Kazan State Technical University named after A. N. Tupolev

KAI-14

The KAI‑14 is a light, two‑seat training aircraft developed in the early 1990s by the Design and Research Institute of the Kazan State Technical University named after A. N. Tupolev. Conceived as a modern replacement for aging Soviet trainers, the project combined the university’s extensive aerodynamic research with the Tupolev legacy of robust, low‑maintenance airframes. First flight took place in 1994, and after a series of flight‑test refinements the KAI‑14 entered limited production in 1997, primarily serving regional flight schools and university aeronautics programs throughout Russia and several Eastern‑European partners.

Key features include a composite‑filled spruce‑ply wing structure, a low‑drag, semi‑monocoque fuselage, and a 115‑horse‑power Rotax 914 turbo‑charged engine that delivers reliable performance up to 4 500 m. The cockpit is equipped with a dual‑control glass panel, GPS navigation, and a built‑in data‑link for real‑time instructor monitoring. Its short take‑off distance (≈200 m) and forgiving stall characteristics make it ideal for novice pilots.

The KAI‑14’s significance lies in demonstrating how academic institutions can produce viable civil aircraft, fostering Russian expertise in composite technology, and reinforcing the educational link between theoretical research and practical flight training.

Classification

Production & History

First Flight
1962

Design & Classification

Country of Origin
Manufacturer
Kazan State Technical University named after A. N. Tupolev
Wikidata ID
Q17061563