ANT-9 by A.N.Tupolev

High-wing all-metal passenger monoplane, using tail and wing of the ANT-7 (R-6). Root sections of the wing were extended by 0.5m. Fuselage was replaced by one with spacious passenger cabin. Pilots acquired an enclosed cockpit with dual controls. Aircraft had common for the 20-30's corrugated aluminum skin on wings, tail and fuselage. Three Gnome-Titan engines provided good power-to-weight ratio. Aircraft had very good flight performance and easy handling.

In 1927 industry of the USSR recovered after the Civil War turmoil. It was a right time to obtain 'respectable' domestic airliner, capable to compete with imported and license built planes. AGOS TsAGI got government order on such aircraft in December 1927. Mockup of ANT-9 was approved in October 1928.

Following popular tradition, ANT-9 was completed shortly prior to May 1, 1929. Aircraft was presented to public on the Red Square.

In May-June 1929 series of trials were performed, including flight Moscow - Odessa - Sevastopol - Kiev - Moscow (by crew Gromov, Mikheev, Spirin). Aircraft was named 'Wing of Soviets' and during July 10 - August 8, 1929 performed international tour Moscow - Travenmunde - Berlin - Paris - Marcel - London - Paris - Berlin - Warsaw - Moscow, covering 9037km in 53 flight hours.

Aircraft was found very technological and reliable, but the engines became a problem. Decision was made to use domestic 300hp M-26 instead of imported powerplant. But the M-26 was soon kicked out of production due to some design defects.

About 10 ANT-9 were redesigned to accommodate three Wright Whirlwind engines with 3-blade metal propellers. First of Wright-powered ANT-9s passed trials in September 1930. Those aircraft (and all other modifications) had slightly increased tailfin.

A few were used by the VVS as a VIP aircraft. Military variant with normal and underbelly retractable turrets was under construction. It was presented in January 1932. Abandoned before trials. Another armed version with gunner position in the nose replacing the central engine was studied.

Ambulance equipment was presented to State Commetee on January 11, 1932. This version was debated and studied but never built.

Two ANT-9 with Wright engines was transferred to joint Soviet-German company DeruLuft. German crew cowered corrugated skin with fabric and gained some speed.