I-16TK, N.N.Polikarpov

The high altitude modification of the I-16 Type 10, fitted with two TK-1 turbosuperchargers. TK-1 was developed in the TsIAM. Both TK-1 operated in parallel as first stage of compression with PTsN as the second stage. Armament was reduced to pair of nose-mounted ShKAS machine guns to save weight. Landing gear was also strengthened to handle increased weight.

To provide room for the TK's engine cowling and exhaust system were redesigned with additional air intakes and heat resistant steel plates behind the supercharger exhaust. Fixed-pitch propeller was replaced by 'hydromatic' constant rotation rate AV-1 propeller with 30dig range of pitch change.

The I-16TK program was phased out as more powerful M-62 and M-63 engines became available. Decision was made to try TK-1 with those engines, but it became obvious that I-16 airframe provides no room for heavier turbocharged powerplants.

Created August 08 Modified March 10, 1998

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