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}}{{Infobox Aircraft Type
}}{{Infobox Aircraft Type
|type = [[fighter aircraft|Fighter]]
|type = [[fighter aircraft|Fighter]]
|manufacturer =[[PZL]]
|manufacturer =[[Państwowe Zakłady Lotnicze|PZL]]
|designer =Zygmunt Puławski
|designer =Zygmunt Puławski
|first flight = August [[1930 in aviation|1930]]
|first flight = August 1930
|introduced =
|introduced =
|retired =
|retired =
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}}
}}
|}
|}
The '''PZL P.6''' was a Polish fighter, designed by the engineer [[Zygmunt Puławski]], manufactured by [[PZL]] state-owned factory. It remained a prototype.
The '''PZL P.6''' was a Polish fighter, designed by the engineer [[Zygmunt Puławski]], manufactured by [[Państwowe Zakłady Lotnicze|PZL]] state-owned factory. It remained a prototype and did not go into production.


==Design and development==
==Design and development==
The history of PZL P.6 started in 1928, when a talented designer, Zygmunt Puławski designed an all-metal metal-covered monoplane fighter [[PZL P.1]]. It introduced a high [[gull wing]], giving a pilot an optimal view. The P.1 was powered with an inline engine, and developed a speed of 302 km/h, but remained a prototype, because it was decided, that a fighter for the [[Polish Air Force]] should be powered with a [[radial engine]], licence produced in Poland. Therefore, the next model '''PZL P.6''', was powered with the [[Bristol Jupiter]] VI FH radial engine.
The history of PZL P.6 started in 1928, when a talented designer, Zygmunt Puławski designed an all-metal metal-covered monoplane fighter [[PZL P.1]]. It introduced a high [[gull wing]], giving a pilot an optimal view. The P.1 was powered with an inline engine, and developed a speed of 302 km/h, but remained a prototype, because it was decided, that a fighter for the [[Polish Air Force]] should be powered with a [[radial engine]], licence produced in Poland. Therefore, the next model '''PZL P.6''', was powered with the [[Bristol Jupiter]] VI FH radial engine.


The PZL P.6 was flown for the first time in August 1930 with test pilot [[Bolesław Orliński]] at the controls. It had a very similar wing to the P.1, but the fuselage was completely redesigned with a modern semi-[[monocoque]] configuration introduced that was oval in cross-section, as well, the tail was also changed. As a result of the modifications, the aircraft was over 200 kg lighter.
The PZL P.6 was flown for the first time in August 1930 with test pilot [[Bolesław Orliński]] at the controls. It had a very similar wing to the P.1, but the fuselage was completely redesigned with a modern [[semi-monocoque]] configuration introduced that was oval in cross-section, as well, the tail was also changed. As a result of the modifications, the aircraft was over 200 kg lighter.


==Technical description==
==Technical description==
Line 30: Line 30:


==Testing and evaluation==
==Testing and evaluation==
The P.6, just like the P.1, garnered a great deal of interest worldwide. Their wing design was called the "Polish wing" or "Puławski wing". During a presentation at the [[Paris Air Show]] in Le Bourget in December [[1931 in aviation|1931]], the aviation press, such as ''L'Air'', ''The Aeroplane'', ''[[Flight International|Flight]]'' and ''[[Die Luftwacht]]'' acknowledged the P.6 as one of the world's top fighter designs. Significantly, the P.6 prototype, piloted by Bolesław Orliński, won the American [[National Air Races]] in 29 August-7 September 1931.
The P.6, just like the P.1, garnered a great deal of interest worldwide. Their wing design was called the "Polish wing" or "Puławski wing". During a presentation at the [[Paris Air Show]] in Le Bourget in December 1931, the aviation press, such as ''L'Air'', ''The Aeroplane'', ''[[Flight International|Flight]]'' and ''[[Die Luftwacht]]'' acknowledged the P.6 as one of the world's top fighter designs. Significantly, the P.6 prototype, piloted by Bolesław Orliński, won the American [[National Air Races]] held in [[Cleveland]] between the 29th of August and the 7th of September 1931.


The PZL P.6 did not enter production, because at the same time the next improved variant, the [[PZL P.7]] was being developed. The first P.7 prototype was basically the P.6 with a more powerful Bristol Jupiter VII F engine. With the provision of a supercharger, it achieved better performance at higher altitudes.
The PZL P.6 did not enter production, because at the same time the next improved variant, the [[PZL P.7]] was being developed. The first P.7 prototype retained most design tratis of the P.6 with a more powerful supercharged Bristol Jupiter VII F engine, achieved better performance at higher altitudes.


The P.6 prototype crashed on 11 October 1931 near [[Częstochowa]] due of a propeller breaking apart, resulting in the engine tearing apart. Pilot, Orliński, bailed out successfully.
The sinlg eP.6 prototype crashed on 11 October 1931 near [[Częstochowa]] due to a propeller breaking apart, resulting in catastrophic engine failure. The pilot, Orliński, bailed out successfully.


==Variants==
==Variants==
Line 44: Line 44:


==Specifications (P.6/I)==
==Specifications (P.6/I)==

{{Aircraft specs
{{Aircraft specs
|ref=Polish aircraft 1893-1939<ref name=Cynk>{{cite book |last1=Cynk |first1=Jerzy B |title=Polish aircraft 1893-1939 |publisher=Putnam |date=1971 |isbn=0-370-00085-4 |pages=147-154}}</ref>
|ref=''Polish aircraft 1893-1939'' <ref name=Cynk>{{cite book |last1=Cynk |first1=Jerzy B |title=Polish aircraft 1893-1939 |publisher=Putnam |date=1971 |isbn=0-370-00085-4 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/polishaircraft1800cynk/page/147 147-154] |url=https://archive.org/details/polishaircraft1800cynk/page/147 }}</ref>
|prime units?=met
|prime units?=met
<!--
<!--
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|max takeoff weight kg=
|max takeoff weight kg=
|max takeoff weight note=
|max takeoff weight note=
|fuel capacity={{cvt|250|l|USgal impgal}} in a jettisonable fuselage tank
|fuel capacity={{cvt|250|L|USgal impgal}} in a jettisonable fuselage tank
|more general=
|more general=
<!--
<!--
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|max speed kmh=292
|max speed kmh=292
|max speed note=at sea level
|max speed note=at sea level
::::{{cvt|285|km/h|mph kn}} at {{cvt|3800|m|0}}
::::{{cvt|285|km/h|mph kn}} at {{cvt|3800|m}}
*'''Minimum speed:''' {{cvt|100|km/h|mph kn}}
*'''Minimum speed:''' {{cvt|100|km/h|mph kn}}
|cruise speed kmh=
|cruise speed kmh=
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|roll rate=<!-- aerobatic -->
|roll rate=<!-- aerobatic -->
|climb rate ms=10.3
|climb rate ms=10.3
|climb rate sigfig=1
|climb rate note={{citation needed|date=November 2019}}
|climb rate note={{citation needed|date=November 2019}}
|time to altitude={{cvt|2000|m|0}} in 2 minutes 50 seconds
|time to altitude={{cvt|2000|m}} in 2 minutes 50 seconds
::::{{cvt|5000|m|0}} in 9 minutes 1 seconds
::::{{cvt|5000|m}} in 9 minutes 1 seconds
|wing loading kg/m2=78.7
|wing loading kg/m2=78.7
|wing loading note=
|wing loading note=
|fuel consumption kg/km=
|fuel consumption kg/km=
|power/mass={{cvt|0.1515|hp/lb|order=flip}}
|power/mass={{cvt|0.15|hp/lb|order=flip}}
|more performance=<!--</br>
|more performance=
*'''Take-off run:''' {{cvt||m|0}}
*'''Take-off run to {{cvt|15|m|0}}:''' {{cvt||m|0}}
*'''Landing run:''' {{cvt||m|0}}
*'''Landing run from {{cvt|15|m|0}}:''' {{cvt||m|0}}-->
<!--
<!--
Armament
Armament

Latest revision as of 15:00, 8 January 2024

PZL P.6
Role Fighter
Manufacturer PZL
Designer Zygmunt Puławski
First flight August 1930
Status Prototype Destroyed
Primary user Polish Air Force
Number built 1
Developed from PZL P.1
Variants PZL P.7

The PZL P.6 was a Polish fighter, designed by the engineer Zygmunt Puławski, manufactured by PZL state-owned factory. It remained a prototype and did not go into production.

Design and development[edit]

The history of PZL P.6 started in 1928, when a talented designer, Zygmunt Puławski designed an all-metal metal-covered monoplane fighter PZL P.1. It introduced a high gull wing, giving a pilot an optimal view. The P.1 was powered with an inline engine, and developed a speed of 302 km/h, but remained a prototype, because it was decided, that a fighter for the Polish Air Force should be powered with a radial engine, licence produced in Poland. Therefore, the next model PZL P.6, was powered with the Bristol Jupiter VI FH radial engine.

The PZL P.6 was flown for the first time in August 1930 with test pilot Bolesław Orliński at the controls. It had a very similar wing to the P.1, but the fuselage was completely redesigned with a modern semi-monocoque configuration introduced that was oval in cross-section, as well, the tail was also changed. As a result of the modifications, the aircraft was over 200 kg lighter.

Technical description[edit]

The PZL P.6 was an all-metal duralumin-covered, braced, high-wing monoplane. The fuselage was framed in a front section and semi-monocoque in mid and tail sections with an oval cross-section. The two-spar wing of trapezoid shape, thinner by the fuselage, covered with a rimmed Wibault type duralumin sheet, was supported by two struts on either side. The pilot's cockpit was open, with a windshield. The Bristol Jupiter VI FH radial engine mounted in front was fitted with a Townend ring and used a two-blade propeller. The fixed undercarriage with a rear skid was mainly conventional and typical of the period. An unusual feature was a fuselage fuel tank that could be dropped in case of a fire emergency.

Testing and evaluation[edit]

The P.6, just like the P.1, garnered a great deal of interest worldwide. Their wing design was called the "Polish wing" or "Puławski wing". During a presentation at the Paris Air Show in Le Bourget in December 1931, the aviation press, such as L'Air, The Aeroplane, Flight and Die Luftwacht acknowledged the P.6 as one of the world's top fighter designs. Significantly, the P.6 prototype, piloted by Bolesław Orliński, won the American National Air Races held in Cleveland between the 29th of August and the 7th of September 1931.

The PZL P.6 did not enter production, because at the same time the next improved variant, the PZL P.7 was being developed. The first P.7 prototype retained most design tratis of the P.6 with a more powerful supercharged Bristol Jupiter VII F engine, achieved better performance at higher altitudes.

The sinlg eP.6 prototype crashed on 11 October 1931 near Częstochowa due to a propeller breaking apart, resulting in catastrophic engine failure. The pilot, Orliński, bailed out successfully.

Variants[edit]

  • P.6/I : First prototype, later became P.7 prototype.

Operators[edit]

 Poland

Specifications (P.6/I)[edit]

Data from Polish aircraft 1893-1939 [1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Length: 7.16 m (23 ft 6 in)
  • Wingspan: 10.3 m (33 ft 10 in)
  • Height: 2.75 m (9 ft 0 in)
  • Wing area: 17.2 m2 (185 sq ft)
  • Airfoil: root:IAW-72 (Bartel 37/IIa) (6.5%) ; tip: IAW-72 (Bartel 37/IIa) (8%)[2]
  • Empty weight: 908 kg (2,002 lb)
  • Gross weight: 1,355 kg (2,987 lb)
  • Fuel capacity: 250 L (66 US gal; 55 imp gal) in a jettisonable fuselage tank
  • Powerplant: 1 × Bristol Jupiter VIFH 9-cylinder air-cooled radial piston engine, 340 kW (450 hp)
  • Propellers: 2-bladed Gnome-Rhŏne fixed-pitch metal propeller

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 292 km/h (181 mph, 158 kn) at sea level
285 km/h (177 mph; 154 kn) at 3,800 m (12,500 ft)
  • Minimum speed: 100 km/h (62 mph; 54 kn)
  • Stall speed: 103 km/h (64 mph, 56 kn) [citation needed]
  • Range: 600 km (370 mi, 320 nmi)
  • Service ceiling: 8,600 m (28,200 ft)
  • Rate of climb: 10.3 m/s (2,000 ft/min) [citation needed]
  • Time to altitude: 2,000 m (6,600 ft) in 2 minutes 50 seconds
5,000 m (16,000 ft) in 9 minutes 1 seconds
  • Wing loading: 78.7 kg/m2 (16.1 lb/sq ft)
  • Power/mass: 0.25 kW/kg (0.15 hp/lb)

Armament

See also[edit]

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References[edit]

  1. ^ Cynk, Jerzy B (1971). Polish aircraft 1893-1939. Putnam. pp. 147-154. ISBN 0-370-00085-4.
  2. ^ Lednicer, David. "The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage". m-selig.ae.illinois.edu. Retrieved 16 April 2019.

Further reading[edit]

  • Cynk, Jerzy B. History of the Polish Air Force 1918-1968. Reading, Berkshire, UK: Osprey Publishing Ltd., 1972. ISBN 0-85045-039-X.
  • Cynk, Jerzy B. Polish Aircraft, 1893-1939. London: Putnam & Company Ltd., 1971. ISBN 0-370-00085-4.
  • Eberspacher, Warren A. and Koniarek, Jan P. PZL Fighters Part One - P.1 through P.8. (International Squadron Monograph 2). St. Paul, MN: Phalanx Publishing Co., Ltd., 1995. ISBN 1-883809-12-6.
  • Glass, Andrzej. Polskie konstrukcje lotnicze 1893-1939 (in Polish: "Polish Aviation Constructions 1893-1939"). Warszawa, Poland: WKiŁ, 1977. no ISBN
  • Glass, Andrzej. PZL P.7: Cz.1. Gdańsk, Poland: AJ Press, 2000. ISBN 83-7237-080-X.
  • Kopański, Tomasz J. PZL P.7: Cz.2. Gdańsk, Poland: AJ Press, 2001. ISBN 83-7237-081-8.

External links[edit]