LAK-9

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

The LAK-9 Lietuva (Lithuanian: "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.

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 Piloted by O. Pasetnik, it was withdrawn from competition due to aileron damage.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)

General characteristics

• Crew: One, pilot
• Capacity: 100 kg (220 lb) water ballast
• Aspect ratio: 26.8

Performance

• Maximum glide ratio: 48

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 Allen. p. 63.
• Coates, Andrew (1978). Jane's World Sailplanes and Motor Gliders. London: MacDonald and Jane's. p. 181.