Kamov A-7

Central Aero-hydrodynamic Institute (TsAGI)

Industry	Aerospace
Headquarters	Moscow , Soviet Union
Products	Kamov A-7 autogyro

The Kamov A-7 represents a Soviet-designed two-seat winged autogyro equipped with a three-blade rotor system. Conceived by Nikolai Kamov and manufactured by the Central Aero-hydrodynamic Institute (TsAGI), it holds the distinction of being the first combat autogyro globally and the earliest rotary-wing aircraft produced in quantity within the USSR. The program resulted in two experimental versions—the A-7 and A-7bis—and five units of the production model designated A-7-3A.

History and development

Initiation of the A-7 project commenced in 1931 at TsAGI, which had prior experience building the TsAGI A-4 autogyro. Its design targeted roles such as communication, reconnaissance, and artillery observation, with potential deployment on naval platforms. Completion of the initial A-7 occurred in 1934. Subsequently, an improved aerodynamic variant named the A-7bis underwent test flights starting in 1937. The prototype for the lightened production version, known as the A-7-3A, was finalized in 1940.

Powered by a 353 kW M-22 air-cooled engine, these autogyros could reach a top speed of 221 km/h. The aircraft featured tricycle landing gear equipped with hydraulic shock absorbers; the gear assemblies, rotor mounts, and wheels were all enclosed within streamlined fairings to enhance aerodynamic efficiency. The wings incorporated a central folding mechanism, while slotted ailerons were installed on the tail surfaces.

File:S V Semenychev, Central House of Aviation and Cosmonautics.jpg

Model A-7 (center right), S V Semenychev, Central House of Aviation and Cosmonautics

Armament included three machine guns: a forward-firing belt-fed PV-1 machine gun synchronized to fire through the propeller arc and a rear-mounted twin DA-2 variant of the Degtyaryov machine gun installed on a ring turret. Later modifications allowed carriage of four FAB-100 bombs and six unguided RS-82 rockets. For communications, a 13-SK3 radio was originally fitted and later replaced by an RSI-3 set. Additionally, aerial reconnaissance was supported by a PO1TE 1B camera for photographic missions.

Operational history

Throughout the Winter War, the A-7 and A-7bis served primarily as artillery spotters, operated by Colonel A. Ivanovsky and Colonel D. Kosits. They also undertook multiple reconnaissance missions during this period. In early 1941, the A-7 was employed in an agricultural role, aiding in the pollination of fruit trees during an expedition to the foothills of the Tien Shan. During World War II, the A-7-3A models were deployed on the Western Front near Smolensk, where they played a crucial role in directing artillery fire. Additionally, these aircraft conducted nocturnal flights to distribute leaflets over enemy territory. One notable incident involved an A-7-3A that sustained extensive damage from heavy machine gun fire, which perforated its fuselage, wings, and rotor blades. Despite injuries to the observer’s legs and the pilot’s arm, they successfully navigated the compromised autogyro back to friendly lines. The damaged aircraft was subsequently repaired in Bilimbai (Sverdlovsk Oblast), where the design bureau had been relocated in response to the German advance.