Grigorovich M-9
The Grigorovich M-9 (Russian Григорович М -9) was a Soviet three -seat biplane flying boat, which was developed by Dmitri Pavlovich Grigorovich. The aircraft was developed based on the Grigorovich M -5 and had a motor like this with a pressure screw. It was developed as an armed reconnaissance aircraft. From 1916 there was also a trainer aircraft of this type, but that could be also used as reconnaissance aircraft.
History
The machine was launched in December 1915 on its maiden flight. The flight tests in Baku lasted until 9 January 1916. The aircraft could be safely used up to a wave height of 50 cm, was very reliable and easy to handle. On September 17, 1916 could be flown with a machine that in addition to the pilots still wore a passenger, a loop. It was the first flying boat, which was capable of it. The robust hull made it possible also to land without skis on snow. The prototype still had an oval cowl, but this was removed and was no longer used in the series. The observer operated a forward -directed, portable MG.
The biggest drawback of the machine in combat was the lack of protection against attacking enemies from behind. There have been attempts to incorporate backwards -firing weapons, but without success. Finally, it was necessary to use the M-9 only with an escort to keep the losses in check.
During the Russian Civil War, the M -9 was used together with riverboats and on the lakes. One of the most famous missions took place during the defense of Baku in July / August 1918. The machines were employed here as a reconnaissance, artillery spotting, hunting and combat aircraft.
A total of about 500 copies were made of this type.