And it has the loveliest engine note!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdhLWnSlJN8

For a plane designed in 1933, this has a strikingly modern look! I can see it getting to 292 MPH, as stated in the comments.

Thanks for posting, Bill.

Am I wrong or is most of the props effectiveness lost when it is directly in front of the engine/fuselage?

In my ignorance of aerodynamics and fluid mechanics it seems to me that the prop would have little flow with the engine cowling directly behind it.

With the drag of that broad, flat nose, it is indeed hard to account for the speed this aircraft was capable of. But boy, it bleeds it fast, just judging by that hot landing.

Reminds me of the Gee Bee racers of bygone years. They were certainly quite fast with a blunt nose.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vl0e...eBee_FotoRef_100.jpg

The Polikarpov I-16 is reminiscent of the Brewster Buffalo of the same era. Both soon to be hopelessly outclassed.

It's like many aircraft of that age. A flying engine nacelle!