading edge, and an engine cowling incorporating cylinder helmets.
Designated I-4bis in this form, the prototype was tested by the NIl VVS, the Air Force's Scientific Research Institute, between 11 and 23 September 1931. No further development of the I-4bis was undertaken. Three I-4s were used for aerial launch and retrieval trials from 31 December 1931 by Vladimir S Vakhmistrov utilising a TB-1 bomber as an Aviamatka, or "mother aircraft". Also in December 1931, one I-4 was tested with a 76mm Kurchevski recoilless cannon mounted beneath each wing half.
A total of 369 I-4s was built to January 1934, these equipping 18 eskadrii at their service peak; the type remaining in first-line service through 1933 and for training tasks until 1937.
The model carries the markings of the 'Krasnyye Strelki' (Red Arrows), the premier aerobatic display team of the Soviet Air Force during the Inter-War period.
Original text from Aviastar,org :-
http://www.aviastar.org/air/russia/ant-5.php
cheers,
Robin.
robunos:
Okay, some progress on this Build . . .
As usual, fuselage assembly first.
The wings marked out for cutting,
and then cut.
I then marked and then trimmed the lower wing, to make the new centre-section.
Test fitting showed the wing roots needed trimming to get a decent fit to the fuselage,
This done, the wing parts were assembled.
While this was drying down, I turned to the tail feathers. Other Builds on line pointed out the difficulties with this part of the build, so I proceeded carefully. The tail parts,
and assembled. The tailplane halves have to be joined, cutting off one of the tabs in the process, left to dry, then a slot filed in the joint to allow the fin to fit . . .
When all was dry, the wings, tail, and fuselage were mated.
Then the undercarriage was fitted, this needed to be altered as the front legs should fit to the fuselage, but now the wing is in the way . . .
Lastly, the helmets for the engine cylinders were added.
Next stop the Paint Shop.
That's All For Now, Stay Tuned . . .
cheers,
Robin.
apophenia:
Your Tupolev fighter is looking sharp!
I assume that this the Nakotne/Encore kit. Looking at the parts, it would seem quite simple for the toolmaker to have devised a simpler tailplane assembly. Like mould the fin/rudder with the fuselage ... radical concept, I know ;D
robunos:
--- Quote from: apophenia on June 24, 2021, 06:37:23 AM ---Your Tupolev fighter is looking sharp!
--- End quote ---
The edges of the flying surfaces are, but because of the moulded on detail, it's not really possible to smooth them off . . .
--- Quote ---I assume that this the Nakotne/Encore kit. Looking at the parts, it would seem quite simple for the toolmaker to have devised a simpler tailplane assembly. Like mould the fin/rudder with the fuselage ... radical concept, I know ;D
--- End quote ---
Mine's the Zvezda re-box, but checking with scalemates, it's the same kit. The tailfin is separate because it's possible to build the prototype ANT-5 from this kit, which has a different fin, but I agree, a better design would have been to have a one piece tailPLANE, with either a hole, or a slot, to take a peg on the fin . . .
cheers,
Robin.
apophenia:
--- Quote from: robunos on June 25, 2021, 03:39:07 AM ---
--- Quote from: apophenia on June 24, 2021, 06:37:23 AM ---Your Tupolev fighter is looking sharp!
--- End quote ---
The edges of the flying surfaces are, but because of the moulded on detail, it's not really possible to smooth them off . . .
--- End quote ---
So, wing trailing-edges as serrated blades ;D
--- Quote from: robunos on June 25, 2021, 03:39:07 AM ---... The tailfin is separate because it's possible to build the prototype ANT-5 from this kit, which has a different fin ...
--- End quote ---
Ah, that makes sense of it. Awkward to build, perhaps, but at least there's a logic behind it.
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