Yakovlev AIR-1

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Yakovlev AIR-1
AIR1978.jpg
The AIR-1, 1978
RoleTwo-seat biplane
National originSoviet Union
ManufacturerYakovlev
Designer Aleksandr Sergeyevich Yakovlev
First flight12 May 1927
Number built6+

The Yakovlev AIR-1 (VVA-3) was a 1920s Soviet two-seat light biplane, the first aircraft designed and built by Aleksandr Sergeyevich Yakovlev. [1]

Contents

Development

Yakovlev designed his first aircraft while working at the Zhukovsky Military Aviation Academy; the aircraft was a two-seat light biplane powered by a 60 hp (45 kW) ADC Cirrus piston engine. [1] Although the directors of the academy were opposed to the design, the aircraft was built in the Academy Club on his own time. [2] Originally designated VVA-3 (Military Aviation Academy-3) Yakovlev later redesignated it the AIR-1 in honour of Alexei Ivanovich Rykov, the country's premier (the Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars) and the president of the Osoviakihm. [2] The first flight on 12 May 1927 was flown by Yakovlev's friend J.I. Piontkovsky, who later rated the flying qualities as excellent; Piontkovsky later flew the aircraft non-stop from Sevastopol to Moscow in 15½ hours, a distance of 1240 km. [2] In 1928 Yakovlev produced an improved variant, the AIR-2; six were built between 1928 and 1931 fitted with different five-cylinder radial engines. [2] One aircraft powered by a Siemens engine was designated AIR-2S and was fitted with floats designed by V B Shavrov. [2]

The AIR-1 depicted on a Russian stamp 1986 CPA 5780.jpg
The AIR-1 depicted on a Russian stamp

Variants

AIR-1
Prototype with a 60 hp (45 kW) ADC Cirrus engine.
AIR-2
Improved variant fitted with either a Siemens, Walter NZ-60 or NAMI M-23 radial engine.
AIR-2S
AIR-2 fitted with two wooden floats.
VVA-3
Original designation of the AIR-1

Specifications (AIR-1)

Data fromThe History of Soviet Aircraft from 1918. [2]

General characteristics

Performance

References

Notes

  1. 1 2 Orbis 1985, p. 3098
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Nemecek 1986, p. 244

Bibliography

  • Nemecek, Vaclav (1986). The History of Soviet Aircraft from 1918. London: Willow Books. ISBN   0-00-218033-2.
  • The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft (Part Work 1982-1985). Orbis Publishing.