The C-6 “Tris Zvaigznes” was a light, long-range aircraft, and the first cantilever low-wing monoplane built in Latvia. It was constructed by aviation enthusiast Herberts Cukurs in April 1935. Its technical solutions brought it close to the most modern fighters of the time in the West.
Collaborative Design and Construction
The aircraft’s construction cost 24,000 lats and was a collaborative effort. Latvia’s Minister of War, Jānis Balodis, allocated funds for the skin, the Hjorda paint factory provided the paint, and the VEF factory supplied the radio station (3-band for telegraph at 600 km, telephone at 150 km) and electrical equipment.
Advanced Technical Features
For safety, a fireproof aluminum-asbestos bulkhead was installed between the engine and the pilot. In terms of equipment, it was the first in Latvia to feature an artificial horizon, and for the first time, the main instruments were duplicated. It also had a navigation light and a 450-watt searchlight for night flight.
Cukurs’ Historic Flight
Between 1936 and 1937, Herberts Cukurs completed a round trip from Riga to Tokyo in this aircraft. He remained airborne for 227 hours, covering a distance of 40,045 km. He flew over 22 countries in Europe and Asia, excluding the USSR.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | C-6 |
| Upper wingspan, m | 11.00 |
| Aircraft length, m | 8.00 |
| Aircraft height, m | 2.30 |
| Wing area, m2 | 12.80 |
| Empty weight | 525 |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 1150 |
| Engine type | 1 Piston engine De Havilland Gipsy Major |
| Power, hp | 1 x 130 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 300 |
| Practical range, km | 820 |
| Rate of climb, m/min | 188 |
| Service ceiling, m | 4500 |
| Crew, crew | 1 |
Image and diagram gallery of the C-6 Tris Zvaigznes
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