Kamov A-7

Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute (TsAGI) / Kamov · Soviet Union · first flew 1934 · light aircraft

The Kamov A-7 (also written KA-7) was a Soviet military autogyro designed by Nikolai Kamov at TsAGI in 1934, intended for army cooperation, observation, and liaison duties. It was the most successful of the TsAGI autogyros and entered limited military service.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	High-mounted, straight
E — Engines	1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	Free-spinning rotor above fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Soviet military autogyro for army cooperation
Free-spinning rotor above fuselage
Open cockpit with stub wings and fixed undercarriage

A military autogyro with a 15-metre rotor, open rear cockpit, radial engine on the nose, and fixed spatted undercarriage with small stub wings — distinguished from civil autogyros by military equipment and observer position.

Specifications

The Kamov A-7 has a length of 7.8 m (26 ft).
It has a wingspan of 15.18 m (50 ft).
Its maximum speed is 218 km/h (135 mph).
Typical crew: 2.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Designed by Nikolai Kamov who would later found the famous Kamov helicopter bureau, the A-7 demonstrated sufficient capability to be ordered in small series for the Soviet military. It served in limited numbers during the early stages of World War II before the autogyro concept was abandoned in favour of helicopters.

Variants

The A-7bis was an improved variant with better performance; small numbers of both were built for military service.

Where you'll see it

Used by the Soviet military in the early stages of the Second World War for artillery spotting and liaison duties; the type was rare and saw limited action before being withdrawn.

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