Technical data
Type I-222, 3A
Function Fighter
Year 1943
Crew 1
Engines 1*1430/1860hp AM-39B with 1*TK-300B
Length 9.60m
Wingspan 13.0m
Wing area 22.44m2
Empty weight 3167kg
Loaded weight 3790kg
Wing Load (kg/m2) 169
Power load (kg/hp) 2.44
Speed at 6700m 600km/h
Speed at 12500m 691km/h
Ceiling 14100m
Climb to 5000m 4.6min
Armament
Guns 2*20mm ShVAK

I-222, '3A' A.I.Mikoyan/M.I.Gurevich

16k b/w photo of I-222 at "History of aircraft construction in the USSR", Vol.1 p.238;

High altitude (stratospheric) interceptor of the I-220 line, powered with AM-39B-1 engine. Exhaust gases from left collector were used to drive new TK-300B supercharger. Aircraft was driven by special high-altitude propeller. All efforts were made to achieve highest possible altitude.

Despite of such a 'record intentions', it was a well-equipped fighter. Pair of synchronized 20mm cannons, armored pilot's seat, armored glass plates in front of pilot and behind him, soft fuel tanks and high-altitude pressurized cockpit made it one of most advanced piston engine fighters.

I-222 was ready in April 1944, and took off on May 7 same year. It set series of records (see table), but the natural payback was very high landing speed - 169km/h.

Predecessor I-221, 2A
Development I-224, 4A

References:
Modified October 13, 1997 Back to
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