Sikorsky S-16

S-16
Sikorsky S-16 circa 1915
Role	FighterTemplate:Short description
National origin	Russian Empire
Manufacturer	RBVZ (Russo-Baltic Wagon Works)
Designer	Igor Sikorsky
First flight	6 February 1915
Introduction	January 1916
Retired	1923
Primary users	Imperial Russian Air Service Soviet Air Force

The Sikorsky S-16, or RBVZ S-XVI (named after its manufacturer), was a Russian equi-span single-bay two-seat biplane designed by Igor Sikorsky in 1914-15. Conceived in response to demand for an escort fighter for the Ilya Muromets bombers, it was noteworthy in that it was one of the first aircraft to possess synchronisation gear for its 7.7 mm machine gun. The first S-XVI was completed on 6 February 1915 with an 80 hp engine instead of the intended 100 hp because of supply problems. On 17 December 1915, the Russian government placed an order for 18 aircraft, these being delivered in early 1916.

Operational history

File:Replica of Sikorsky's S-16 plane.jpg

Full scale non-flying replica of the S-16 exhibited at the New England Air Museum in Connecticut

Although highly maneuverable, the S-XVI possessed a comparatively poor performance due to insufficient power. A further small batch were completed in 1917, with the aircraft being used during the Russian Revolution and staying in service until 1923. At least one aircraft have been used by the Ukrainian People's Republic after 1917.

Operators

Russian Empire

• Imperial Russian Air Service

Template:Country data Soviet Russia

• Soviet Air Forces

Template:Country data Ukrainian People's Republic

• Ukrainian People's Republic Air Fleet

Bibliography

• William Green and Gordon Swanborough. The Complete Book of Fighters. Colour Library Direct, Godalming, UK: 1994. Template:ISBN.