Rafaelyants RAF-11
| RAF-11 | |
|---|---|
| General information | |
| Type | Transport aircraft |
| National origin | Soviet Union |
| Designer | Aram Rafaelyants |
| Number built | 2 |
| History | |
| First flight | 1938 |
The Rafaelyants RAF-11 was a Soviet transport aircraft of the late 1930s, designed by Aram Rafaelyants and first flown in 1938.
Design and development
The RAF-11 was built from 1937 to 1938 and first flown in 1938. It was a twin-engine cantilever monoplane with a semi-monocoque fuselage, powered by two 300 hp (220 kW) Kossov MG-31 engines. The aircraft was of wooden construction with ply covering at the back of the wings and fabric throughout. The wing was of two-spar construction. The landing gear retracted into the engine nacelles using a hydraulic system and an additional pneumatic system for emergency extension. The aircraft had a capacity of six passengers. The RAF-11 was too heavy and its performance unimpressive.[1]
In 1940, the RAF-11bis first flew, which was a refined version of the RAF-11. It had reduced weight and slightly reduced fuel capacity. The aircraft was fitted with more powerful 330 hp (250 kW) MG-31F engines.[2] The RAF-11bis had outstanding performance and could be used in both airliner and trainer roles. Series production was to start in 1941 but never commenced due to World War II.[3] Both examples flew during the war.[4]
Specifications (RAF-11bis)
Data from The Osprey Encyclopedia of Russian Aircraft[2]
General characteristics
- Crew: two
- Capacity: six passengers
- Length: 10.1 m (33 ft 2 in)
- Wingspan: 15 m (49 ft 3 in)
- Wing area: 30 m2 (320 sq ft)
- Empty weight: 2,097 kg (4,623 lb)
- Gross weight: 3,000 kg (6,614 lb)
- Powerplant: 1 × Kossov MG-31F nine-cylinder radial engine, 250 kW (330 hp)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 294 km/h (183 mph, 159 kn)
- Cruise speed: 257 km/h (160 mph, 139 kn)
- Range: 930 km (580 mi, 500 nmi)
- Service ceiling: 4,500 m (14,800 ft)
- Time to altitude: 3.5 minutes to 1,000 m (3,300 ft)
References
- ^ Shavrov, Vadim Borisovich (1986). Istoriya konstruktsiy samoletov v SSSR do 1938 goda (in Russian) (3rd ed.). Moscow: Mashinostroenie. p. 616.
- ^ a b Gunston, Bill (1995). The Osprey Encyclopedia of Russian Aircraft 1875–1995. Osprey. p. 314. ISBN 978-1855324053.
- ^ Nemecek, Vaclav (1986). The History of Soviet Aircraft from 1918. Willow Books. p. 282. ISBN 0-00-218033-2.
- ^ Maslov, Mikhail (January 2010). "«Воздушный экспресс» инженера Рафаэлянца". Krylya (in Russian). No. 4.