KOMTA
Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute (TsAGI) · Soviet Union · first flew 1922 · transport aircraft
KOMTA was an early Soviet triplane transport aircraft built by TsAGI in 1922, one of the first Soviet-designed multi-engine aircraft to fly. The unusual triplane layout was intended to provide high lift for heavy-transport capability.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 3 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Bulky open-framework fuselage structure |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Triplane configuration with three stacked wings
- Three radial engines
- Bulky open-framework fuselage structure
An unmistakable triplane with three equal-span wings stacked vertically, three nose-mounted radial engines, and a boxy, open-framework fuselage — unlike any contemporary or subsequent Soviet design.
Specifications
- The KOMTA has a length of 12 m (39 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 16 m (52 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 130 km/h (81 mph).
- Typical crew: 2-3.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed by a team at TsAGI under the direction of early Soviet aviation pioneers, KOMTA (an abbreviation for Komissiya po Tyazhelomu Aviatsiyu — Heavy Aviation Commission) flew in 1922. Despite the ambitious concept, performance fell short of expectations and the type did not enter production.
Variants
Only one prototype was constructed; the KOMTA remained a one-off experimental aircraft.
Where you'll see it
The KOMTA never entered operational service; it was a technology demonstrator that informed subsequent Soviet multi-engine transport designs.
Related aircraft
- TsAGI 1-EA
- TsAGI 2-EA
- TsAGI A-6
- Tupolev ANT-16
- Aero A.10
- Besson H-5
- de Havilland DH.27 Derby
- Dornier Do J Wal
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