Technical data | |
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Type | K-12, VS-2, 'Zhar-ptitsa' |
Function | Bomber |
Year | 1936 |
Crew | 3 |
Engines | 2*480hp M-22 |
Length | 10.3m |
Height | ?m |
Wingspan | 20.9m |
Wing area | 72.7m2 |
Empty weight | 3070kg |
Loaded weight | 4200kg |
Wing Load (kg/m2) | 57.8 |
Power load (kg/hp) | 4.38 |
Speed at 0m | 211km/h |
Speed at 3000m | 218km/h |
Landing Roll | 700m |
Takeoff Roll | 700m |
Range | km |
Ceiling | 7170m |
Climb | |
1000m | ?min |
Payload | |
Fuel | 500kg |
Armament | |
Guns | 2*? |
Bombs | 500kg |
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Experimental tailless bomber with two M-22 engines, yet another step on K.A.Kalinin's way towards his dream - rocket-powered supersonic flying wing aircraft. Light bomber carried crew of three. Construction - wielded steel tube frame with fabric cover. Each wing was a single piece construction, fuselage was assembled from three sections. Center sections of full-span slatted ailerons served as an elevon.
Aircraft could carry 500kg bombload inside, defenses were provided by two turrets (navigator/bombardier and tail gunner).
Prior to aircraft assembly 1/2 scale glider was built, and flown almost 100 times, proving the reliability of the airdynamic scheme.
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At Fall 1936 P.M.Stefanovskij took the K-12 into the air. End-plates were found inefficient at low speeds, minor stability problems were encountered. But the designer's goal was reached: he proved that tailless aircraft may serve as a multi-role front-line aircraft: light bomber (including chemical weapons), artillery spotter, photo-reconnaissater, transport-paramedic. After minor factory refinements K-12 was put in production.
Confidence in the K-12 was so high, that the experimental aircraft was included in Tushino parade fly-past on August 18, 1937. Painted in impressive red-yellow-orange feather-pattern, it was presented under nickname 'Zhar-ptitsa' (Fire-bird).
Ten K-12 were built, production was cancelled when K.A.Kalinin fall victim of Stalin's purges.
Predecessors | Modifications |
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None | None |
References | |
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Created January 25, 1996
Modified August 24, 1999 |
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