The I-225 is a Soviet rank IV fighter with a BR of 5.0. It excels as a low-speed dogfighter but struggles at high speeds and isn’t ideal for quickly racking up kills. The aircraft demands experience to handle effectively, as its punishing flight characteristics leave little room for error despite its strengths. While unique and rewarding, the I-225 is best suited for skilled players rather than beginners.
Engine
The I-225’s biggest strength is its powerful engine, which, combined with the airframe, makes it an excellent low-speed dogfighter.
- Climb rate: The plane’s climb rate is unmatched at its BR, excelling at all altitudes but particularly strong at high altitudes.
- Speed: With a top speed of 580–590 km/h at sea level, it can outrun aircraft like Spitfires and Zeros but struggles to catch faster planes such as the P-51.
- Overheating: The engine, especially the oil system, overheats quickly. Pilots should monitor temperatures closely to avoid engine damage.
Airframe
The I-225's airframe has notable strengths and weaknesses, excelling at low speeds but struggling at higher ones.
At low speeds, the I-225 maintains energy efficiently in turns and benefits from highly effective flaps, which should be frequently used in dogfights. The powerful engine easily compensates for any energy loss, allowing for sustained combat performance.
However, high-speed handling is a significant drawback. Severe compression makes boom-and-zoom tactics and quick engagements difficult. While the rip speed is manageable, controlling the aircraft at high velocities can be challenging.
The I-225's airframe can sustain some damage and return to base successfully. The biggest issue comes from oil and water leaks due to the quickly overheating engine.
Armament
Just like the airframe, the guns are powerful, but they still have major weaknesses.
- Armament: The I-225 is equipped with four ShVAK 20mm autocannons, capable of one-shotting most targets. However, each gun only holds 100 rounds, making trigger discipline crucial. The best belt choice is tracers, as they contain the highest amount of HE rounds.
- Aiming: At low speeds, aiming is straightforward thanks to good nose authority. However, at high speeds, compression makes fine adjustments difficult, so precision and careful shot placement are essential.
Defensive flying
One of the I-225’s biggest weaknesses is its narrow optimal speed range, between 450–500 km/h. Below this, it struggles to evade attacks, while above it, compression limits maneuverability. The roll rate and speed are decent but not exceptional, offering no significant defensive edge. Success often depends on exploiting an opponent’s mistakes rather than relying on the aircraft’s agility.
Strategy, tactics & tips
The I-225’s main disadvantages—compression, limited ammo, and poor defensive capabilities—make it unforgiving for mistakes. However, in skilled hands, it can be one of the strongest planes at its BR. This makes disciplined and precise flying especially important when piloting this aircraft.
General strategy
Avoid engaging in dogfights if there are enemies nearby who could intercept, especially since dogfighting in the I-225 can be time-consuming. Focus on stalling opponents by leveraging the energy gained early in the match. This can be done by flying above and to the side of an enemy. If the opponent decides to engage, climbing steeply to make them lose all of their speed makes them an easy kill. Be mindful of your speed, as prolonged dives are not ideal for this aircraft.
Dogfighting
Dogfighting is where the I-225 excels, but it can be challenging to utilize its strengths effectively. At the start of a fight, the low-speed turn and engine power aren’t fully in play, so it’s crucial to climb while staying out of the enemy’s gun range to reduce the speed of the engagement as quickly as possible.
Once below 350 km/h, the I-225’s engine and flaps make it a strong contender, and continuing to climb will wear down most enemies, causing them to lose energy. However, it struggles against highly agile planes like the A6Ms and Spitfires if both enter the fight at the same speed.
Winning dogfights in the I-225 requires patience, but once it gets going, it becomes incredibly powerful. The tough part is getting through the first few turns.
Early Game
Using the I-225’s climb rate to get above the enemy team early is the best way to start each match. Typically, there won’t be any opponents at a higher altitude unless they received an airspawn. Boom and zooming—diving on an enemy, shooting at them, and climbing away—is a viable tactic, but steep dives at high speed should be avoided due to compression.
Late Game & 1vMultiple Scenarios
The I-225 shines in late-game situations, where it can excel at picking off enemies one by one, provided they don’t group up (which is rare). Handling multiple opponents requires significant skill, but it’s definitely achievable. Just be sure to conserve ammunition.
My opinion & recommendation:
As an experienced pilot, I found the I-225 extremely fun. It’s certainly a unique aircraft. If you like low-speed dogfights, then I strongly recommend picking it up. It can be a challenge to fly despite its strengths, so if you’re not very experienced or new, I wouldn’t recommend it.
