Historical reference

Development prerequisites


In the late 1930s, the political situation in Europe and the world worsened. The growing military threat from Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union required the UNR to strengthen its armed forces, in particular aviation. AKB "Stepanenko" received the task of creating a new fighter that could meet the challenges of the time and surpass the existing models in terms of their characteristics.

Start of work
Work on the new fighter began in 1938. Mykola Stepanenko, the son of the bureau's founder, a talented engineer who has already proven himself as a developer of several successful aircraft models, was appointed chief designer of the project. The project was named S-40 "Sokil".

Development and testing

The first prototype of the S-40 was built in 1940. The aircraft had an aerodynamic design with a low wing, an all-metal fuselage and a powerful piston engine. The designers paid special attention to the armament: four 12.7 mm machine guns and two 20 mm guns allowed to effectively destroy both air and ground targets.

The first tests of the S-40 were successful. The aircraft demonstrated high speed, maneuverability and reliability. However, some shortcomings were identified that needed to be refined. During 1941, designers made changes to the design of the aircraft, improved the engine cooling system and improved armament.

Introduction into serial production
In the middle of 1941, the S-40 "Sokil" was adopted by the Air Force of the Ukrainian People's Republic. Serial production of the aircraft was started at the Vinnytsia Aviation Plant. The first serial machines arrived at the military units at the end of 1941.

Participation in the Second World War

S-40 "Sokil" quickly established itself as a reliable and effective fighter. He took an active part in the battles on the Eastern and Western fronts, showing high results in air battles against German and Soviet aircraft. S-40 fighters were used not only for air superiority, but also for assault operations, bomber cover and reconnaissance.

Pilot-Ace Ivan Sharenko

Name: Ivan Oleksiyovych Sharenko

Year of birth: 1916

Place of birth: Vinnytsia, Ukrainian People's Republic

Military rank: Major

Biography:

Ivan Sharenko was born in Vinnytsia into a military family. Since childhood, he was fond of aviation, dreaming of becoming a pilot. In 1934, he entered the Kyiv Aviation Academy, where he showed himself as a talented student and a capable pilot. After completing his studies, Ivan was sent to serve in the Air Force of the Ukrainian People's Republic.

Military career:

At the beginning of the Second World War, Ivan Sharenko served as part of the 1st fighter squadron, equipped with new S-40 "Sokil" fighters. His first combat sortie took place in June 1941, when he destroyed two enemy bombers during the defense of a strategic facility.

During the war, Sharenko gained a reputation as one of the best pilots of the Air Force of the Ukrainian People's Republic. During his career, he flew more than 300 combat sorties and won 40 confirmed aerial victories, which made him one of the most successful aces of the Ukrainian People's Republic.

Notable Battles:

1. Battle of Kiev (1941): Ivan Sharenko became a hero when he shot down five enemy planes in one battle, protecting the city from airstrikes.
2. Operation "Western Shield" (1942): During a large-scale operation, Sharenko led a group of fighters that destroyed 17 enemy aircraft in one day, which significantly weakened the enemy's air force.
3. Battle for Crimea (1943): Participant in key battles for the liberation of Crimea, where Sharenko shot down several enemy fighters and helped provide air cover for ground troops.

Awards and honors:

• Order of the Golden Trident (the highest military award of the Ukrainian People's Republic)
• Order of Bohdan Khmelnytskyi 1st degree
• Medal of Honor"
• Order "For Air Valor"
  

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S-40 B-1

The aircraft was equipped with new 15mm machine guns and a 30mm cannon, and an improved radio navigation system.

Cockpit

Controls

VTOL(Down) - Flaps;
AG1 - Canopy;
AG2 - Open the engine hood;
AG3 - Navigation lights.