VEF I-12

I-12
1:5 scale model of the VEF I-12.
Role	Monoplane trainer
Manufacturer	VEF
Designer	Kārlis Irbītis
Primary user	Latvian Air Force
Produced	1935-1941
Number built	12

The VEF I-12 was a Latvian trainer aircraft designed by Kārlis Irbītis and produced by VEF in Riga during 1935 to 1941. The plane was constructed mostly of wood. 12 copies were made. In 1937 it made several demonstrations in Paris. In London it was placed 5th and won the silver cup in the Thanet Air Race. The international tour was ended with a nine hour non-stop flight from London to Riga.

Specifications (I-12)

Data from Grey 1972, p. 205c

General characteristics

• Crew: 1
• Capacity: 1 passenger
• Length: 7.1 m (23 ft 4 in)
• Wingspan: 9.3 m (30 ft 6 in)
• Height: 1.9 m (6 ft 3 in)
• Wing area: 11.3 m² (122 sq ft)
• Empty weight: 458 kg (1,010 lb)
• Gross weight: 680 kg (1,499 lb)
• Powerplant: 1 × Blackburn Cirrus Minor 4-cylinder inverted inline , air cooled, 67 kW (90 hp)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 230 km/h (140 mph; 120 kn)
• Cruising speed: 198 km/h (123 mph; 107 kn)

References

Bibliography

• Grey, C.G. (1972). Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1938. London: David & Charles. ISBN 0-7153-5734-4.