I-15 DIT

I-15 DIT: History and Description
The I-15 DIT was a variant of the iconic Soviet biplane fighter, the Polikarpov I-15. This variant was specifically modified for increased performance and was equipped with a ramjet engine.
 
Key Specifications and Features
Base Model: The I-15, known for its maneuverability and distinctive "gull" wing design.
Engine Enhancement: Fitted with a ramjet engine, the DIT (Dopolnitelnyy Istrebitelnyy Tyaga - Additional Fighter Thrust) modification aimed to enhance the fighter's speed and climbing capabilities.
Armament: Similar to the base I-15, usually equipped with four PV-1 machine guns.
Wingspan: Approximately 10 meters.
Length: About 6.1 meters.
Height: Around 2.2 meters.
 
Historical Significance
The I-15 DIT represented an experimental approach to improving fighter performance in the 1930s. The addition of a ramjet engine was an innovative concept at the time, aimed at giving the fighter a significant boost in power during critical combat scenarios, such as dogfights or high-speed pursuits.
While the I-15 was widely used during the Spanish Civil War and early stages of World War II, the DIT variant was more of an experimental model and did not see widespread production or deployment.
 
End of Production and Legacy
The I-15 DIT remained an experimental project and did not enter mass production. Its development, however, contributed to the evolving design and understanding of fighter aircraft performance enhancements during that era. The I-15 series, as a whole, remains a significant part of Soviet aviation history, showcasing early efforts in innovative aircraft design and engineering.