Grigorovich E-2

Grigorovich E-2 (DG-55)
Role Sport aircraft
Manufacturer Grigorovich
First flight 1935
Number built 1
Developed from De Havilland DH.88 Comet

The Grigorovich E-2, or DG-55 (Russian Григорович Э-2, ДГ-55), was a two-seat, twin-engined, low-wing, prototype sport aircraft of Soviet origin.

Design and construction

Inspired by the de Havilland DH.88 Comet racer which had won the MacRobertson Air Race in 1934, the Grigorovich OKB began work on a similar aircraft. Like the DH.88, the Russian "Kometa" was a highly streamlined conventional low-wing monoplane with twin engines forward of retractable main undercarriage in nacelles under each wing. Built of wood, it also featured an enclosed cockpit and landing flaps.

Intended to be a lightweight, high-speed sport aircraft the DG-55, later designated the E-2, was slightly smaller than the DH.88 and with less powerful engines, using the 120 hp (89 kW) Cirrus Hermes.

Only one prototype was constructed, flying in 1935.

Operational history

Following completion of its flight tests, the E-2 Kometa was handed over to the OSOAVIAKhIM paramilitary sports organisation, who used it for light liaison duties.

References

Further reading

Flugzeugtypen der Welt : Modelle, Technik, Daten (in German) (Genehmigte Lizenzausg. ed.). Augsburg: Bechtermünz Vlg. 1999. ISBN 978-3860475935.