Aleksandrov-Kalinin AK-1

The Aleksandrov-Kalinin AK-1 was a prototype airliner built in the Soviet Union in the early 1920s, designed as part of a project by TsAGI to investigate low-cost construction techniques and to verify calculation models for thick-section airfoils. It was a high-wing, strut-braced monoplane of conventional design, powered by a single engine in the nose. Two passengers could be carried in an enclosed cabin in the fuselage, while a separate enclosed cockpit was provided for the pilot, plus a co-pilot or additional passenger. Construction was wooden throughout.

The aircraft was assembled at the GAZ-5 factory during 1923 and flight testing began in February the following year. Money for the project had been donated by the Latvian Riflemen, and the AK-1 was named Латышский стрелок (Latyshskii Strelok - "Latvian Sharpshooter") in recognition. Following flight tests, it was handed over to Dobrolyot, who used it on a route between Moscow and Kazan. In 1925, it was used in a propaganda flight from Moscow to Beijing and other Chinese cities, flying 7,000 km (4,300 mi) in 38 days.

Operators

 Soviet Union

• Dobrolyot

Specifications

General characteristics

• Crew: One-two pilots
• Capacity: 2-3 passengers
• Length: 11.00 m (36 ft 1 in)
• Wingspan: 14.90 m (48 ft 11 in)
• Height: 3.80 m (12 ft 6 in)
• Wing area: 37.0 m² (398 ft²)
• Empty weight: 1,096 kg (2,411 lb)
• Gross weight: 1,685 kg (3,707 lb)
• Powerplant: 1 × Salmson 9, 130 kW (170 hp)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 147 km/h (92 mph)
• Endurance: 5-6 hours
• Service ceiling: 2,200 m (7,200 ft)
• Rate of climb: 1.2 m/s (230 ft/min)

References

• Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions. p. 547. 
• Уголок неба
• Russian Aviation Museum