LAK-9

The LAK-9 Lietuva (English: Lithuania) was an open-class competition sailplane produced in the Soviet Union in the 1970s. It was based on the LAK BK-7 that had been produced in small numbers since 1972. Like it, the LAK-9 was a conventional sailplane design with a high-set cantilever wing and a conventional empennage. The landing gear consisted of a retractable monowheel and a tailwheel, and construction throughout was of fibreglass.

LAK-9 Lietuva
Role Open-class sailplane
National origin Soviet Union
Manufacturer LAK
Designer Kęstutis Gečas
First flight 1976

The type came to the attention of the West when a LAK-9 was flown in the 1976 Gliding World Championships in Finland, the first entry by the Soviet Union since 1968. Piloted by O. Pasetnik, it was withdrawn from competition due to aileron damage.

The fourth batch to be produced was designated the LAK-9M (for "Modernised"), and a motorglider version was also produced.

Specifications (LAK-9)

Data from

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Capacity: 100 kg (220 lb) water ballast
  • Length: 7.27 m (23 ft 10 in)
  • Wingspan: 20.02 m (65 ft 8 in)
  • Height: 1.53 m (5 ft 0 in)
  • Wing area: 15 m2 (160 sq ft)
  • Empty weight: 380 kg (838 lb)
  • Gross weight: 580 kg (1,279 lb)

Performance

  • Never exceed speed: 225 km/h (140 mph, 121 kn)
  • Maximum glide ratio: 48
  • Rate of sink: 0.51 m/s (100 ft/min)
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See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

Related lists

References
  • Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions. p. 563.
  • Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1977-78. London: Jane's Publishing. p. 619.
  • Hardy, Michael (1982). Gliders and Sailplanes of the World. Shepperton: Ian Allan. p. 63.
  • Coates, Andrew (1978). Jane's World Sailplanes and Motor Gliders. London: MacDonald and Jane's. p. 181.
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