Art Model 7206 Polikarpov I-185

The Polikarpov I-185 was a prototype Soviet fighter plane from the Second World War. The plane was built in a low-wing configuration with a classic landing gear - retractable in flight. The prototype flight took place in January 1941, but the machine was only produced in symbolic numbers. The drive was provided by a single M-71 engine with a capacity of 2000 HP. The on-board armament consisted of 3 20 mm SzWAK cannons. The machine could also carry bombs weighing up to 500 kilograms.

I-185 was developed by Nikolai Polikarpov, in connection with the requirements of Soviet aviation for a new fighter with a radial engine. Constructor, acc. Some sources, he also wanted to create a counterweight to the Fw-190A aircraft under development in Germany. The design of the new fighter was based on many elements of the I-16 and the prototype I-180, but most of all, new Soviet-made radial engines were tested on it, and finally the M-71 Szwiecov was chosen. The machine turned out to be extremely successful already at the time of the flight, and especially in the course of further tests. It had a very good top speed - much better than other Soviet machines of that time, it was also easy to pilot and was highly maneuverable. The pilots flying on it were also flattering. At the turn of 1942-1943, the I-185 aircraft was also tested in frontal conditions, which confirmed its considerable potential. However, due to political reasons and the disfavor of N. Polikarpov in which he fell to Stalin, the machine did not enter mass production.