These events could possibly become the starting point for the new breaktrough in gyroplanes' building if it happened in any other country. But it was in former USSR and it was cancelled. Anyway it left some trace in autogyro history. At least it was even mentioned in Jane's All Aircraft (a propos, if somebody know where I can find these old issues - approx. 1968...1973 - please, let me know)
Gyroplanes in RIIGA
RIIGA (spelled: "Rizhskiy Institut Inzenerov Grazhdanskoy Aviatsii", meant "Civil Aviation Engineering High School in Riga"), located in Riga, the capital of modern Republic of Latvia.
Found in 1919, RIIGA was one of the best x-USSR high schools for aeronautics which gave us many talented engineers and scientists. It was also well-known as the place where the homebuilding kept along with professionalism and knowledge.
RIIGA students have built a number of interesting projects such as full scale replicas ("Ilya Muromets" by Igor Sikorsky, R-5 by Grigorovitch) as well as original projects.
In 1966-1973 there was a group led by Valentin Ustinov which designed and built some gyroplanes.
Here is a brief summary about this group taken from the book, published on 70-th anniversary of RIIGA in 1989:
Late in 1966 RIIGA students group led by V.Ustinov, started the light single place autogyro project powered with M-61 motorcycle engine. The project was developed under the supervision by Dinar Osokin, air vehicles construction teacher.
Engine was forced up to 50 hp. Building started on July, 1967
and the aircraft was finished on Sept.,1967 and named "Riga-50"
Left:
Valentin Ustinov in Riga-50, late 60s.
First tests were done with aircraft fitted onto GAZ-51 truck which drove it through the air at 55-60 kmh. These tests confirmed the calculations: rotor accelerated very well, no dangerous vibrations and loads were measured, and it was obvious that the controls are effective.
Field tests were scheduled for 1968 summer. Since the engine was doubtful enough, it was decided that first flights should be without running the engine, by tow truck. First flight was on August,26,1968, D.Osokin piloted the autogyro. After approximately 200 m of flight the truck driver (unknown ;) suddenly applied the brakes which made autogyro not available for restoring.
Second autogyro has the same concept and dimensions but the keel was welded instead of riveting, nose pod and windshield were added. This craft was designated as "Riga-50M". It was finished in 1969 spring, but wasn't flown - they have no engine available.
Next steps were done in unpowered towed gyroplanes. "Chaika-1" was finished in 1970. On August, 15, 1970 it was first time flown by Vladlen Zeitlin. This aircraft made 5 test flight.
Since there were well known problems in USSR using the airspace (and airfields) those years, the group decided to become hydronauts - they deserved to lakes and rivers for further testing. In August 1971 Vlad Zeitlin easily took-off in "Riga AS-2", towed by motorboat. The aircraft appeared to be flyable, easy on controls and very stable.
At the same time students were developing some other projects for general use.
New aircraft named "Riga-72" was started in early 1971. It was powered by well-known McCulloch engine which was occasionally got from Western UAV captured somewhere by Soviet army. Vlad Zeitlin flew this aircraft in 1972 and 1973.
This was the last autogyro built in Riga those days.
Valentin Ustinov left to Moscow where he was invited to Kamov Design Bureau
spending 10+ years in helicopters' R&D. Vlad Zeitlin is living in Riga,
retired.
Right: Valentin Ustinov today
Some months ago I've met him thinking of autogyros again. This meeting probably will make this history continued...
Recently I've got Valentin Ustinov's unique photo album devoted to his activity in Riga. Here are some dozens of photos which may be of some interest to you:
Riga-50 Riga-50M Chaika-1 Riga AS-2 Riga-72 Student's projects
Please note: All these pages will be upgraded with more photos and comments soon
