I would like to include some reliable info on the OKA-38 in the final package, so let’s put together what we know into a consistent description.
As far as serial production is concerned, apparently, the original plan was to copy Fi-156 and start serial production in the “aviazavod 23”. Antonov managed to copy it but that was as far as it went. Incidentally, beside the engine, OKA-38 and Fi-156 show many differences in design that go well beyond the adaptation to Russian materials – like empanage, wing design including positive dihedral angle, etc. – one can hardly talk about “license”. The difference in performance was due to more than a weaker engine and higer weight. The max weight for Fi-156C-2 was 1325kg, almost the same as OKA-38, yet it needed half the distance to take-off.
If there was serial production are there any records of the numbers built, or some indication where were they used?
Did you managed to find, perhaps, some info on the MV-6 engine. What I know is that it was a turbocharged unit with variable angle propeller. How the propeller worked is not clear, as the OKA cockpit does not seem to have any control.
It looks that the temperature gauge, used on many Russian planes, had several versions including the one that you posted but also the one that I put there originally – not a big deal this one.
What did you put on the clock face? I would like to include it in my PSD original.
I think, the handle for engine primer should read "zalivka motora” or “zalivka pompy”, it appears like that on pictures of the U-2VS panel and in the pilot’s handbook. It was, in fact, a valve rather than a hand pump like on the US planes.
By deciphering info on the panel plate I meant that one on the B&W picture, I can read Russian.
P.S. If we want to be historically exact, Soviet Union entered WW2 on the 17 Sep 1939 with the invasion of Poland.
Author
Topic: Fi-156 clones (Read 25113 times)
