Anatra D.Is., Anadis, Anaispano, Anatra type 15, Dekan/A.A.Anatra
S ingle-seat fighter, geometrically almost identical to the
Anasal. Fuselage was of very different structure - it was a plywood
monocoque of very clean shape. Fixed guns were installed and the engine changed.
The rear cockpit was faired over, ant there is a tail behind it. Indeed, single-seat fighter was built with exactly
same size as 2-seat reconnaissater with enormous (for its class) fuel capacity. People around were puzzled. Occasionally
it became known that aircraft was built as... and escape mean for designer Dekan and his mechanic Robinet! They planned
to escape from Russia (where worked on contract) in case of revolution, which was expected in the second half
1916. The second cockpit was hidden under aircraft skin, not deleted.
Whistle was blown by pilot Kononenko from military acceptance team. As a result aircraft was left as single-seater.
It was lighter than Anasal by 120kg and having much better aerodynamic,
it was fast and maneuverable. Its performance was similar to German fighters with much more powerful engines.
Aircraft was remained on the factory. In September 1917 cap. N.A.Makarov
suggested to use it for 'commercial' flight Odessa - Saloniki - Rome - Marcel - Paris - and back to Russia. The idea was to
visit front lines and factories, to see allied aviation and to represent Russian aviation - to gain better supply from allies.
Permit was granted. On October 14, 1917 aircraft was tested with
500kg load. N.A.Makarov performed his flight in November 1917
(fulfilling Dekan's plan???? It was the Bolshevik Revolt!). Unfortunately engine gave up, and aircraft
crush-landed in Romania near Yassy town.
Deserves to be mentioned, that this flight was one of the very first world long distance flights, performed with all
proper technical means in hands.
References:
"History of aircraft construction in the USSR" by
V.B.Shavrov, Vol.1 p.193-194;
More Links...
Anadis, Anatra
D.I, Anatra
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