Aircraft of the Baltic States
Although the Baltic States Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania gained their independency shortly after the First World War, they were at the outbreak of the Second World War occupied by Soviet forces. “Liberated” for a short period by the Germans, the were again occupied by Soviet forces until the Soviet Empire fell apart. In spite of this, all three Baltic States were active with the development and construction of aircraft of their own design!
Latvia
Latvia started with its aviation industry in 1924 when pilot Nikolajs Pullins flew the small biplane P-1 ”Spirditis” (Little Thumb). He soon came into contact with a mechanical engineering student named Karlis Irbitis who completely redesigned the P-1 into the first of a long line of Irbitis designs. Irbitis joined later the State Electrotechical Works (Valst Elektroteckniska Fabrika) V.E.F. and designed and built here a number of light planes of which the I-12 sport plane, the I-14 fighter trainer and I-16 lightweight fighter were the most well known. After the war Irbitis emigrated to Canada and joined Canadair as an aircraft designer. He retired in 1970 and died in 1997.
The most important second aircraft factory was LKOD, originally a ship’s wharf and tool-work factory. They built small series of the types KOD-1 to KOD-4
Lithuania
In Lithuania the ANBO works was the most important aircraft manufacturer. The ANBO-1 was a small low wing monoplane built in the mid twenties. It was later followed by the ANBO-II and -III two-seat trainers, ANBO-IV light bomber and reconnaissance plane, ANBO-Vand -VI trainers and finally the ANBO-VIII light bomber and attack plane. The invasion by Russian troops ended further work!
Estonia
Estonia hardly had an aviation industry and most types acquired were of foreign design. Only a small number of Estonian design were built and flown. Most known were the low-wing monoplane types PTO-4 trainer and the Rolls Royce Kestrel powered PN-3 fighter trainer of 1939 as last modern type.
Literature:
Most important book on Latvian aircraft is ‘Of struggle and life’ written by Karlis Irbitis and published in Canada. It is hard to find an quite expensive and I really wished I had it!
The Dutchman Frits Gerdessen has published an extensive article on Estonian aviation in AIR ENTHUSIAST no.18. In the Dutch periodical LUCHTVAARTKENNIS he has published a series of extensive articles on Baltic aviation
A detailed article on the I-16 was published in AIR ENTHUSIAST no. 48 by Chuck Davis.
Nico Braas
Nico, great article. By the way, it’s “SpRiditis”, not “Spirditis” =)
And there’s great information on http://latvianaviation.com/
Dear Nico
I really enjoy your web site.Thank You.I have a copy of `( Of Struggle and Flight by K Irbitis.I met the man in 1993 in Montreal.He was 89 at the time .Very slim,tall and half blind.We spoke for an hour.He told me that he had published only 1000 copies of his book.He also autographed my book.I own the only copy of Air Enthusiast number 54 ? that dealt with the 1-16.He also autographed this article with his signiture on the front page ofthe I-16.Do you think it has any value ? The last 100 books were autographed by him.I think these are priceless.
Dear Nico
Would you like a good photocopy of the book ? Please email me. I enjoy your site very much.
Gary Beattie
Dear Nico
I have tried your email address but I seem to have problem with it.Mr Bradic contacted me and gave your email.I do not know on how to pdf but I am willing to photocopy the book for you.I will send it by Air Mail to you but I need a home address.I do hope this will satisfy you.I really enjoy what you do.Please let me know.
Gary Beattie
Hi, in 1920, the Estonian Postal Service used an Avro 506 belonging to the army to ferry mail across the frozen sea to Finland. I wonder if any readers here have any photos available of these aircraft from that time? It’s regarded as Northern Europe’s First Airmail service.
Simon
Hi Niko,
Thank you for the great read and I’m sorry for bothering you, but maybe
if you already did the copy on the book “Of Struggle and Flight” by Irbitis, Karlis, would it be possible to get a copy from you?
I’d love to read the book, but I can’t find it anywhere (on amazon its 350$ but I can’t afford it, just a student).