TA-1 and TAF amphibians by I.V.Chetverikov

72k b/w TA-1 (2^nd) and its creators, from "History of aircraft construction in the USSR", Vol.1 p.281

Transport parasol amphibian with retractable 'dry' landing gear and underwing floats. All-metal aircraft with fabric skin on ailerons and tail controls. Aircraft had very simple and technological construction, using only basic stamp-made duralumin profiles. It was built in three variants, different from each other.

Total payload (1000kg, including 8 passengers) was quite good for amphibian of this size.

TA-1 (1^st variant) had constant chord (2.5m) wing, equipped with flaps and ailerons. Underwing float in retraced served as the wingtips. Spacious passenger cabin was divided by wheel wells in two sections, connected by aisle.

This variant was finished in July 1947. Flown from land and water until November 1947. During ferry flight landing gear strut was broken and hull was damaged during landing. Aircraft was repaired by abandoned because Design Bureau was closed.

The second TA-1 (shown on the photo above) differs by rounded wingtips and different float retraction mechanism. Built in early 1948, it passed factory trials in May without any problems and on June 20 was send to the State Acceptance trials. Like the 1^st variant, it was abandoned without state trials.

TAF aerial variant had increased wing with tapered tips. Pre-trials flights (starting Summer 1948) were successful, but project was cancelled as well as previous two.

81k drawing of TA-1 2nd from "History of aircraft construction in the USSR" by V.B.Shavrov, Vol.2 p.281; Used for background on this page.