Rediscovering the Aerosled Check out this Russian-made masterpiece by KIRSTEN ARMLEDER
A WORK OF ART: Equipped with wheels and skis, the Aerosled K30 can run all year long. —photo courtesy Igor A. Zaidel
Here at SnoRiders West, we receive a lot of photos of old sleds with interesting stories attached to them. However, one snowmobile/snowplane, in particular, that recently caught our attention was a Russian-made Aerosled K30. After reading the e-mail with attached photos of the Aerosled, I discovered this unusual machine has quite a history behind it.
Igor A. Zaidel, who sent this e-mail to SnoRiders, wrote: This unusual all-purpose snow van was created by Kamow helicopter company in the year 1962 by order of the Ministry of Communication of USSR for post, small cargo and passengers delivery in Siberia and north Kazakhstan. Between 1963 and 1964, 350 copies of the sled were made by Arsenyev and Komsomolsk-na-Amure aviation factory. The vehicle was in personal use of Mr. Grachov, a famous Blue Bird car creator and constructor of rover and tactical rocket vehicles (www.amphibiousvehicle.net/amphi/Z/zilspecial/zil4906.html). He use it for transportation in the winter for two seasons. After that, the sled was stored for more than 30 years in some operating yard where it was found by historical car enthusiasts. The aviation/engine expert checked the motor and systems and everything is in good condition.The snow/van/plane can carry up to 10 people.
Here are some features of the Aerosled:
Engine: nine pistons, four-stroke, air-cooled AI-14 in special modification PD AI-14FRS with 353 HP.
Propeller: 2.7 metres.
Maximum speed: 113 kilometres per hour.
Weight: 3,200 kilograms.
Cargo weight: 1,000 kilograms.
The Russian Aerosled K30 is currently for sale for $30,000 US. Right now, it is being stored 30 kilometres from Moscow, Russia. For more information, contact Igor A. Zaidel by e-mailing webmaster@zaidesign.org.
