Antonov A-7
Antonov · Soviet Union · first flew 1941 · glider
The Antonov A-7 was a Soviet military assault glider designed to carry six fully equipped troops or equivalent cargo, first flown in 1941. It was Oleg Antonov's first significant design and saw combat use on the Eastern Front.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × none, embedded-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 11.49 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Unpowered sailplane — no engine
- High-aspect-ratio straight wings for gliding efficiency
- Wartime Soviet troop/cargo assault glider
High-wing glider with straight, high-aspect-ratio wings and a slender fuselage; resembles other wartime assault gliders but is smaller than the Antonov A-40.
Specifications
- The Antonov A-7 has a length of 11.49 m (38 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 18.96 m (62 ft).
- Typical crew: 1 pilot + 6 troops.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed by Oleg Antonov and first flown in 1941, the A-7 was produced in modest numbers to support Soviet airborne operations during the Great Patriotic War. It was used in several operations, including supply runs to partisan units behind German lines. The type established Antonov's career as a major aircraft designer.
Variants
No major variants are recorded; the A-7 was a straightforward single-configuration glider throughout its production run.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the Soviet Air Forces during World War II, the A-7 was used in combat glider operations and supply missions to partisan forces in occupied territories.
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- Arado Ar 231
- Beechcraft AT-10 Wichita
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