T wo seat low-wing monoplane built for record speed. Both cockpits covered by long and low
transparent canopy. Engine covered by Taunend ring. Aircraft had mixed design: steel tubes and fabric for fuselage, mostly
wood and fabric in thin (8%) wing, duralumin and fabric for ailerons and tail surfaces. Fixed landing gear was enclosed into
'pants' fairings.
Despite speed was a primary goal, wing was supported by struts and anti-lift steel tapes. Construction started in April
1932.
Aircraft was ready at the end of a Summer 1932.
Same year (November 19) speed 325km/h was demonstrated, and on Spring 1933
- 332km/h. Flights continued until 1934, when aileron broke off in
flight due to flatter (then almost unknown and not understood). Test-pilot Yu.I.Piontkovskij managed to land on unprepared
terrain (tiny strip of land in the freight yard clattered with firewood and all sort of rubbish), where aircraft was arrested
by traffic police.
Aircraft was disassembled and returned to the plant, where detailed study was performed. Mistake was revealed in
calculations of plane's design. Investigating commission worked without contact with designer, and its conclusion was
"...to forbid Yakovlev to carry on with his designing work and notify the Government that Yakovlev is unworthy of an
award" (he just was put forward for decoration).
Since AIR-7 fulfilled its goal (to demonstrate high speed), it was not restored.
Shortly after Yakovlev's group was told to clear out of the main factory building and move into a wooden shed.
Just they started to work at new place, all passes were taken from Yakovlev and he was barred from factory. Only
interference of good-wishers on level of The Central Control Commissions of the Communist Party saved designer's career....
Good for A.S.Yakovlev, he had something to demonstrate to high ranked Party member Yan Ernestovich Rudzutak, but it is a
separate story.
| Predecessors | Modifications |
|---|
| none |
AIR-9 ? |
| Technical data |
|---|
