Tupolev I-4

The Tupolev I-4 was a Soviet sesquiplane single-seat fighter. It was designed in 1927 by Pavel Sukhoi, his first aircraft design, and the first Soviet all-metal fighter.

Design and development
After the first prototype (under the development name ANT-5), the I-4 was redesigned with a new engine cowling to decrease drag, added rocket launchers on the upper wing, and a larger tailfin. The lower wing was nothing more than an attachment for the wing struts; it was (almost) removed in the second series (I-4bis).

Operational history
The I-4 was used as a parasite fighter in experiments with the TB-3 bomber. The aircraft was in Soviet service from 1928–1933. A total of 369 were built.

Variants

 * ANT-5 : Prototype.
 * I-4 : Single-seat fighter aircraft.
 * I-4bis : Monoplane version.
 * I-4P : Floatplane version.

Operators

 * Soviet Air Force
 * Soviet Air Force