National Aerospace University – Kharkiv Aviation Institute
KhAI-3
The KhAI‑3 was the first aircraft designed and built in series by the National Aerospace University – Kharkiv Aviation Institute (KhAI) in the early 1930s. Conceived in 1931 as a lightweight, low‑wing monoplane to test the institute’s aerodynamic theories, the prototype flew for the first time on 12 May 1932 under the command of student pilot V. M. Ivanov. Powered by a 100 kW (135 hp) Shvetsov M‑11 five‑cylinder radial engine, the aircraft featured a fully enclosed cockpit, cantilever wings with a modest 6.5 m span, and a fixed, spatted undercarriage. Its wooden semi‑monocoque fuselage and plywood‑covered wings reflected the material economy of the period while providing a smooth aerodynamic profile.
The KhAI‑3 served as a versatile platform for a range of experiments, including investigations of laminar flow, stall characteristics, and variable‑incidence control surfaces. Over 30 units were produced between 1933 and 1937, mainly for use in KhAI’s flight‑training school and for civil sport competitions. By demonstrating that a university could design, certify, and operate a functional aircraft, the KhAI‑3 became a symbol of Soviet aeronautical education and contributed to the development of later training types such as the KhAI‑4 and the Polikarpov U‑2. Its legacy endures as a pioneering example of academic‑industry collaboration in aviation.
The KhAI‑3 served as a versatile platform for a range of experiments, including investigations of laminar flow, stall characteristics, and variable‑incidence control surfaces. Over 30 units were produced between 1933 and 1937, mainly for use in KhAI’s flight‑training school and for civil sport competitions. By demonstrating that a university could design, certify, and operate a functional aircraft, the KhAI‑3 became a symbol of Soviet aeronautical education and contributed to the development of later training types such as the KhAI‑4 and the Polikarpov U‑2. Its legacy endures as a pioneering example of academic‑industry collaboration in aviation.
Classification
Production & History
- First Flight
- 1936
Design & Classification
- Country of Origin
- Manufacturer
- National Aerospace University – Kharkiv Aviation Institute
- Engine
- Shvetsov M-11
- Wikidata ID
- Q1058091