LR, TsKB-1 by S.A.Kocherigin

Despite a complete success of the R-5, the necessity of smaller and faster reconnaissater became more and more clear to keep up with new faster fighters. In 1932 order on the LR was issued to S.A.Kocherigin team and KOSOS (A.N.Tupolev).

A.N.Tupolev was busy with heavy aircraft, and his project was not finished. S.A.Kocherigin took the R-5 as a prototype.

The LR had smaller size, new more powerful Mikulin M-34 engine. Fuselage frame was made of steel tubes. Skin - aluminum (nose) and fabric (cockpits and tail). Wings - wood. Landing gear similar to those of R-5, but with air-oil shock absorbing struts and disk brakes (novelty in the USSR). Cooling system included oil radiator and retractable water radiator.

Construction was very light. The first LR airframe weight was only 640kg, while engine weight was 613kg and engine cradle another 384kg. During trials and refinement aircraft weight gained about 100kg...

LR could be used as a two-seat fighter, but its armament was too light. It was ready in July 1933. First(?) takeoff attempt on January 27, 1934 (Yu.I.Piontkovskij) resulted in crash - assembly workers swapped the aileron control wires... Nobody was hurt and damage was minimal. After repairs, LR passed State Acceptance Trials less than one year later. Flight performance was very good, specially with high-altitude M-34N engine installed on the second prototype.

Only two prototypes were built. The R-Z was preferred, because it required less design changes from R-5 and it was easier to put it into mass production.

References:	Links:
"History of aircraft construction in the USSR", Vol.1 p.449-450;	LR at Russian Aviation LR light reconnaissater LR, Kocherigin TsKB-1, Kocherigin R-5 and R-Z LR photo

Modified February 06, 1998;

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