Grigorovich M-9
Grigorovich M-9 | |
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Type: | Military flying boat |
Design country: | |
Manufacturer: | |
First flight: |
1915 |
Number of pieces: |
about 500 |
The Grigorovich M-9 ( Russian Григорович М-9 ) was a Russian three-seater biplane - flying boat , that of Dmitry Pavlovich Grigorovich was developed. The aircraft was designed on the basis of the Grigorowitsch M-5 and, like this, had an engine with a pusher propeller. It was developed as an armed reconnaissance aircraft. From 1916 there was also a training aircraft of this type, which could also be used as a reconnaissance aircraft.
history
The machine took off on its maiden flight in December 1915 . The flight tests in Baku lasted until January 9, 1916. The aircraft could be used safely up to a wave height of 50 cm, was very reliable and easy to handle. On September 17, 1916, a machine that carried a passenger in addition to the pilot was able to flow a loop . It was the first flying boat that was capable of this. The sturdy hull made it possible to land on snow even without skis. The prototype still had an oval engine cowling, but it was removed and was no longer used in series production. The observer operated a forward-facing, movable machine-gun.
The main disadvantage of the machine in combat was the lack of protection against opponents attacking from behind. Attempts have been made to incorporate rear-firing weapons, but to no avail. In the end one was forced to use the M-9 only with escort in order to keep the losses within limits.
During the Russian Civil War , the M-9 was used together with river ships and across the lakes. One of the most famous missions took place during the defense of Baku in July / August 1918. The machines were used as reconnaissance aircraft, artillery observers, fighter and fighter aircraft.
A total of about 500 pieces of this type were produced.
Technical specifications
Parameter | Recon 1915 | Training aircraft 1916 |
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crew | 3 | |
length | 9 m | |
span | 16 m | |
Wing area | 54.8 m² | |
Empty mass | 1060 kg | |
Takeoff mass | 1610 kg | 1540 kg |
Top speed | 105 km / h | 110 km / h |
Flight duration max. | 5 h | 3.5 h |
Service ceiling | 3000 m | |
Rise time | at 1000 m 13 min 2000 m 35 min |
12 min 30 min |
Engine | 1 × Salmson | |
power | 103 kW (140 PS) | 110 kW (150 PS) |