GAZ-5, Passenger biplane by E.E.Groppius

Photo (37k b/w) from "History of aircraft construction in the USSR", Vol.1 p.348

Passenger biplane with very bulky fuselage, 'filling' all the space between upper and lower wings. Engine compartment was followed by roomy passenger cabin. Crew (pilot and mechanic) occupied open cockpit next to the passenger cabin.

Front section was covered with aluminum, passenger section with plywood and tail with fabric. E.E.Groppius developed special radiator to fit under the fuselage without adding much drag. Aircraft was built at GAZ-5 factory.

Aircraft was ready in early 1924, flown by pilot Efremov in Summer-Fall same year. Small ceiling, slow climb and long Takeoff Roll killed the project.