Yakovlev AIR-8
| Company type | Aircraft |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aviation |
| Founded | 1920s |
| Founder | Aleksandr Sergeyevich Yakovlev |
| Products | Two-seat general aviation monoplane |
The Yakovlev AIR-3 was a Soviet two-seat general aviation monoplane from the 1920s, designed and constructed by Aleksandr Sergeyevich Yakovlev.[1]
Development
After creating the earlier AIR-1 and AIR-2 models, Yakovlev enrolled at the Zhukovsky Air Force Engineering Academy, where he developed the AIR-3. This aircraft bore resemblance to the preceding AIR-2 biplane but featured a strut-supported high parasol wing.[2] It was powered by a 60 horsepower (45 kW) Walter NZ-60 radial piston engine,[1] and was also referred to as Pionerskaya Pravda, named after the young communist newspaper that funded its construction through reader contributions.[2] On 6 September 1929, this model completed a non-stop flight covering 1835 km between Mineralnye Vody and Moscow, setting two world records for light aircraft.[1][3]
In 1930, the design evolved into the Yakovlev AIR-4, which incorporated a redesigned split-axle landing gear, expanded cockpit space with access doors, and increased fuel capacity.[3]
One example of the AIR-4 was adapted in 1933 as the Yakovlev AIR-4MK to evaluate nearly full-span split flaps. To maximize flap area, floating wingtips were employed for roll control, allowing extensive trailing edge deployment.[3]
A military liaison version called the Yakovlev AIR-8 was produced in 1934. It featured an 85 horsepower (63 kW) Siemens engine and wings with constant chord and larger surface area.[3]
Kozlov PS
Following an initial trial using a Polikarpov U-2, Professor Sergei Grigorevich Kozlov of the Nikolai Zhukovsky Air Force Engineering Academy transformed a Yakovlev AIR-4 in 1935 to create the Kozlov PS (Prozrachnyy Samolyot — transparent aircraft). The original fabric covering on the wings and fuselage was substituted with a clear plastic material known as ''Cellon'' or ''Rhodoid''. Additionally, the solid structural components were coated with white paint blended with aluminium powder. Tests involving both ground-based and airborne observers validated Kozlov's concept, while also providing exceptional visibility for the pilot and crew. Despite this initial achievement, it was discovered that over time the transparent film became clouded due to dirt accumulation and sunlight exposure, which significantly reduced the ''invisibility effect''.[2][4]
Kozlov envisioned a single-seat reconnaissance plane utilizing this transparent plastic covering; however, concerns regarding the material's structural durability prevented further development. Subsequent investigations into transparent aircraft were commissioned at the experimental institute led by Pyotr I. Grokhovskii, but no additional planes employing Kozlov’s transparency techniques were constructed.[2][4]
AIR-3
- A two-seat monoplane powered by a 60 hp (45 kW) Walter NZ-60 radial piston engine, derived from the Yakovlev AIR-2. Only a single AIR-3 was produced.[2]
AIR-4
- An enhanced version featuring increased fuel capacity and revised landing gear. At least five units of the AIR-4 model were manufactured.[2]
AIR-4MK
- (MK – Mekhanizeerovannoye Krylo meaning mechanised wings). One AIR-4 (registration CCCP-E-31) was adapted for research on high-lift devices to improve approach control. Modifications included full-span split flaps and floating wingtips mounted on transverse axles for roll control.[2]
E-31
- An alternate designation for the AIR-4MK derived from its registration number.[2]
Kozlov PS
- Sergei G. Kozlov altered a single AIR-4 to test his concept of low-visibility aviation, effectively creating one of the earliest examples of a stealth aircraft. The aircraft was covered with transparent plastic sheeting, while internal structural elements and opaque sections were painted silver. Initially, this made the plane extremely difficult to detect; however, dirt buildup and the plastic's tendency to become opaque quickly undermined this effect.[2][4]
AIR-8
- A military liaison version equipped with an 85 hp (63 kW) Siemens engine and fitted with a constant chord wing featuring increased surface area. Only one AIR-8 was constructed.[2]
Specifications (AIR-3)
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Part Work 1982–1985". The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft. Orbis Publishing. 1985. p. 3098.
- ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedOKB Yak - ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Nemecek, Vaclav (1986). The History of Soviet Aircraft from 1918. London: Willow Books. p. 245. ISBN 0-00-218033-2.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedSov X
External links
