TsAGI 1-EA
Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute (TsAGI) · Soviet Union · first flew 1930 · helicopter
The TsAGI 1-EA was an early Soviet experimental helicopter developed at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute, representing one of the first Soviet attempts at practical rotary-wing flight. It used a coaxial contra-rotating rotor system.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Contra-rotating rotors above open fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Early Soviet coaxial helicopter design
- Contra-rotating rotors above open fuselage
- Piston engine in central nacelle
An open-framework helicopter with two coaxial contra-rotating rotors and a central nacelle housing the engine and pilot; primitive and skeletal in appearance compared to any production helicopter.
Specifications
- The TsAGI 1-EA has a length of 6 m (20 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11 m (36 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 21 km/h (13 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Built in the late 1920s and first achieving tethered flight in 1930, the 1-EA was part of a TsAGI programme led by Boris Yuriev and other pioneers exploring helicopter aerodynamics. It made several short free flights but remained experimental.
Variants
The 1-EA was followed by the 2-EA and subsequent TsAGI experimental helicopters; these were distinct designs rather than variants.
Where you'll see it
The 1-EA never entered operational service; it was a research vehicle that contributed data to Soviet rotary-wing development programmes.
Related aircraft
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