LBSh

The LBSh, conceived in the early 1990s by Russian aeronautical engineer Sergey Kocherigin, represents a rare blend of experimental design and practical utility that emerged during the post‑Soviet aviation renaissance. Initiated as a lightweight sport‑touring aircraft, the LBSh first flew in 1994 from the modest facilities of the Krasnodar aero‑club, where Kocherigin served as chief designer. Its name—an acronym derived from “Лёгкий Быстрый Штурмовик” (Light Fast Fighter)—reflected his ambition to produce a nimble, high‑performance machine capable of both recreational soaring and limited reconnaissance tasks.

Key features include a carbon‑fiber‑reinforced monocoque fuselage, a low‑set 115‑kW Rotax 912 engine, and a distinctive high‑aspect‑ratio wing equipped with slotted flaps for superior lift‑to‑drag ratios. The cockpit accommodates two side‑by‑side seats under a bubble canopy, providing excellent visibility and ergonomics. Advanced avionics, such as a glass cockpit with GPS/GLONASS navigation, were integrated at a time when such equipment was uncommon in ultralight classes.

Although produced in limited numbers—only twelve units were completed—the LBSh demonstrated that innovative materials and modern avionics could be applied to small aircraft without prohibitive costs. Its design influenced subsequent Russian light‑sport aircraft, cementing Kocherigin’s legacy as a forward‑thinking pioneer in the evolution of versatile, low‑cost aviation solutions.