Cukurs C-1 and C-2

In 1921, Herberts Cukurs joined the Latvian aviation regiment. He dedicated all his free time outside of service to building a light aircraft of his own design. A little later, Cukurs was transferred to the naval aviation unit in Liepāja, where he moved his unfinished aircraft.

Only in 1925 was the light multi-purpose aircraft Cukurs C-1 able to take to the air. It was a wooden single-seat cantilever low-wing monoplane, equipped with a 988 cc, 12 hp Harley-Davidson motorcycle engine. Cukurs made over a hundred flights with it until 1926.

Transformation into the Cukurs C-2

He then handed the machine over to his friend, Lieutenant Kārlis Konstants, for its conversion into a two-seater. In addition to installing a second cockpit, Konstants also replaced the motorcycle engine with an aviation engine (an Anzani with 25 hp).

The result was practically a new aircraft, which was designated Cukurs C-2. The aircraft flew regularly until 1932, but then it crashed. Konstants repaired and again modernized the aircraft, reinforcing its structure and installing a 45 hp Anzani engine.

The “Peka-Peka” Takes Flight

Nicknamed “Peka-Peka,” the modernized C-2 flew for several more years.

Technical Specifications

Modification	C-1
Wingspan, m	13.20
Length, m	6.50
Wing area, m2	14.00
Empty weight	200
Maximum takeoff weight	290
Engine type	1 Piston engine Harley-Davidson 988
Power, hp	1 x 12
Maximum speed, km/h	70
Crew	1

Image and diagram gallery of the Cukurs C-1 and C-2

C-1(2)	C-1(2)
C-1(2)	C-1(2)
C-1(2)	C-1(2)
C-1(2)	C-1(2)