Yakovlev EG Eksperimentalnyi Gelikopter

History

First planning of this helicopter began already at end of 1944/beginning of 1945 and was generously supported by the ZAGI (Zentralen Aerodynamischen und Hydrodynamischen Institut).

W.W. Tezarowskij flew this helicopter for the first time on the 2nd of August 1947. In order to gain first experiences with the coaxial rotor system, testing started first in bound condition.

During these 40 flights it turned out that the centre of gravity was clearly too far aft. The tail was removed and the oil tank relocated behind the cockpit bulkhead, this was necessary as no additional ballast could be accommodated near the nose of the helicopter.

During the first 75 free flight tests a total of 15 flight hours were accumulated. The results were satisfying while hovering, but as soon as the forward speed exceeded about 30km/h vibration and progressive loss of control were encountered. At speeds of 50-60 km/h the helicopter was no longer controllable.

From a constructional point of view the model fulfilled the requirements that were asked of a helicopter back in 1947. As is the case for all helicopters during the development phase, the rotor blades were the critical element of the construction.

While Yakovlev stopped the program and moved on to helicopter configurations with a single rotor arrangement, designated Yak-100, the coaxial rotor concept was adopted and completed by OKB Kamow.

The kit:

The casting quality of the 52 grey resin pieces is great and all parts contain very fine details. The clear vacu parts are thin and clear. The kit doesn’t contain any decals as there are no markings visible on the original. For the instrument panels an acetat sheet is included.

The drive train consists of six parts with a five-cylinder M-11FR radial engine and other additional parts. The coaxial rotor system is not complete and must be completed with stretched sprue (0,2mm). The trailing edges of the rotor blades are that thin that you even risk to cut yourself. The dimensions of the helicopter in 1/72 are fine. The instruction sheet is in Russian but clear and contains drawings in 1/72 scale. Painting instructions are kept to a minimum.