GASN was a first Russian (and World!) maritime
torpedo-bomber. It supposed to carry self-propelling torpedo.
It had two large floats (each of the same design as a hull of flying boat), installed with rubber cord amortization.
Front fuselage was covered with plywood, tail - with fabric. Gunner-observer occupied nose compartment, then followed cockpit with
seats for two pilots and behind the wing - another gunner position. Tail had biplane structure, with tailfin and three rudders.
10 GASN aircraft were ordered, only one was built and flight tested between 24 August and 24 September
1917 (pilot
A.E.Gruzionov). Aircraft was found very seaworthy, it was able to takeoff on high waves.
At the same time center of gravity had to be moved forward. Wings also got some sweep.
On September 24 one of floats broke during landing. More tests were performed during Fall
1917 after repair, revealing several
other problems. In 1918-1919
no job was done on the aircraft, and it was slowly decaying.
Trials (after more repair) continued in 1920 (as a
SON ?????). After few flights
on November 4 one of the engines failed. GASN landed on freezing sea in 2km from the shoreline. There it was trapped
by fresh ice. It was retrieved finally, but no more flights were performed.
References:
"History of aircraft construction in the USSR" by
V.B.Shavrov, Vol.1 p.251-252;
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