The Comet of the Red~

Bereznyak-Isayev BI-1

- About the aircraft

The Bereznyak-Isayev BI-1 was a Soviet rocket-powered interceptor aircraft developed during World War II. Designed by Alexander Bereznyak and Alexei Isayev, it represented a radical departure from contemporary piston-engine aircraft, aiming to provide a high-speed, short-duration defense against incoming German bombers.

The BI-1 was a small, sleek aircraft with a distinctive pointed nose and swept-back wings. Its primary armament was two 20mm ShVAK cannons, intended to deliver a decisive punch against enemy aircraft. However, the BI-1's most remarkable feature was its liquid-fueled rocket engine, burning a mixture of kerosene and nitric acid. This engine provided a tremendous burst of power, enabling the BI-1 to achieve exceptional climb rates and speeds far exceeding those of conventional fighters.

Despite its innovative design, the BI-1 program was plagued by technical challenges and ultimately proved impractical for widespread deployment. The volatile nature of the fuel mixture, the extremely short engine burn time (around 8 minutes), and the lack of a suitable landing gear design limited its operational effectiveness. After several test flights, including one fatal crash, the project was eventually abandoned in favor of more conventional aircraft.

While the BI-1 never saw combat, it remains a significant milestone in aviation history. It demonstrated the potential of rocket propulsion for aircraft and provided valuable data for future rocket-powered aircraft and missile designs. The BI-1 serves as a testament to the Soviet Union's commitment to technological innovation, even under the immense pressure of wartime.

C O N T R O L S
Trim : Flaps, cruising 'rotate' adjuster
VTOL : Further flaps

Notes :

• For those who confused why the fuel is 0%, go to Activate (AG) section ingame -> then AIR-TO-GND -> after that fire the rocket -> and Ta-da! The aircraft is starts to thrust and fly:)

• Please consider that the aircraft's rocket thrust only last for ~8,5 minutes