Tupolev ANT-20 Maxim Gorky – Once the Largest Aircraft in the World
By the early 1930s, the question of how to build an aircraft that could fly faster than the speed of sound was a pressing one. It was especially important for both military and commercial aviation because it would make it possible for aircraft to travel long distances in a short amount of time.
In October 1929, Tupolev presented its ANT-20 to the Soviet government. This was an improved version of his earlier ANT-9. The ANT-20 had an engine that produced twice as much thrust as the ANT-9, which could be heard on takeoff due to its larger propellers. Also, the wings were longer, giving the aircraft more lift. The ANT-20 was also much heavier than its predecessor. This was due to new materials used in its construction. In February 1934, the ANT-20 made its first flight. It reached a top speed of 603 km/h (375 mph). After this flight, work began on making improvements so that future versions of the ANT-20 would be faster and stronger. The next few years saw many improvements being made to the ANT-20. In 1935, the engine was altered so that it produced more thrust at lower speeds. In 1937, it had dive brakes added to help prevent the aircraft from stalling in a dive. These changes increased its top speedto 6. Learn about the history of planes on this great site, PlaneHistoria. If you are interested in the history of planes, you should visit PlaneHistoria.https://planehistoria.com/pioneers/tupolev-ant-20/
Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird – The Plane Designed to Leak | PlaneHistoria
Do you know about the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird – the Plane Designed to Leak? PlaneHistoria provides the history of the SR-71 Blackbird aircraft, which was designed and built by Lockheed from 1964 to 1989. An all-black aircraft, it was used for reconnaissance missions over the Soviet Union, North Vietnam, and other areas of interest around the globe.
Moreover, it was built to withstand extreme pressure and heat. And it did just...
The DB 600 Series of V12s- the Backbone of the Luftwaffe
The DB 600 series was a series of inline air-cooled, 6-cylinder aircraft engines produced by Daimler-Benz, then a German automotive company. The series was introduced in 1935 and featured various improvements over previous models, including improved reliability and reduced weight. During World War II, the DB 600 engines were used in a variety of aircraft such as the Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter plane.
The DB 600 engine was an air-cooled inline...
Introducing the SEPECAT Jaguar - a jet trainer turned nuclear attacker. The Jaguar was designed in the 1960s as a jet trainer. But as with many aviation projects, they grow in scope and become more expensive. This Anglo-French venture eventually became a supersonic tactical nuclear-capable aircraft.
It ended up being a huge success and despite aircraft being built from 1968 – 1981, it is still in service with the Indian Air Force, some 50 years later. Many other nations also bought the Jaguar with exports heading to Oman, Ecuador, and Nigeria too. Even though she had humble origins, it has been used in many major conflicts including the 1990 Gulf War. Visit our website to know more information. https://planehistoria.com/modern-day/sepecat-jaguar
The English Electric Lightning was the first British jet aircraft to enter service, and like all early jets it suffered from severe airframe buffeting. This was caused by the shockwaves produced as the air rushing past the rear of the aircraft created a ‘wake’, or disturbance in the airflow behind the aircraft. The Lightning was also highly fuel inefficient.
Despite these disadvantages it was a very capable aircraft. It had excellent range, payload and climb rate, and could operate from short,...
Douglas X-3 Stiletto – The Flying Shoe
The Douglas X-3 Stiletto was a series of experimental, VTOL aircraft developed by the Douglas Aircraft Company. It would have been the first practical VTOL aircraft, and represented the technical limit for the aircraft at the time.
The first X-3 was released in 1945 – with only one prototype being built. The airframe was a large single-seat, low-wing monoplane with an unconventional tailplane arrangement. The prototype X-3 used a four-stroke radial engine. After testing the...
General Dynamics F-16 – The Rebirth of the Dogfighter | PlaneHistoria
Do you know the General Dynamics F-16 – the rebirth of the dogfighter? This is the fighter that took air combat to the next level. This is the fighter that redefined the art of the possible. This is the fighter that made you king of the skies. The F-16 was the product of a group of maverick pilots and engineers who were unafraid to think outside the box. They were...
