The C-3 Kurzemes Hercogiene was a long-range aircraft designed and built by Herberts Cukurs, an iconic figure in Latvian aviation and an enthusiastic pilot. It became the second monoplane in Latvia. Built by the former naval aviator Cukurs over three years, the aircraft (YL-AAB) made its maiden flight on April 28, 1930, at Spilve airfield.
The Pioneering Flight to Africa
Between August 28, 1933, and May 25, 1934, the C-3 Kurzemes Hercogiene undertook a unique flight for Latvian aviation, with intermediate landings. Specifically for this journey, one of the cabins was converted into an additional fuel tank. The route began in Riga, passed through Danzig, Berlin, and Le Bourget, then via Poitiers, Bordeaux, and Perpignan to Spain, visiting Barcelona, Valencia, and Malaga.
Subsequently, it made the first Latvian flight to Africa, reaching Tangier, Casablanca, Dakar, and Bathurst. The latter point was symbolic, as Gambia was a colony of the Duchy of Courland in the 16th century, and a “colonial spirit” was widespread in Latvia during the 1920s and 1930s. The first stage of the flight took 68 days (until November 3), covering 7600 km. On the return journey, Cukurs installed a new engine on the aircraft.
Herberts Cukurs’ Complex Legacy
Following a triumphant reception in Latvia, Cukurs was promoted to captain and served in the Latvian Air Force, continuing his flights. Unfortunately, during World War II, he became the leader of a Sonderkommando responsible for mass executions of Jews. He fled overseas but was killed in Montevideo in 1961 by “Mossad” agents.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | C-3 |
| Wingspan, m | 10.90 |
| Length, m | 6.90 |
| Wing area, m2 | 16.00 |
| Empty weight | 550 |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 840 |
| Engine type | 1 Piston engine De Havilland Gipsy Major |
| Power, hp | 1 x 130 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 130 |
| Practical range, km | 790 |
| Practical ceiling, m | 3000 |
| Crew, crew members | 1-2 |
Image and diagram gallery of the C-3 Kurzemes Hercogiene
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