Yakovlev AIR-11
| Industry | Aviation |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1936 |
| Founder | A.S. Yakovlev |
| Headquarters | USSR |
| Products | Touring monoplane aircraft |
The Yakovlev AIR-11, occasionally referred to as the Yakovlev LT-1, was a three-seat, low-wing touring monoplane with an enclosed cabin, crafted by A.S. Yakovlev in the USSR around 1936.
Design and development
Drawing apparent inspiration from the Percival Gull, Yakovlev created a comparable model employing his established construction techniques: wooden wings combined with a steel tube fuselage covered in fabric, and tail components fabricated from fabric-covered D1 (Duralumin). The undercarriage was fixed with a tail-wheel configuration, featuring streamlined spats and trousers, complemented by a spring steel tail-skid; ski landing gear was also an option.
The pilot and front passenger were seated side-by-side beneath a canopy that folded upwards, while the second passenger occupied a rearward seat.
Operational history
Having its maiden flight in late 1936, the AIR-11 competed in air racing events on 24 July 1937, securing second place in the two-seat category.
Following interest expressed by Sergei Ilyushin, Yakovlev handed over the aircraft to him for travel between Moscow and Voronezh. Unfortunately, the plane was later involved in a crash caused by engine failure during flight, which occurred after a mechanic failed to replenish the oil supply.