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 Type of aircraft
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]

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

Bibliography

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Yakovlev AIR-1.

• Yakovlev AIR-1

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