Many dreamed as a child of raising a combat fighter or multi-ton passenger airliner into the air. Unfortunately, not all our desires are destined to come true, and the dream of heaven is no exception. But for failed pilots, there is still the opportunity to board the helm. They are provided with sports planes.
What is sport aviation
It is also called primary training aviation, or aeroclub. Sports aviation is used to set the initial flight skills for beginners and is a separate sports discipline, within the framework of which aerobatics competitions between real aces are held. In Russia, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, sports aviation was in a deplorable state, but today it is gradually beginning to revive. Yak - a sports aircraft, which is the main for our small aircraft. Yak-52, yak-54, yak-55, yak18-t are used. We also have SU-26 and AN-2 sports aircraft, which are mainly used in parachuting. From foreign cars, Cessna-172 and Piper PA-28 Warrior can be distinguished.
All flying clubs in Russia are private. In this regard, the lion's share of flights are committed for commercial purposes. So, today the service is very popular - recreational flight on a sports plane. Basically, such flights are carried out on the Yak-52 and Yak-54. To fly, it is not necessary to be in an aero club - you can purchase a plane and, if you have a private pilot’s license, fly on your own. Unfortunately, in Russia the infrastructure and legal framework for private flights are at an extremely low level of development.
What should be a good sports aircraft
There are basic requirements that sports aircraft must meet. They should be lightweight and at the same time withstand significant aerodynamic loads, should be easy to pilot and have the ability to carry out a long flight with overloads. There are aerobatic aircraft. They are specially designed for aerobatics and have higher strength and maneuverability than their counterparts. The speed of a sports aircraft can reach from 250 to 500 km / h, non-stop flight - from 500 to 1000 km, and they can rise up to 6000 meters.
There are special requirements that must be observed when designing aerobatic aircraft.
- Aerobatic requirements indicate the appearance of the aircraft itself, determine how much it will weigh, what will be the geometry of the wing, etc.
- The layout requirements determine the pilot's landing and visibility from the cockpit; they also specify the characteristics that an airplane should possess when stalling.
- The engine must necessarily run smoothly at significant loads associated with the performance of aerobatic figures. At the same time, motor control should be simplified as much as possible so as not to distract the pilot from difficult maneuvering.
- The control panel must not be overloaded with appliances. Flights are always carried out in favorable weather, with good visibility, so excess equipment will only distract the pilot's attention.
- The design of the aircraft provides an extremely simple assembly and disassembly of the aircraft, good maintainability, flexible capabilities in fueling and carrying capacity.
To build a sports aircraft, you need to consider many factors. Despite its apparent simplicity, it is a complex, largely perfect machine.
A bit of history
Everything in our country began in 1923 with the ANT-1 monoplane (Tupolev Design Bureau), a little later, in 1927, the AIR-1 biplane (Yakovleva Design Bureau) joined it. In the 30s, it was Yakovlev’s sports planes that were mainly used to train pilots. Then there are Gribovsky airplanes and the famous U-2 Polikarpov. In the 60s, the Yak-18PM took off for the first time, which showed excellent speed and flying qualities at the world championships of 1962 and 1964. In 1966, our pilots won medals of all possible merits, not only men but also women, and the Yak-18PM received the title of the best aircraft of the world championship.
At this Yakovlev Design Bureau did not stop and developed the Yak-30 - a two-seat jet training aircraft. This was followed by a single Yak-32, which was equipped with a catapult. This wonderful aircraft set 2 speed records in the 60s. In 73, the famous Yak-50 was created. This plane brought many medals to Soviet athletes. In place of the Yak-52 was developed, but it had some design flaws. In 81, these shortcomings were eliminated in the Yak-55, which turned out to be very successful and is still popular with aviators.
In 1985, Sukhoi Design Bureau creates a compact sports aircraft SU-26. The size of the SU is much smaller than the Yak, and has greater maneuverability and speed, which allows it to faster and more accurately perform aerobatics. It should be noted that carbon fiber reinforced plastic was used in this aircraft for the first time in the world, which made it easier and much more resistant to loads.
