Tupolev ANT-3
Tupolev · Soviet Union · first flew 1925 · light aircraft
The Tupolev ANT-3 (R-3) was a Soviet single-seat long-range monoplane that gained fame in 1926 when Mikhail Gromov flew one on a 7,150-kilometre tour of European capitals. It was a product of Tupolev's pioneering all-metal construction philosophy.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 9.89 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Soviet 1920s single-seat long-range record aircraft
- Corrugated Duralumin skin, parasol monoplane layout
- Used by Mikhail Gromov for a record-breaking European tour flight
Parasol monoplane with corrugated Duralumin skin, single nose-mounted liquid-cooled engine, and a clean streamlined fuselage — recognisably Tupolev in its construction philosophy.
Specifications
- The Tupolev ANT-3 has a length of 9.89 m (32 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 13.02 m (43 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 204 km/h (127 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in 1925, the ANT-3 was designed for postal and long-distance record flights. In 1926 Gromov completed a prestigious tour of European capitals in 34 hours of flying time. In 1927, Semyon Shestakov flew an ANT-3 from Moscow to Tokyo and back. These flights demonstrated Soviet aviation capability to a sceptical world and established Tupolev's international reputation.
Variants
The ANT-3 was built in two engine variants — with a Napier Lion and with a Liberty engine; the record-breaking aircraft used both in different flights.
Where you'll see it
The ANT-3 was used primarily for record and demonstration flights rather than operational service; it cemented Tupolev's reputation and the corrugated-metal construction approach.
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- Tupolev ANT-2
- Tupolev ANT-1
- Tupolev ANT-7
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- Atlantic Aircraft F-10A
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- de Havilland DH.60G Gipsy Moth
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