In July, 1937 Herberts Cukurs completed his historic flight from Riga to Tokyo, Japan and back. The feat was
accomplished in an aircraft of Cukurs' own design which he named the "Tris Zvaigznes" (Three Stars) though, being
his sixth aircraft, it was also known as the C.6.
In 1938 Cukurs extensively rebuilt the aircraft, using a stronger
engine and making some aerodynamic improvements as well. This rebuilt aircraft, now simply referred to as the
Cukurs C.6, was presented to the Latvian military aviation board for evaluation as a trainer, preparing aircrews for
the future purchase of dive bombers. In 1939 the trials were carried out, but the Soviet occupation began before
any further decision could be made and Cukurs never received a contract to produce additional aircraft.
Sources
- Bruvelis, Edvins Latvijas Aviacijas Vesture
Images generously provided by the Cukurs family
Profile courtesy of A.Vercamer
