А-9 & А-10

The record-breaking A-9 sailplane was flown for the first time by V.Y. Simonov on November 3, 1948. The sailplane had a high lift-to-drag ratio (L/D = 30), improved soaring properties, high stability and controllability. In 1953, the pilot V. Yefimenko who flown the A-9 sailplane set an international range record for flying to the intended point – 636 km. A total of 5 world records and 20 national records for range, altitude and speed were set on the A-9. In 1950, the A-9 took part in the first post-war sailplane competitions. Competitions were held on A-2 and G-9 sailplanes preserved after the war, as well as on a new record-breaking A-9 sailplane. In 1952, on the basis of the A-9, Aleksandr Manotskov developed an original experimental glider with flapping spring-mounted wing – Kashuk. Design of this glider was based on the idea of reducing accelerations when flying in rough atmosphere, and the possibility of borrowing additional flight energy at the expense of wing flapping movement. On June 9, 1954, Kashuk took part in the air show at Tushino airfield. The sailplane was serially produced at the Novosibirsk aircraft manufacturing facility, where 27 sailplanes were produced within 5 years. The A-10 was flown for the first time in July 1951 by V.M. Ilchenko. It was a two-seat version of the A-9. Owing to the aft facing passenger seat, the cockpit was extended only by 250 mm. On May 26, 1953, the glider pilot V.M. Ilchenko with a passenger set a distance record with 829.8 km covered. Altogether four world records and seven national records were set on the A-10.