H.Nowarra, G.Duval Russian Civil and Military Aircraft 1884-1969

In 1911, the first instance occurred of an industrialist in Russia taking an interest in aviation, when I. I. Steglau, an Esthonian-born civil engineering business owner of St. Petersburg, commenced the construction of a biplane of rather advanced design for its time, with a power unit of one 100 h.p. Argus. In the case of this machine the actual structure was well in advance of its contemporaries, for extensive use of electrically-welded steel was made in spars, struts and longerons, while the airframe received a plywood covering. Another feature was the tandem undercarriage, equipped with four wheels, fitted as a precaution against overturning on landing, a common type of accident in those days. Equipped with somewhat spartan seating for the pilot in an uncovered fuselage, the machine flew well, attaining a speed of 75 m.p.h.