TsAGI A-12
Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute (TsAGI) · Soviet Union · first flew 1936 · light aircraft
The TsAGI A-12 was a Soviet autogyro developed in 1936, one of the later designs in the TsAGI rotary-wing research series and featuring an enclosed cabin for improved crew comfort compared to earlier open-cockpit autogyros.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Free-spinning rotor above fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Soviet 1930s autogyro
- Free-spinning rotor above fuselage
- Enclosed cabin with stub wings
An autogyro with an enclosed side-by-side cabin, stub wings, and a large free-spinning rotor on a pylon above the nose — similar in concept to the other TsAGI A-series autogyros but with a closed cockpit.
Specifications
- The TsAGI A-12 has a length of 8 m (26 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 13 m (43 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 175 km/h (109 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The A-12 represented a maturing of Soviet autogyro technology, developed as TsAGI sought to produce a more practical rotary-wing aircraft suitable for agricultural, liaison, and observation duties. The programme ultimately gave way to pure helicopter development.
Variants
The A-12 was a distinct design within the TsAGI A-series rather than a variant; it differed from the A-7 and A-8 in size and configuration.
Where you'll see it
Evaluated for military and agricultural use in the late 1930s; limited operational deployment.
Related aircraft
- TsAGI A-8
- TsAGI A-6
- Tupolev ANT-16
- TsAGI 1-EA
- Beneš-Mráz Be-250
- Beneš-Mráz Be-500 Bíbi
- British Aircraft Double Eagle
- Caudron C.680
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