| Technical data | |
|---|---|
| Type | PTA-1 |
| Function | Military observation |
| Year | 1911 |
| Crew | 1 |
| Engines | 1*50hp Gnome |
| Length | - |
| Wingspan | 14.0/10.0m |
| Wing area | 55m2 |
| Empty weight | 300kg |
| Loaded weight | 500kg |
| Wing Load (kg/m2) | 9.1 |
| Power load (kg/hp) | 10 |
| Maximum Speed | 80km/h |
PTA-1, V.A.Lebedev
|
Modification of the Farman-IV, designed with easy assembly/disassembly in mind under Major Engineering Department requirements. Aircraft differed from Farman-IV by aerodynamic fairing, covering pilot's seat.
'Folding' aircraft was finished on January 26, 1911 and was demonstrated on St.Petersburg exposition. It performed not worser than the prototype. One of two built PTA-1 was equipped with inflatable pontoons under the lower wing for emergency landing on water surface.
Idea of a 'folding biplane' was far of practicality. Assembly (and adjustment of all those wires!) in field conditions required more than two hours. They were quite bulky for transportation too. At the same time monoplane was much smaller, and some 'folding monoplanes' could be assembled as fast as in 11 minutes.
References:
- "History of aircraft construction in the USSR", Vol.1 p.87-88;
