Yakovlev AIR-1

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]

Yakovlev AIR-1
The AIR-1 at the Yakovlev Museum in Moscow
Role Two-seat biplane
National origin Soviet Union
Manufacturer Yakovlev
Designer Aleksandr Sergeyevich Yakovlev
First flight 12 May 1927
Number built 6+

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

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 from The History of Soviet Aircraft from 1918.[2]

General characteristics

  • Crew: two
  • Length: 6.9 m (22 ft 8 in)
  • Wingspan: 8.85 m (29 ft 0 in)
  • Wing area: 18.7 m2 (201 sq ft)
  • Empty weight: 335 kg (739 lb)
  • Gross weight: 535 kg (1,179 lb)
  • Powerplant: 1 × ADC Cirrus , 45 kW (60 hp)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 140 km/h (87 mph, 76 kn)
  • Range: 1,240 km (773 mi, 672 nmi)
  • Service ceiling: 3,850 m (12,625 ft)

References

Notes
  1. Orbis 1985, p. 3098
  2. 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.
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