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{{short description|Latvian trainer aircraft}}
{{short description|Latvian trainer aircraft}}
<!-- This article is a part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft]]. Please see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] for recommended layout. -->
<!-- This article is a part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft]]. Please see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] for recommended layout. -->
{|{{Infobox aircraft begin
{{Infobox aircraft
|name=I-12
|name=I-12
|image=VEF J-12 IoM.png
|image=VEF J-12 IoM.png
|caption=
|caption=
}}{{Infobox aircraft type
|type=Single engine, two seat cabin sports and trainer aircraft
|type=Single engine, two seat cabin sports and trainer aircraft
| national origin=[[Latvia]]
| national_origin=[[Latvia]]
|manufacturer=Valsts elektrotehniskā fabrika ([[VEF]])
|manufacturer=Valsts elektrotehniskā fabrika ([[VEF]])
|designer=[[Kārlis Irbītis]]
|designer=[[Kārlis Irbītis]]
|first flight=26 June 1937
|first_flight=26 June 1937
|introduction=
|introduced=
|retired=
|retired=
|status=
|status=
|primary_user=
|primary user=
|more users=
|more_users=
|produced=
|produced=
|number built=12
|number_built=12
|developed from=[[VEF I-11]].
|developed_from=[[VEF I-11]].
|variants with their own articles=
|variants=
}}
}}

|}
The '''VEF I-12''' was a [[tandem]], two seat [[Latvia]]n [[trainer aircraft]] designed by [[Kārlis Irbītis]] and produced by [[VEF]] in [[Riga]].
The '''VEF I-12''' was a [[tandem]], two-seat [[Latvia]]n [[trainer aircraft]] designed by [[Kārlis Irbītis]] and produced by [[VEF]] in [[Riga]].


==Design and development==
==Design and development==


The single engine, [[tandem]], two seat I-12 was a development of the similarly laid out I-11, strengthened for aerobatics. It was an all wood [[low wing]] [[monoplane]], entirely [[plywood]] covered apart from the tail control surfaces and with a fixed, [[conventional undercarriage]]. Its [[cantilever]] wing was built around a main and an auxiliary box [[spar (aviation)|spar]], both made from [[spruce]] and plywood. The short wing centre section was integral with the [[fuselage]], with the main undercarriage legs on it. These and the wheels, fitted with brakes, were [[aircraft fairing|faired]]. Outboard, the wing panels tapered to rounded tips, carrying both the balanced and slotted differential [[ailerons]] and hand-operated camber-changing [[flap (aircraft)#Types of flap|split flaps]].<ref name=JAWA38/><ref name= Flight1/>
The single engine, [[tandem]], two seat I-12 was a development of the similarly laid out I-11, strengthened for aerobatics. It was an all wood [[low wing|low-wing]] [[monoplane]], entirely [[plywood]] covered apart from the tail control surfaces and with a fixed, [[conventional undercarriage]]. Its [[cantilever]] wing was built around a main and an auxiliary box [[spar (aviation)|spar]], both made from [[spruce]] and plywood. The short wing centre section was integral with the [[fuselage]], with the main undercarriage legs on it. These and the wheels, fitted with brakes, were [[aircraft fairing|faired]]. Outboard, the wing panels tapered to rounded tips, carrying both the balanced and slotted differential [[ailerons]] and hand-operated camber-changing [[flap (aircraft)#Types of flap|split flaps]].<ref name=JAWA38/><ref name= Flight1/>


The fuselage was a rectangular box formed from spruce [[longerons]], with a ply roof behind the cabin, where a long, multipart canopy enclosed the pilot and passenger's seats. The pilot sat at the rear; both had removable sections for access. In front of them the {{convert|90|hp|kW|abbr=on|0}} [[Blackburn Cirrus]] four cylinder in-line, inverted engine was mounted on steel bearers, driving a wooden propeller. At the rear of the fuselage the [[empennage]] was conventional, with the [[tailplane]] mounted on the [[fin]] above the fuselage line and braced from below with a steel strut on each side. The [[elevator (aircraft)|elevator]]s were hinged forward of the [[rudder]], which carried a [[trim tab]], but were shaped to allow its movement as it extended to the keel.<ref name=JAWA38/>
The fuselage was a rectangular box formed from spruce [[longerons]], with a ply roof behind the cabin, where a long, multipart canopy enclosed the pilot and passenger's seats. The pilot sat at the rear; both had removable sections for access. In front of them the {{convert|90|hp|kW|abbr=on|0}} [[Blackburn Cirrus]] four cylinder in-line, inverted engine was mounted on steel bearers, driving a wooden propeller. At the rear of the fuselage the [[empennage]] was conventional, with the [[tailplane]] mounted on the [[fin]] above the fuselage line and braced from below with a steel strut on each side. The [[elevator (aircraft)|elevator]]s were hinged forward of the [[rudder]], which carried a [[trim tab]], but were shaped to allow its movement as it extended to the keel.<ref name=JAWA38/>


==Operational history==
==Operational history==
The I-12 first flew on 26 June 1937, the first of twelve examples built. The first prototype, on a European tour begun in July 1937, made several demonstrations in [[Paris]].<ref name=Lat/> In the [[UK]] it raced at [[Ramsgate]], coming fifth in the handicapped Thanet Air Race at [[Ramsgate]], as well as winning first prize for the best turned out aircraft.<ref name=Flight2/> Late in August it came in second in the Cinque Ports Wakefield Cup races at [[Lympne]].<ref name=Flight6/> Its tour ended the following July, flown back to [[Riga]] by P. Avery in a record nine hours, non-stop from [[London]].<ref name=Lat/> Avery flew another I-12 in 1939, coming fifth in the London to [[Isle of Man]] race and competing in the Isle of Man competition in May.<ref name=Flight4/>
The I-12 first flew on 26 June 1937, the first of twelve units built. The first prototype, on a European tour begun in July 1937, made several demonstrations in [[Paris]].<ref name=Lat/> In the [[UK]] it raced at [[Ramsgate]], coming fifth in the handicapped Thanet Air Race at [[Ramsgate]], as well as winning first prize for the best turned out aircraft.<ref name=Flight2/> Late in August it came in second in the Cinque Ports Wakefield Cup races at [[Lympne]].<ref name=Flight6/> Its tour ended the following July, and it was flown back to [[Riga]] by P. Avery in a record nine hours, non-stop from [[London]].<ref name=Lat/> Avery flew another I-12 in 1939, coming fifth in the London to [[Isle of Man]] race and competing in the Isle of Man competition in May.<ref name=Flight4/>


The I-12 was enthusiastically reviewed by the British aeronautical press<ref name=Flight1/> and Rollasons were designated as distributors after the I-12 had been adjusted to met UK certification requirements.<ref name=Flight3/> It was also offered on sale in the UK by D.R.P. Engines at £750<ref name=Flight5/> but no examples reached the UK civil register.
The I-12 was enthusiastically reviewed by the British aeronautical press<ref name=Flight1/> and Rollasons were designated as distributors after the I-12 had been adjusted to meet UK certification requirements.<ref name=Flight3/> It was also offered for sale in the UK by D.R.P. Engines at £750<ref name=Flight5/> but no examples reached the UK civil register.


At least four were purchased as [[training aircraft|trainers]] by the [[Aizsargi]] in early 1938, most surviving to the [[Soviet]] occupation of 1940.<ref name=Lat/>
At least four were purchased as [[training aircraft|trainers]] by the [[Aizsargi]] in early 1938, most surviving to the [[Soviet]] occupation of 1940.<ref name=Lat/>

== Replicas ==
An airworthy replica of the I-12 was built in 2009 by retired sports teacher Juris Grīnbergs after a seven-year long project.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-06-10 |title=Skolotājs atjauno leģendāru lidmašīnu |trans-title=Teacher rebuilds legendary aircraft |url=https://jauns.lv/raksts/zinas/232228-skolotajs-atjauno-legendaru-lidmasinu |access-date=2023-09-01 |website=Jauns.lv |language=lv}}</ref> The maiden flight of the replica took place near [[Iecava]] in 2010. It was put on display at [[Riga International Airport]] in August 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-31 |title=Historic plane on display at Rīga airport |url=https://eng.lsm.lv/article/culture/history/31.08.2023-historic-plane-on-display-at-riga-airport.a522171/ |access-date=2023-09-01 |website=eng.lsm.lv |language=en}}</ref>


[[File:VEF I-12 cockpit.png|thumb|VEF I-12 cockpit, 1939]]
[[File:VEF I-12 cockpit.png|thumb|VEF I-12 cockpit, 1939]]
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[[File:VEF J-12 3-view.png|thumb]]
[[File:VEF J-12 3-view.png|thumb]]
{{Aircraft specs
{{Aircraft specs
|ref=Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1938<ref name=JAWA38/>
|ref=''Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1938.''<ref name=JAWA38/>
|prime units?=met<!-- imp or kts first for US aircraft, and UK aircraft pre-metrification, met(ric) first for all others. You MUST choose a format, or no specifications will show -->
|prime units?=met<!-- imp or kts first for US aircraft, and UK aircraft pre-metrification, met(ric) first for all others. You MUST choose a format, or no specifications will show -->
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|range km=
|range km=
|range miles=450
|range miles=450
|range nmi
|range nmi=
|range note=<ref name=Flight3/>
|range note=<ref name=Flight3/>
|combat range km=
|combat range km=
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|sink rate note=
|sink rate note=
|lift to drag=
|lift to drag=
|wing loading kg/m2
|wing loading kg/m2=
|wing loading lb/sqft=
|wing loading lb/sqft=
|wing loading note=
|wing loading note=
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|lists=<!-- related lists -->
|lists=<!-- related lists -->
|see also=<!-- other relevant information -->}}
|see also=<!-- other relevant information -->}}
⚫
<!--===Notes===-->{{Commons category|VEF I-12}}


==References==
==References==
⚫
{{Commons category|VEF I-12}}
{{reflist|refs=
{{reflist|refs=


<ref name=JAWA38>{{cite book |title= Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1938|last= Grey |first= C.G. |year=1972|publisher= David & Charles|location= London|isbn=0-7153-5734-4}}</ref>
<ref name=JAWA38>{{cite book |title= Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1938|last= Grey |first= C.G. |year=1972|publisher= David & Charles|location= London|isbn=0-7153-5734-4}}</ref>


<ref name=Flight1>{{cite magazine |last= |first= |authorlink= |date=17 August 1939 |title= Latvian efficiency|magazine= [[Flight International|Flight]]|volume=XXXVI |issue=1599 |pages=supplement pages g-h |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1939/1939-1-%20-%200525.html}}</ref>
<ref name=Flight1>{{cite magazine |date=17 August 1939 |title= Latvian efficiency|magazine= [[Flight International|Flight]]|volume=XXXVI |issue=1599 |pages=supplement pages g-h |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1939/1939-1-%20-%200525.html}}</ref>


<ref name=Flight2>{{cite magazine |last= |first= |authorlink= |date=26 August 1937 |title=Racing at Ramsgate|magazine= [[Flight International|Flight]]|volume=XXXII |issue=1496 |page=219 |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1937/1937%20-%202383.html}}</ref>
<ref name=Flight2>{{cite magazine |date=26 August 1937 |title=Racing at Ramsgate|magazine= [[Flight International|Flight]]|volume=XXXII |issue=1496 |page=219 |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1937/1937%20-%202383.html}}</ref>


<ref name=Flight3>{{cite magazine |last= |first= |authorlink= |date=24 March 1938 |title=Variety among the Importations|magazine= [[Flight International|Flight]]|volume=XXXIII |issue=1526 |page=219 |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1938/1938%20-%200801.html}}</ref>
<ref name=Flight3>{{cite magazine |date=24 March 1938 |title=Variety among the Importations|magazine= [[Flight International|Flight]]|volume=XXXIII |issue=1526 |page=219 |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1938/1938%20-%200801.html}}</ref>


<ref name=Flight4>{{cite magazine |last= |first= |authorlink= |date=1 June 1939 |title=Fourth of the Series|magazine= [[Flight International|Flight]]|volume=XXXV |issue=1589 |page=557 |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1939/1939%20-%201700.html}}</ref>
<ref name=Flight4>{{cite magazine |date=1 June 1939 |title=Fourth of the Series|magazine= [[Flight International|Flight]]|volume=XXXV |issue=1589 |page=557 |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1939/1939%20-%201700.html}}</ref>


<ref name=Flight5>{{cite magazine |last= |first= |authorlink= |date=27 July 1939 |title=The new V.E.F. J-12|magazine= [[Flight International|Flight]]|volume=XXXVI |issue=1596 |page=64 |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1939/1939-1-%20-%200338.html}}</ref>
<ref name=Flight5>{{cite magazine |date=27 July 1939 |title=The new V.E.F. J-12|magazine= [[Flight International|Flight]]|volume=XXXVI |issue=1596 |page=64 |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1939/1939-1-%20-%200338.html}}</ref>


<ref name=Flight6>{{cite magazine |last= |first= |authorlink= |date=2 September 1937 |title=Lympne's Fifth International|magazine= [[Flight International|Flight]]|volume=XXXII |issue=1497 |page=228 |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1937/1937%20-%202412.html}}</ref>
<ref name=Flight6>{{cite magazine |date=2 September 1937 |title=Lympne's Fifth International|magazine= [[Flight International|Flight]]|volume=XXXII |issue=1497 |page=228 |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1937/1937%20-%202412.html}}</ref>


<ref name=Lat>{{cite web|url=http://latvianaviation.com/en/index.php?./content/airforce/LAF_VEF_I-12.ssi|title=VEF Irbitis I-12|author=|date=|publisher=|accessdate=22 March 2014|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103215802/http://latvianaviation.com/en/index.php?.%2Fcontent%2Fairforce%2FLAF_VEF_I-12.ssi|archivedate=3 November 2013|df=}}</ref>
<ref name=Lat>{{cite web|url=http://latvianaviation.com/en/index.php?./content/airforce/LAF_VEF_I-12.ssi|title=VEF Irbitis I-12|access-date=22 March 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103215802/http://latvianaviation.com/en/index.php?.%2Fcontent%2Fairforce%2FLAF_VEF_I-12.ssi|archive-date=3 November 2013}}</ref>


}}
}}

{{VEF aircraft}}
{{VEF aircraft}}


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[[Category:Single-engined tractor aircraft]]
[[Category:Single-engined tractor aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1937]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1937]]
[[Category:VEF aircraft]]

Latest revision as of 00:07, 10 September 2024

I-12
General information
TypeSingle engine, two seat cabin sports and trainer aircraft
National originLatvia
ManufacturerValsts elektrotehniskā fabrika (VEF)
Designer
Number built12
History
First flight26 June 1937
Developed fromVEF I-11.

The VEF I-12 was a tandem, two-seat Latvian trainer aircraft designed by Kārlis Irbītis and produced by VEF in Riga.

Design and development

[edit]

The single engine, tandem, two seat I-12 was a development of the similarly laid out I-11, strengthened for aerobatics. It was an all wood low-wing monoplane, entirely plywood covered apart from the tail control surfaces and with a fixed, conventional undercarriage. Its cantilever wing was built around a main and an auxiliary box spar, both made from spruce and plywood. The short wing centre section was integral with the fuselage, with the main undercarriage legs on it. These and the wheels, fitted with brakes, were faired. Outboard, the wing panels tapered to rounded tips, carrying both the balanced and slotted differential ailerons and hand-operated camber-changing split flaps.[1][2]

The fuselage was a rectangular box formed from spruce longerons, with a ply roof behind the cabin, where a long, multipart canopy enclosed the pilot and passenger's seats. The pilot sat at the rear; both had removable sections for access. In front of them the 90 hp (67 kW) Blackburn Cirrus four cylinder in-line, inverted engine was mounted on steel bearers, driving a wooden propeller. At the rear of the fuselage the empennage was conventional, with the tailplane mounted on the fin above the fuselage line and braced from below with a steel strut on each side. The elevators were hinged forward of the rudder, which carried a trim tab, but were shaped to allow its movement as it extended to the keel.[1]

Operational history

[edit]

The I-12 first flew on 26 June 1937, the first of twelve units built. The first prototype, on a European tour begun in July 1937, made several demonstrations in Paris.[3] In the UK it raced at Ramsgate, coming fifth in the handicapped Thanet Air Race at Ramsgate, as well as winning first prize for the best turned out aircraft.[4] Late in August it came in second in the Cinque Ports Wakefield Cup races at Lympne.[5] Its tour ended the following July, and it was flown back to Riga by P. Avery in a record nine hours, non-stop from London.[3] Avery flew another I-12 in 1939, coming fifth in the London to Isle of Man race and competing in the Isle of Man competition in May.[6]

The I-12 was enthusiastically reviewed by the British aeronautical press[2] and Rollasons were designated as distributors after the I-12 had been adjusted to meet UK certification requirements.[7] It was also offered for sale in the UK by D.R.P. Engines at £750[8] but no examples reached the UK civil register.

At least four were purchased as trainers by the Aizsargi in early 1938, most surviving to the Soviet occupation of 1940.[3]

Replicas

[edit]

An airworthy replica of the I-12 was built in 2009 by retired sports teacher Juris Grīnbergs after a seven-year long project.[9] The maiden flight of the replica took place near Iecava in 2010. It was put on display at Riga International Airport in August 2023.[10]

VEF I-12 cockpit, 1939

Operators

[edit]
 Latvia

Specifications (I-12)

[edit]

Data from Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1938.[1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Capacity: 1 passenger
  • Length: 7.1 m (23 ft 4 in)
  • Wingspan: 9.3 m (30 ft 6 in)
  • Height: 1.9 m (6 ft 3 in)
  • Wing area: 11.3 m2 (122 sq ft)
  • Empty weight: 458 kg (1,010 lb)
  • Gross weight: 680 kg (1,499 lb)
  • Fuel capacity: 17.5 imp gal (79.6 L; 21.0 US gal)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Blackburn Cirrus Minor 4-cylinder inverted inline, air cooled, 67 kW (90 hp)
  • Propellers: 2-bladed

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 230 km/h (140 mph, 120 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 198 km/h (123 mph, 107 kn)
  • Range: 720 km (450 mi, 390 nmi) [7]
  • Landing speed: 47 mph (76 km/h)[7]

See also

[edit]

Related development

References

[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to VEF I-12.
  1. ^ a b c Grey, C.G. (1972). Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1938. London: David & Charles. ISBN 0-7153-5734-4.
  2. ^ a b "Latvian efficiency". Flight. Vol. XXXVI, no. 1599. 17 August 1939. pp. supplement pages g-h.
  3. ^ a b c "VEF Irbitis I-12". Archived from the original on 3 November 2013. Retrieved 22 March 2014.
  4. ^ "Racing at Ramsgate". Flight. Vol. XXXII, no. 1496. 26 August 1937. p. 219.
  5. ^ "Lympne's Fifth International". Flight. Vol. XXXII, no. 1497. 2 September 1937. p. 228.
  6. ^ "Fourth of the Series". Flight. Vol. XXXV, no. 1589. 1 June 1939. p. 557.
  7. ^ a b c "Variety among the Importations". Flight. Vol. XXXIII, no. 1526. 24 March 1938. p. 219.
  8. ^ "The new V.E.F. J-12". Flight. Vol. XXXVI, no. 1596. 27 July 1939. p. 64.
  9. ^ "Skolotājs atjauno leģendāru lidmašīnu" [Teacher rebuilds legendary aircraft]. Jauns.lv (in Latvian). 2009-06-10. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
  10. ^ "Historic plane on display at Rīga airport". eng.lsm.lv. 2023-08-31. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
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