Letov LF-107 Luňák
The LF -107 Luňák is a powerful Czechoslovakian aerobatic glider that was designed and built in the late 40s of Rudý Letov.
History
The design originated in the engineering group of LF, who led Vladimír Štros. These included Ing K. Dlouhy, J. Ing Matejcek, B. Roček and other, later known workers in the Czechoslovak aircraft industry and most experienced glider pilot.
The first prototype was flown on 25 and 26 June in 1948 and had the OK indicator - 8730th The second prototype was on 18 July 1948, the OK indicator - 8731st Both prototypes completed various flight and operational testing.
The Czechoslovak aircraft industry represented themselves very well abroad, especially in Switzerland on the airplane exhibition and competition in Grenchen 1948, and in Ziar / Poland at the first competition of the socialist glider in 1949. Notable aerobatic properties, good power and a previously unseen form solutions focused on the aircraft deserved attention.
After the success in Switzerland, the Ministry of National Defense of Czechoslovakia led the series production of the Luňák. The start of series production fell in the period of considerably deteriorated international relations, when the industry began with the production of the Soviet MiG -15 and Il -10. For the production of Luňák, which Rudý Letov supposed to, remained almost out of time. So at Rudý Letov were a total of 75 aircraft, including prototypes built. They stood out by their resistance and durability of construction and allowed even the most demanding maneuvers.
The first aircraft of Rudý Letov with the registration OK -0800 flew in 1950, and was distinguished by low greater proportions, simpler construction and newly revised cabin.
The advent of the fabricated wooden glider LF -107 Luňák or according to the military designation VT -7 in the Aero Club allowing considerable spread of the stunt-flying and freshened the aircraft fleet with a powerful glider on.
The Czechoslovak glider pilots took part with the Luňák at many local but also foreign air shows and competitions. Worth mentioning was especially the performance of aerobatic groups from Bratislava and Vrchlabí (eg simultaneous flick roll aerotow of glider and tow plane ).
The Luňák was used for aerobatic training in the Soviet Union, Bulgaria, Romania and Poland.
The first prototype flew later in the UK and a Luňák came to the U.S.. On August 28, 1951 flew in Praha - Letňany the prototype of a new glider, which was very similar to the Luňák. It was the XLF -207 Laminar. It was one of the first motorless aircraft in the world which had a laminar profile, which was developed by LF.
Presence
Currently, there are probably nine flyable.