Gakkel-IX, Ya.M.Gakkel

Gakkel-9, 32k b/w photo from the "History of aircraft construction in the USSR" Vol.1, p.64

Unique aircraft, the World first parasol monoplane. It was built with the best possible sight for a pilot in mind. Wing struts were made of wood enforced by steel wire. Wings had 'windows' near the fuselage. Gakkel-IX and Gakkel-VIII were presented at The Military Aircraft Contest (1912). But systematic engine failures did not allow to fulfill the flight program.

It took many years when Gakkel's mechanic confessed in sabotage. Pilot A.M.Gaber-Vlynsky (flying for Dux factory), bribed him to pour sulphuric acid into engines... Ya.M.Gakkel won nothing, he was out of money. In addition both his aircraft were burned together with hangar 'from unknown cause'.