Photograph:
Heydecke V/H-16 Polikarpov I-16 ZK-VVV (c/n V16001) in 2009 (Dave Paull – NZCIVAIR)
Country of origin:
New Zealand
Description:
Single-seat amateur-built scale replica fighter monoplane
Power Plant:
One 112 kw (150 hp) Rotec R-3600 nine-cylinder air-cooled radial engine
Specifications:
- Wingspan: 6 m (19 ft 7 in)
- Length: 4 m (13 ft 1 in)
- Never exceed speed: 446 km/h (276 mph)
- Stalling speed with flaps: 83 km/h (52 mph)
- Fuel capacity: 80 litres (17.6 Imp gals)
- Loaded weight: 400 kg (882 lb)
History:
In New Zealand Volker Heydecke built an all-composite 66 per cent scale replica of a Polikarpov I-16 Type 24 fighter which was fitted with a 112 kw (150 hp) Rotec R-3600 radial engine with a 3:2 gearing. Painted all-white, this aircraft became ZK-VVV (c/n V16001), becoming known as the Heydecke V-16. It was first registered on 3 November 2008 and testing commenced at Drury but at this time the undercarriage collapsed during taxiing tests at Ardmore. The aircraft was rebuilt and testing resumed on 15 June 2009, making a test flight on 17 June 2009.
The aircraft was fitted with a ballistic parachute which was used on 29 August 2009 when, during spinning tests, recovery was found to be difficult, the aircraft crash landing near Ponga Road, South Auckland. Some damage was sustained and work commenced to rebuild the aircraft.