Bulgarian DAR (to 1945) & Lazarov Designations

[hesham]

Lazarov LAZ-11 :single engined cabin monoplane,used as ambulance version of LAZ-8.

 

[Apophenia]

Mostly already out there but perhaps handier in one place. A work in progress ...
_________________________________

DAR (Drjavna_Aeroplane_Robotilnitsa)
ДАР (Държавната аеропланна работилница)

DAR U-1 - 1925 2-seat trainer/recce-bomber a/c; x 7
- DAR U-1: Copy of WW1 German DFW C.Va biplane
- DAR U-1: Hermann Winter copy; aka DAR Uzunov-1
- DAR U-1: 1 x 220 hp Benz Bz.IV 6-cyl.; span 13.27 m

DAR-1 - 1926 Peperuda ('Butterfly') biplane trainer; x (??)
- DAR-1 : 1 x 60 hp Walter NZ 5-cyl.; span 9.30 m; x 12
- DAR 1A: 1928; 85 hp Walter Vega 5-cyl.; span 9.30 m*
-- * Some sources say 12 x DAR-1A built; others say x 8

DAR-2 - 1926-27 Albatros C.III biplane trainer/recce; x 12
- DAR-2 : Re-assembled from salvaged WW1 components
- DAR-2 : 1 x 160 hp Mercedes D.III 6-cyl.; span 11.70 m
-- Photographic evidence of at least 9 x DAR-2s assembled

DAR-3 - 1927 Garvan (Raven) recce-bomber biplane; x 26
- DAR-3 : By Tsvetan Lazarov (hence sometimes aka 'Laz-3'
-- NB: That 'Laz-3' is almost certainly a postwar invention
- DAR-3(I) : 1927 prototype; initially LD 12D, then G&R Jupiter
- DAR-3(I) : 1 x 400 hp Loraine-Dietrich 12D; span: 11.90 m
- DAR-3(I) : (Re-eng.) 480 hp Gnome et Rhône Jupiter 9Akx
- DAR-3(I.bis): 1929 prototype; 480 hp G&R Jupiter 9Akx
- DAR-3(I.bis): 1935 re-eng. with Wright Cyclone 9-cyl.
- Garvan-I : 1 x 650 hp Wright Cyclone SGR-1820 F3 9-cyl.; x 6
- Garvan-II: 1 x 650 hp Siemens Jupiter VI 9-cyl.;* revised; x 6
-- * Later re-engined with the Italian Alfa Romeo 126 RC.34 **
-- ** AR 126 was yet another licensed Bristol Jupiter deriv.
- Garvan-III: 1939; 1 x 750 hp Alfa Romeo 126 RC.34 9-cyl.; x 12
-- NB: DAR now lists Garvans with arabic not roman numerals

DAR-4 - 1930 trimotor biplane 2+4 airliner; 1 x prototype
- DAR-4 : Upper wing w/ cabanes; Warren truss bracing
- DAR-4 : 3 x 145 hp Walter Mars 9-cylinders; span 14.00 m
- DAR-4 : Underpowered; unstable on ground; no devel.

DAR-5 - 1930 Brambar (Beetle) aerobatic trainer biplane
- DAR-5 : Single-seat; single-bay; 1 x prototype; LZ-UDA/44
- DAR-5 : 1 x 220 hp G&R Titan 5-cylinder; span 7.50 m
- DAR-5 : Hermann Winter design; sources vary on uses*
-- * Aeroflight says fighter trainer; others met and liaison
-- * Insignia Magazine (10/1998) says aerobatic trainer
-- https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/threads/dar-little-known-aircraft-and-projects.22254/#post-224147
-- https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/threads/dar-little-known-aircraft-and-projects.22254/#post-224154

DAR-6 - 1932 2-seat single-bay biplane training a/c; x 3(?)
- DAR-6 : Lazarov design w/ features of Fw 44 and He 72
- DAR-6(I) : Jan 1932 1st prototype; for basic training role
- DAR-6(I) : 1 x 85 hp Walter Vega 5-cyl. radial; span 9.05 m
- DAR-6(II): 1934 2nd prototype; for advanced training role
- DAR-6(II): 1 x 145 hp Walter Mars 9-cyl.; Townsend ring
- DAR-6a : 1937 3rd prototype; registration LZ-ZLB; c/n 62*
- DAR-6a : 1 x 160 hp Siemens Sh-14A radial;** span 9.05 m
-- * Confusing some sources into claiming 62 x DAR-6a built
-- ** Some sources claim 1 x 150 hp Walter Mars I radial

DAR-7 - (Project) 1931 single-seat biplane fighter-trainer (??)
- DAR-7 : Hermann Winter design; likely inspired by DAR-5
- DAR-7 : 1 x 480 hp Gnome-Rhône Jupiter 9Akx; span 8.80 m
- DAR-7 : Mixed metal-wood constr.; fitted w/ engine cowling
- https://web.archive.org/web/20101119075444/http://www.samoloty.ow.pl/str316.htm

DAR-7 SS.1 - 1935 2-seat monoplane touring a/c; 1 x prototype
- DAR-7 SS.1: Low-winged tandem-seater; mixed construction
- DAR-7 SS.1: 1 x 130 hp DH Gipsy Major 4-cyl.; span (??) m
- DAR-7 SS.1: Kirill Petkov design; unrelated to DAR-7 (above)
- DAR-7 SS.1: Prototype (c/n 46) fitted with cockpit canopies
-- SS.1 = Samolet za Svruzka or communications aircraft

DAR-8 - Slavei (or Slavey, Nightingale) 2-seat trainer, x 12
- DAR-8 : Prototype; single-seater; 145 hp DH Gipsy Major
- DAR-8 : Production; 2-seater; 130 hp Walter Major IV
- DAR-8A: Conversions x 2;* 1 x 145 hp Walter Mars 9-cyl.
-- * DAR-8A conv. were LZ-BAB c/n 48 and LZ-BAD c/n 50

DAR-9 - 1940-1942 Siniger (Tit)*; licenced Fw 44J
-- * Siniger refers to a range of Paridae family birds
- DAR-9: Tandem 2-seat biplane advanced military trainer
- DAR-9: Series I;** 160 hp Siemens Sh 14A; span 9.00 m
-- ** NB: Series 2-5 Sinigers built by DSF at Lovech
- DAR-9A: 1948 postwar DAR-9 re-engining programme
- DAR-9A: Survivors fitted w/ Walter Minor-6.III inlines

DAR-10 - 1941 Bekas (Snipe) 2-seat GP/divebomber; x 2
- DAR-10 : Low-winged; spatted main u/c; mixed constr.
- DAR-10 : Zvetan Lazarov concept; design begun 1938
- DAR-10A: 1st prototype; c/n 94; 1st flew 02 July 1941
- DAR-10A: 1 x 950 hp Alfa Romeo 128 R.C.21; span 12.20 m
- DAR-10F: 2nd prototype; c/n 316; 1st flew March 1945
- DAR-10F: 1 x 870 hp Fiat A 74 R.C.38; span 12.20 m

DAR-11 - (Project) 194? fighter derived from DAR-10A
- DAR-11 (I): Higher-powered engine (type unknown)
- DAR-11 (I): No other details; rejected for Avia B.135

DAR-11 - (Project) 1941 Lyastovitsa (Swallow) fighter
- DAR-11 (II): Lyastovitsa; planned Avia B.135 prod'n
- DAR-11 (II): 50 x licensed Avia B.135 planned; unrealised

photos: https://web.archive.org/web/20111005224931/http://www.aeroplanesdar.com/history-old.php
________________________________

Undesignated DAR and Lazarov Gliders

DAR Zdravka (Nuthatch) - 1926 parasol glider; x 2
- Zdravka: Single-seat traier by Hermann Winter*
-- * Span 11.20 m; tapered outer panels; no dihedral
-- 'Toprakchiev' for national hero Lt. Toprakchiev
-- 'Veckilski' for national hero Major Vekilski
-- https://www.j2mcl-planeurs.net/dbj2mcl/planeurs-machines/planeur-fiche_0int.php?code=1841

DAR Rilski Orel - 1935 single-seat perf. sailplanes; x 3
- Rilski Orel: Semi-cantilever parasol; span 15.82 m
- Rilski Orel: Named for 8th Century hermit, Ivan Rilski*
-- 'Albatros', 'Chuchuliga' (Lark), & 'Rilski Orel' (Rilksi Eagle)*
- Rilski Orel: Won 1936 Olympic gold for flight qualities
-- * aka Saint John of Rila, who was said to turn into an eagle
-- https://www.j2mcl-planeurs.net/dbj2mcl/planeurs-machines/planeur-fiche_0int.php?code=1843

Lazarov Drangov - 1930 biplane training glider; x 1
-- aka 'Polkovnik Drangov' after BG national hero

________________________________

 

[hesham]

My dear Apophenia,

please don't forget the DAR-13,DAR-21,DAR-23 and DAR-25.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DAR_Aircraft

 

[Apophenia]

Thanks Hesham. I forgot to note in the title that I was limiting my DAR list up to 1945. Now added.

 

[Maveric]

Can you say more about the DAR.13 (see the hesham link)... ???

If we have a DAR.13, we need also a DAR.12...

Servus Maveric

 

[Apophenia]

Sorry that rather garbled Wiki comment about the modern Airplanes DAR company, is the only mention I've seen about a "DAR-13" (nothing at all about a "DAR-12").

 

[Maveric]

Yes, its also the only source I know about DAR.13...

 

[Apophenia]

Named but undesignated gliders by DAR and Lazarov added -- biplane Lazarov Drangov and DAR monoplane Zdravka Toprakchiev, Zdravka Vekilski, and Rilski Orel.

 

[piko1]

Dar-11 bi-plane
Dar-12 high wing
Dar-13 speed plane with higher wing load
farm construction and wooden wings

From Aerofan : book 7-8 1999

 

[hesham]

Great find Piko,


but DAR-12,was it a light aircraft ?.

 

[Apophenia]

Piko do have any dates for these three designs?

 

[piko1]

DAR - 12 was light aircraft yes and no i don't have any data only the designations

 

[hesham]

Thank you Piko1 very much.

 

[piko1]

i think that the thread must be renamed and instead 1945 to be to 1954 that's the year that the old DAR ceases to exist

ps. hesham sorry for my late response

 

[hesham]

Hi,


DAR Solo is a single seat open cockpit strut braced high-wing ultra light monoplane
with tricycle landing gear and 28 hp Hirth F33 engine.


DAR Speedster is closed cockpit strut braced high-wing monoplane


DAR also has those aircraft and projects;


Solo 120,Prio,Scooter,Priora,F-7 Speedy,Agrar,DAR-241,TwinStar Solo,Trimotor Solo,
Glider-I,Glider-II,Motor Glider,Caesar,Panther,F-7,T-2A,VDM,Zvero, Hi Zvero and
a UAV.


Also the DAR-27M Spector;


http://www.aeroplanesdar.com/resources/manuals/card-models/DAR-27M_Spector.pdf
http://www.aeroplanesdar.com/products.php
http://www.aeroplanesdar.com/projects.php

 

[hesham]

And;

 

[hesham]

The end;

 

[c460]

DAR-11 Lyastovitsa ('Swallow'), 1941, 50 planned licenced Czech Avia B.135s [unbuilt]

- NB: Lazarov was involved in final detail design of DAR-11 Lyastovitsa ('Swallow'), the planned for licence-built Avia B.135s. The DAR-11 may have been assigned either Laz-4 or Laz-5 designation

In the book Aircraft Manufacture in Bulgaria by Nedialkov (p.103), it is said that Lazarov designed the DAR-11 fighter as an evolution of the DAR-10A with a more powerful engine, but it was rejected because a contract was already signed for licence building of the Avia B.135.
But on p.23 of the same book, the DAR-11 Lastovica is described as a home-built B.135. So it seems that the designation was reallocated indeed.

 

[Apophenia]

Thanks for the DAR-11 confirmation c460!

 

[c460]

There are details about Laz- designations in this Bulgarian page written by Ivan Borislavov, a reputable author:
http://history.rodenkrai.com/new/bylgarska_aviaciq/prof._inj._cvetan_lazarov_i_bylgarskoto_samoletostroene_ii_chast/vsichki_stranici.html
From the machine translation, I understand that the year "1947" was to be painted on the nose of the first postwar prototype, but it was somehow turned into "Laz-7". I don't fully understand the description of Lazarov's reaction, but anyway the aircraft was to be flown to Yugoslavia soon, there was no time for a repaint and the name remained.
The same page says that any attempt to reconstruct earlier Laz- designations (from 1 to 6) has no basis in reality.

Laz-7M - 1951-54 trainer/light attack, M-11FR radial

The Laz-7M had the alternate designation ZAK-1, ZAK being an abbreviation of something like "Collective Work from the Factory". Apparently everybody called the plane Laz-7M in practice, but the name ZAK-1 appeared on the factory nameplate.

Laz-12 single-seat aerobatic aircraft, 1 prototype 1954.
-- http://reocities.com/Paris/Cabaret/2459/Aviation/BGplanes/After1945/Laz12.htm

It is more accurately described as an advanced trainer or fighter trainer, I don't think it was designed as an aerobatic aircraft.

 

[hesham]

For Lazarov;

http://hadhm.tu-sofia.bg/Ts_Lazarov.html

 

[hesham]

From JAWA 2007/2008,

unknown Project for DAR ?.

 

[Apophenia]

I've replaced most of the dead links. The title of this thread should be revised? Perhaps:

Bulgarian Designations: DAR (to 1954), Lazarov, & Aeroplanes DAR Ltd​

 

[stan57]

Gliders: Albatros-LZ, Rilski Orel, Chuchuliga are WS Komar licensed gliders.
Looking for a picture of Chuchuliga.
On 06-06-1937, Jan Pełka made a flight test of the SG.3 bis36 license glider in Bożuriszcze. Are there any photos of this glider?
In 1959, the Jastreb LZ-101 glider was tested.

 

[hesham]

the Jastreb LZ-101 glider was tested

Welcome aboard Stan,

what was this designation ?.

 

[Maveric]

LZ-101 was no designation but the registration.

 

[Apophenia]

Ястреб - usually transliterated as Yastreb - was not a DAR product. It was built at the VSR Musachevo - ie: the workshops at Musacheva airfield - at the bequest of the Central Committee of DOSO (Voluntary Organization for the Assistance to Defense). This sailplane doesn't seem to have received a designation.

The Yastreb first flew in 1958. Perhaps official trials did not begin until the following year?

 

[hesham]

Laz-2 - [? may also be Lazarov designation for DAR-6 design]

From A-Z magazine.

 

[Apophenia]

Thanks for that @hesham. I've taken to opportunity to completely update my entry in style along with making corrections and introducing a few clarifications.

 

[hesham]

About Laz-1,and Mr. Zvetan Lazarov designed 13 aircraft,one
helicopter plus one glider.

https://pgtpleven.ucoz.org/index/koj_e_cvetan_lazarov/0-5
http://hadhm.tu-sofia.bg/Ts_Lazarov.html

 

[hesham]

From this PDF,I think the Laz-4 and Laz-5 may the same as
DAR-7 & DAR-8,because Lazarov designed those in that
firm ?,

From 1933 to 1936, Tsvetan Lazarov worked in Kazanlak as technical director of the second aircraft factory in our country, "Bulgarian Caproni." Here he found only about fifty workers and a dilapidated material base. But very soon the factory was booming, and during the pause periods between the main orders, the resourceful manager organized small-scale production to save his people from unemployment.

At "Bulgarian Caproni", Lazarov established his name, winning a project for a training and reconnaissance aircraft assigned to the company. This was followed by a return to Bozhurishte and years of service at the State Aircraft Factory, renamed DAR in Lovech. Here Lazarov was the chief designer and made the most of the conditions created for his creative work and professional expression. Thus, the LAZ-3, LAZ-4 and LAZ-5 flew. One of the next successes for Bulgarian aircraft construction was winning second place at the competition in Belgrade in 1946 with the LAZ-7. This was followed by the development of four more types of aircraft - LAZ-8, a four-seater communications and transport machine, built with funds collected by military personnel, LAZ-9 (two-seater training, not built, LAZ-11 canister, not built), LAZ-12 single-seater reconnaissance aircraft. Unfortunately, the designer's original idea for a two-seat helicopter LAZ-10-X, as well as his latest project - LAZ-14, remain on paper. Creator and first lecturer at the Department of Aircraft Engineering at the State Polytechnic, author of 13 aviation projects, with his creative work Tsvetan Lazorov marks the pinnacle of Bulgarian aircraft engineering. He gives his country the aircraft it needs - safe, economical, achievable.

https://www-it.fmi.uni-sofia.bg/u-night/pub/Po Bulgarska Sleda.pdf

 

[hesham]

About Laz-1,and Mr. Zvetan Lazarov designed 13 aircraft,one
helicopter plus one glider.

https://pgtpleven.ucoz.org/index/koj_e_cvetan_lazarov/0-5
http://hadhm.tu-sofia.bg/Ts_Lazarov.html

Hi,

here's a very good report about Bulgarian aircraft,also a forum,
which mentioned Lazarov Laz.6 as DAR-2 ?!.

Translate,
On May 9, 1947, Tsvetan Lazarov submitted his project for the future LAZ-7, he also provided another one – for the DAR-2 (LAZ-6).

https://airgroup2000.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=227590

 

[hesham]

Translate,
On May 9, 1947, Tsvetan Lazarov submitted his project for the future LAZ-7, he also provided another one – for the DAR-2 (LAZ-6).

I think that,it's a misprint and they probably means DAR-12 and
not DAR-2 ?.

 

[Apophenia]

I think that,it's a misprint and they probably means DAR-12 and not DAR-2 ?.

Perhaps, but what does it elucidate? All we have of the DAR-12 is its designation and a vague description of a high-winged light aircraft. As a result, adding a likely imaginary postwar 'Laz' designation isn't particularly helpful.

 

[hesham]

Perhaps, but what does it elucidate? All we have of the DAR-12 is its designation and a vague description of a high-winged light aircraft. As a result, adding a likely imaginary postwar 'Laz' designation isn't particularly helpful.

Why it's not helpful my dear Apophenia ?,if we consider that statement
is right,we can assume the Laz-6 was a developed version of DAR-2.

 

[Apophenia]

Why it's not helpful my dear Apophenia ?,if we consider that statement is right,we can assume the Laz-6 was a developed version of DAR-2.

Oh where to start ...

You received a detailed response (reply #10 of the Lazarov Early Projects thread) over a decade ago explaining that 'Laz' designations before the Laz-7 were post factum creations.

As imaginary postwar rationalisations how can "we consider that statement is right"?

Nor can we realistically "assume" that "the Laz-6 was a developed version of DAR-2". The notion is absurd. The DAR-2 series were created from surplus Albatros C.III components. The DAR-6, on the other hand, was clearly inspired by the 1932 Focke Wulf Fw 44J. Besides being German biplanes, these airframes had nothing in common.

Perhaps the simplest answer would be to just remove those six rationalised post factum 'Laz' designations from the list altogether. What do others think?

 

[Hood]

I would be inclined to remove them if there is no evidence of their actual application.

 

[hesham]

I would be inclined to remove them if there is no evidence of their actual application.

I submitted a two source about Laz-6,and on Net,there's more.

 

[Apophenia]

I would be inclined to remove them if there is no evidence of their actual application.

Thanks. And, with no evidence of contemporary application, I have removed them.

 

[hesham]

Don't be rush please,the Laz-6 was a side-by side two-seat
trainer project,

In April 1946, the Yugoslav Air Force announced a competition for a two-seat training aircraft design. An invitation was also sent to the Air Force Headquarters for Bulgarian designers to participate in the competition. In the shortest possible time, Eng. Lazarov formed a design group in the Lovech factory and began work.
“I had to develop the “LAZ-7” design within 40 days. - He wrote. - In addition to it, I wanted to present another of my “LAZ-6” designs, which, although it did not fully meet the conditions, because its two seats were next to each other instead of one behind the other, was completely suitable for the purpose. The Air Force Technical Directorate sent only the “LAZ-7” design to Belgrade, and the “LAZ-6” design was returned to me.”
The design of Eng. Lazarov and the Lovech designers won second place in the competition, and he himself was awarded a prize of 15 thousand dinars.

https://pan.bg/view_article-6-3489-115-GODINI-OT-ROZhDENIETO-NA-polk-prof-inzh-CVETAN-LAZAROV.html