In picture: a ViM-8 Dukh fighter of the VK.06 no. 37, piloted by Pvt. Maxim Ilyev.

VINOGRADOV-MENDELEEV VIM-8 "DUKH"

The Vinogradov-Mendeleev ViM-8 "Dukh" (lit. Spirit) is a single-engined single-seat full-cantilever monoplane fighter aircraft designed by Vinogradov-Mendeleev Aeronautics Company for the Alyaskan Imperial Air Force (AVVS). It was the first Alyaskan monoplane fighter. When it was introduced, it was faster than anything the AVVS had, but it quickly became clear when the So-4 Sokol took its first flight just a year after. In 1935, it was already obsolete.

The Dukh won the government competition for the first Alyaskan monoplane, defeating the Sobol ES4 and the Fedorov N31 prototypes. It is powered by Attila-Dania's 525 hp SR-1340-AK air-cooled radial engine, delivering a max speed of over 370 km/h. It is armed with 4 × 7.7 mm P3 machine gun with 300 ammunition each, giving a total of 1200 ammunition. The Dukh is moderately maneuverable and fast, making it a versatile fighter of the time. It is also the first Alyaskan plane with all-metal production, giving a much higher durability than previous Alyaskan fighters.

Variants
- ViM-8A (1932, this one)
Attila-Dania SR-1340-AK radial engine
4 × P3 machine guns
- ViM-8B (1934)

Controls
AG2 : Flaps