Eastern Express 72218 Sikorski S-16

The Sikorski S-16 (another designation: RBWZ S-16) was a Russian fighter plane with a classic - fixed landing gear, in a biplane configuration, from the First World War and the interwar period. The flight of the prototype took place in 1915, and in the same year started a small series production. About 35 aircraft of this type were built in its course. The drive was provided by various engines ranging from 60 to 80 HP. The plane was armed with a single 7.7 mm machine gun.

The Sikorski S-16 was developed by Igor Sikorski - a Russian aviation constructor who later emigrated to the United States. The main task of the new machine was to escort the formation of Ilya Muromets bombers during their raids over the enemy territory. In the course of production, versions equipped with a float chassis and those based on skis appeared. Different versions of machine guns and engines were also mounted in this type of aircraft, which significantly influenced the performance of individual copies. Generally, however, the Sikorski S-16 aircraft was not very successful and its performance was rather poor - especially the maximum speed. Nevertheless, machines of this type were operated by Tsarist Russia, and later by Soviet Russia, until 1923, mainly as reconnaissance aircraft.