AUTOGIRO A-7

The TsAGI A-7 was a mixed Soviet gyroplane from the interwar period and WWII. The prototype flight took place in 1934. However, the machine did not enter mass production - there were probably 5 prototype units in total. The drive - in the A-7 bis version - was provided by a single M-22 engine with 483 HP. The rotor diameter was up to 15.2 meters. TsAGI A-7 was developed by the later famous helicopter designer Nikolai Kamov. While working on the A-7 model, the experience gained from the construction and operation of the 2-EA gyroplane was taken. It was also assumed that the new aircraft would be used primarily for reconnaissance and coordination of artillery fire. Despite the fact that the machine was technically operational, it was not decided to mass-produce it due to both the avant-garde design and the very low top speed, which made the A-7 a very easy target for enemy aircraft. During World War II, only one small unit consisting of 5 machines of this type was created, which took part in the first months of the German-Soviet war (1941-1945).