What are your thoughts? - I-15 M-22

[tx141 815]

Hi All,

 

This week, I thought I would review the I-15 M-22 (Tier I; Battle Rating 1.0 Reserve Russian Biplane Fighter). Below you will find both my video review (including the history behind the I-15 from its inception through to its succession by the I-15bis) and a summary of my review in bullet-point form:

 

I-15 M-22 - Snub Nose Star

Summary:

 

• Manoeuvrability with speed – Above 150km/h, the I-15 M-22 is one of the most agile biplanes within its Battle Rating range, second only to the Ki-10s and I-153 M-62. As a result, the plane will feel at its most comfortable when deployed in the midst of a furball, coming around on the six of its opponents very quickly.
• Greater firepower – Whereas most reserve biplane fighter aircraft possess two machine guns, the I-15 M-22 possesses four. This increased burst mass allows the plane to down its opponents in a shorter time period so long as you are accurate, reducing the need to have to gradually chip away at each target that crosses into your line of fire.
• Strong initial dive acceleration – The I-15 M-22 accelerates rapidly up to 400km/h in a sharp dive meaning that short-distance dives can be used to quickly re-build the plane’s speed following an extended turn-fight, returning the plane to its ideal speed range of 225-325km/h in preparation for the next engagement.
• Unstable at low speeds – Unlike most of its biplane fighter opposition, the I-15 M-22 does not enjoy dogfights at speeds below 150km/h, with its rudder causing the plane to become unstable and prone to stalling out prematurely. Therefore, keeping the plane’s speed above this threshold is vital to success in a turn-fight against a fellow biplane.
• Vulnerable engine – When under fire from a given direction, the I-15 M-22’s engine is prone to taking significant damage which can see its performance deteriorate rapidly. This issue is only furthered in head-ons whereby the engine can be knocked out instantaneously unless you take evasive action.

 

Final Thought:

 

The I-15 M-22 is an enjoyable biplane fighter which has access to above average manoeuvrability and firepower for its Battle Rating, with these two elements combining to allow the plane to rapidly cut through its opposition within a furball. However, unlike its Battle Rating contemporaries, one can be caught-out by the fact that its manoeuvrability is only retained so long as the plane’s speed is kept above 150km/h. As a result, this will encourage pilots both new and old to watch their speed when turn-fighting in the I-15 M-22, and in doing so will enable the plane to live-up to its reputation of being the Snub Nose star of Spain.

 

And now over to you: what are your thoughts on this Biplane Fighter?

 

Next time:

 

Ki-61-II or F2A-1 Buffalo?

 

Be sure to let me know which one you want me to review using the above poll. Poll closes 1200 BST 31/03/2019.

 

As always, take care and good luck in the skies.

 

Paul "tx141" Walsh 

[M_T_W 10]

Ki-61 or Ki-10