A-15 glider by O.K.Antonov

The USSR was represented at International Gliding Contests for several years by the A-15 and KAI sailplanes.

The prototype A-15 was first flown on 26 March 1960. In 1965 it was presented on the Paris Airshow. It is a single-seat high-performance sailplane, capable of aerobatics, spinning and blind flying.

The A-15 is a mid-wing cantilever monoplane, with butterfly tail. Construction and covering - all metal, including the flying surfaces. The oval-section monocoque fuselage marked a departure from traditional Antonov tadpole outline, with a smooth tapered outline aft of the pilot's seat.

The cockpit is provided with adjustable pedals and backseat, sun blind and controllable air intake. Equipment includes artificial horizon, barograph, storage battery, oxygen and water ballast systems, and radio.

The narrow trapezoidal monospar wing has a laminar-flow aerofoil (NACA 64₃-618 at root, NACA 63₃-616 at wingtips). The wing, which has 1°30' dihedral, is fitted with slotted Fowler flaps, drooped ailerons and spoilers. Plastics are used for the aileron ribs and wingtip fairings.

The butterfly tail (45° to the horizontal) has a similar control system to that of the A-11 and A-13.

There is shock absorbing monowheel undercarriage with retractable braking wheel and tail bumper. The A-15 can be easily assembled and disassembled.

International records established by the A-15 include:

Created July 10, 2000

Back to Main Gate