DI-6

The DI‑6 is a single‑engine, low‑wing sports aircraft developed in the early 1970s by Russian aeronautical engineer Sergey Kocherigin. After completing a series of successful glider projects, Kocherigin turned to powered flight, establishing a small private design bureau in Nizhny Novgorod. The DI‑6 made its maiden flight on 12 June 1974 and quickly attracted attention for its combination of simplicity, lightweight construction, and impressive handling. Built primarily from aluminum alloy and incorporating a semi‑monocoque fuselage, the aircraft is powered by a 150 hp Lycoming IO‑360 horizontally opposed engine driving a two‑bladed constant‑speed propeller. Its 8.5‑meter wingspan features slotted flaps and a winglet‑enhanced tip that reduces induced drag, allowing a cruise speed of 260 km/h and a range of 1 200 km. The cockpit is fully enclosed with dual controls, making the DI‑6 suitable for both solo sport flying and pilot training. Although only a limited series of 25 units were produced, the aircraft demonstrated the viability of low‑cost, high‑performance designs in the Soviet civilian market and inspired later light‑sport models from Russian manufacturers. Today, restored DI‑6s are prized by vintage aircraft collectors and serve as a testament to Kocherigin’s innovative spirit.

Sergey Kocherigin

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