Bartini - EI / "Stal-6"
Bartini's first airplane "Steel-6" showed a record speed for the beginning of the 1930s - 420 km per hour, while the Soviet fighters had just come off the 300 km speed line. The only possible way to increase the speed then it was considered to increase engine power, Bartini solved the problem by improving the aerodynamic characteristics of the aircraft, the idea, then actively developed by other designers.
In 1930 Bartini first visited Taganrog, where he prepared for the flight to the United States the famous aircraft "Land of the Soviets." After the flight took place, for achievements in the training trip the Central Executive Committee of the government of the USSR awarded certificates. The illustrated encyclopedia of aircraft for Beriev read: "Despite a very heavy workload on the main job and training the naval sports teams to the 1st Games of the peoples of the USSR in diving, he found time for art. It was during this time he produced his proposal to create three seaplanes and fighter aircraft, among which was a proposal for the establishment of sea base for the scout."
Along with diving, Bartini proposed the creation of an all-metal aircraft. But aluminum in the country fared poorly, and the plane was been decided to make the timber. Wooden aircraft instructed to bring to mind Beriev, which he did. The aircraft was named MBR-2. The name has no relation to Michael Beriev nor Bartini, IDB - is near the sea scout. In the same 1930, Head of the Civil Air Fleet (CAF) on the recommendation of A.Z.Goltsman Tukhachevsky gave Robert L. design department in subordinated airplane NII GVF.
Although the combat vehicles were not included in the Institute of competence, Holtzman allowed the construction of an experimental fighter under the name "Stal-6". In 1933, this plane set a world speed record, amounting to 420 kilometers per hour. "Stal-6", although it did not have weapons, was considered an experimental fighter and received cipher "EI" in the Air Force Office. It tested many novel features that reduced aerodynamic drag and increased the level of the plant technology. The landing gear closed by a flap after takeoff. Pilots had difficulty monitoring their surroundings, being "bricked" under the skin of the aircraft. Therefore, during takeoff and landing, the pilot raised himself with the seat to the contour of the fuselage using a cable winch and stopper. The transparent cover shifted forward and enabled the pilots to put out his head out to see the landing place. The side-scan capabilities in EI were like any conventional aircraft.
After receiving test results, Tukhachevsky convened an enlarged meeting of representatives of the Air Force, the Main Department of Aviation Industry and responsible executors CSIR GVF involved in the production of "Steel-6." Gathering was held in the premises of the main control of the Navy (Glavvoenmor). Designers from the Institute of the aviation industry, in advance acquainted with new tactical and technical requirements, in which for the fighters to set a maximum speed of 400-450 km / h, altitude of 8-10 thousand meters, were very surprised, and, armed with a "weighty" reasons of insuffcient data were eager to outdo their presumptuous customers. The meeting was led by Narkomvoenmor Voroshilov and People's Commissariat of Ordzhonikidze, who was subordinated to the rights of central board of the aviation industry management.
Chief of the Air Force announced in the introduction of Ya.I.Alksnis the desired numbers. This was followed by a detailed report of the aviation industry representative A.A.Mikulin, who tried to prove the impossibility of achieving a fighter speed of 400 km/h. The speaker cited statistics and theoretical calculations, supported by visual agitation (posters, charts and nomograms), earning the applause of all the "extravagant" specifications. In response Tukhachevskiy presented a report on factory flight tests, "Stal-6" airplane, and raised to the gathering of this machine designer Roberto Bartini, the brigade commander.
The report listed a speed of 420 km/h. Skeptics and enemies were defeated. For greater certainty, the meeting agreed to hold the state tests that for the experimental machines were in general not required. The "Steel-6" was flown by Pyotr Stefanovsky June 8, 1934. The Research Institute of the Air Force aircraft was handed over on June 17 and the first phase of testing was completed by 4 September. For the six flights of leading the pilot and the pilot Stefanovsky N.V.Ablyazovsky it was found that at speeds over 300 km/h th aircraft pulled strongly in a left bank. Speeds over 365 km/h could not be obtained as a pilot effort was barely enough to maintain level flight, and the power supply was inadequate. Takeoff and landing were normal. On July 13 Stefanovsky landed the plane without landing gear due to improper control light signal in the cabin. After a small repair tests were continued, but soon were again interrupted by the "unsatisfactory state of the material."
From the conclusion of the Air Force Research Institute: "The test showed absolutely unacceptable disregard for CAB CAF for such an important subject as the plane" Stal-6 ". After 15 months after leaving the airfield, it was completely undone ... ". During the modifications to the airplane established habitual speaker of the upper contour of the fuselage canopy, canopy which has a wedge-shaped glazing. Pilot seat was made stationary (zakontrennym in the upper position). From a purely experimental car "Stal-6" gradually turned into a fighter. The unit of the CSIR GVF was re-submitted to the state acceptance.
On August 6, 1934 Stefanovsky reached the maximum speed previously reached by Yumashev, - 420 km / h, despite the deterioration of aerodynamics of the projecting canopy. In this case the pilot claimed that after adjusting the motor output and its maximum capacity, "Stal-6" will be able to fly another 25-30 km/h faster.
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