KhAI K-12
National Aerospace University – Kharkiv Aviation Institute · Soviet Union · first flew 1936 · bomber
The KhAI K-12 (also known as the KhAI-12 or PS-89) was a radical Soviet tailless flying-wing bomber prototype developed at the Kharkiv Aviation Institute in 1936, exploring an unconventional layout to improve aerodynamic efficiency. Its broad wing housed the crew and armament.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Very broad wing with no conventional fuselage or tail |
| T — Tail | Twin fin |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Soviet tailless flying-wing bomber prototype of 1936
- Very broad wing with no conventional fuselage or tail
- Radical KhAI design exploring tailless configuration
Unmistakable due to its very broad tailless flying-wing configuration, twin engines mounted in the wing, and the absence of a conventional fuselage and tail assembly.
Specifications
- The KhAI K-12 has a length of 8 m (26 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 18 m (59 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 240 km/h (149 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed by Iosif Neman at the KhAI design bureau, the K-12 was a bold experiment in tailless aircraft design at a time when such configurations were being explored in several countries. Flight testing revealed significant stability problems.
Variants
Only prototype aircraft were built; the instability issues precluded further development.
Where you'll see it
Never entered operational service; used only for experimental flights.
Related aircraft
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