72202 A-40 KT

The Antonov A-40 KT was a Soviet military glider from the Second World War. The flight of the prototype took place in 1942, but the glider never entered service. It was built in a biplane layout. It had a wooden structure covered with linen. The length of this aircraft was 11.49 meters with a wingspan of 12.86 meters. The Antonov A-40 KT was undoubtedly one of the most original designs in the history of Soviet and Russian aviation. It was a glider that was supposed to transport light tanks for airborne troops to the battlefield, and its design was based on the T-60 tank. Hence - half a joke, half seriously - it is said that the A-40 KT was a "flying tank". Interestingly, the tests of this unusual design have been successful and have shown that the glider is theoretically capable of performing its tasks. However, the great susceptibility to enemy anti-aircraft fire and the low use of Soviet airborne troops meant that in 1942 further work on the A-40 KT was abandoned.