NIAI LK-1

The NIAI LK-1 was an early Soviet flying wing aircraft designed by the Leningrad Aviation Institute (NIAI) in the 1930s. It was one of the earliest Soviet attempts at creating a tailless aircraft.

The LK-1 (Likholev Konstruktsii – 1) was designed by V.N. Likholev and his team at NIAI. It featured a swept-back wing with elevons for control, eliminating the need for a separate horizontal stabilizer and elevators. The aim of the design was to reduce drag and improve aerodynamic efficiency.

The aircraft was constructed primarily of wood and fabric. The fuselage was short and blended into the wing. It was powered by a single radial engine mounted in the nose.

Flight testing of the NIAI LK-1 revealed several issues with stability and control. The aircraft proved difficult to handle, particularly at low speeds. These difficulties, coupled with the limited technological capabilities of the time, ultimately led to the abandonment of the project. The LK-1, despite its shortcomings, contributed to the development of tailless aircraft designs in the Soviet Union. It provided valuable experience and data that influenced later research into unconventional aircraft configurations.