Gribowski G-29

The Gribowski G‑29, conceived in the late 1930s by Russian designer Vladislav Gribovsky, was a pioneering tandem‑seating trainer that bridged the gap between primary biplanes and modern monoplanes. First flown on 12 May 1939 at the Kiev Aerodrome, the aircraft emerged from Gribovsky’s private workshop, where limited resources prompted an innovative use of wood‑filled foam laminates for the fuselage and a low‑wing, all‑metal cantilever structure for the wings. Powered by a 120 hp Shvetsov M‑11 radial engine, the G‑29 achieved a maximum speed of 210 km/h, a service ceiling of 5,600 m, and a range of 800 km—performance metrics comparable to contemporary Western trainers.

Key features included a variable‑pitch propeller, an enclosed cockpit with dual controls, and a retractable landing gear system that was rare for training aircraft of its era. Its handling characteristics, marked by stable low‑speed response and responsive roll authority, made it a favored platform for advanced pilot instruction and early aerobatic training. Although only a limited production run of 42 units was completed before World War II halted further development, the G‑29’s design principles influenced post‑war Soviet trainer programs and demonstrated the viability of combining wooden construction with metal aerodynamics, earning it a respected place in aviation history.