Kalinin K-7
KhAZ · Soviet Union · first flew 1933 · bomber
The Kalinin K-7 was a massive Soviet experimental heavy bomber and transport concept of the early 1930s, remarkable for its thick elliptical wing, twin tail booms, and seven engines arranged along the wing's leading edge.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, elliptical |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 4 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Twin tail booms supporting twin vertical fins with no conventional rear fuselage |
| T — Tail | Twin fin |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Enormous Soviet flying-wing-like heavy bomber with seven engines (capped at 4; actual count 7)
- Twin tail booms supporting twin vertical fins with no conventional rear fuselage
- Massive elliptical wing with engine gondolas housing defensive gunners
Instantly recognisable by its enormous thick elliptical wing, twin tail booms with twin fins, seven radial engines on the wing leading edge, and near-absence of a conventional fuselage.
Specifications
- The Kalinin K-7 has a length of 28 m (92 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 53 m (174 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 225 km/h (140 mph).
- Typical crew: 11.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in August 1933, the K-7 was one of the largest aircraft of its era. It crashed in November 1933, killing 14 of those aboard, due to tail boom flutter. The programme was cancelled after the crash, though two further examples had been ordered.
Variants
Only one flying prototype was completed; planned bomber and passenger variants were never built.
Where you'll see it
Never entered service; the sole prototype was lost in its crash after only a few flights.
Related aircraft
- Kalinin K-9
- Kalinin K-3
- Tupolev Tu-141
- Aero A.100
- Bloch MB.200
- Boulton Paul P.75 Overstrand
- Curtiss A-12 Shrike
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