| S-16 | |
|---|---|
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| Sikorsky S-16 circa 1915 | |
| Role | Fighter
Type of aircraft
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| 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 |
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.
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]
Data from Sikorsky S-XVI escort fighter [2]
General characteristics
Performance
Armament
Media related to Sikorsky S-16 at Wikimedia Commons
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