Development and Manufacturing
The MAI-910 Interfly emerged from one of Russia's most enduring aviation institutions. OSKBES-MAI traces its origins to 1930 with the founding of the Moscow Aviation Institute, formally establishing itself as a student-led experimental design bureau in 1965. For decades, the organization focused on developing experimental light aircraft and remote-controlled vehicles for Soviet ministries including MAP, MGA, and MOP.
The transition to post-Soviet civilian aviation brought significant changes to OSKBES-MAI's operations. The bureau achieved a major milestone with the Aviatika-MAI-890's static tests and serial production at MiG Moscow in 1993. This success paved the way for the MAI-910 Interfly's development as part of the certified Aviatika family.
Manufacturing responsibilities were distributed through a complex web of partnerships. OSKBES-MAI collaborated closely with Aviatika joint-stock company, which received development certification (Certificate № R-9) on February 17, 1993. The company was renamed Concern Aviatika by April 20, 1994, receiving updated certification (Certificate № R-9A). Production occurred at the MAPO plant in Moscow following a licensing contract dated April 10, 1995 (contract № 4276).
Certification and Leadership
The certification process reflected the challenging regulatory environment of 1990s Russia. Documentation was transferred back to MAI on February 19, 1998 (Contract № 13/39), with OSKBES-MAI receiving design certification (Certificate № R-52) on April 27, 1998. This achievement was recognized with a State Prize awarded on September 29, 1999, to eight team members including V. Gordiyenko, M. Gallay, and K. Zhidovetskiy for their work on light multipurpose airplanes.
The bureau experienced significant leadership transitions during this period. Founder Kazimir Zhidovetskiy led the organization until his death on June 1, 1999, succeeded by Nikolay Goryunov. Vadim Demin assumed leadership on July 1, 2008, continuing the bureau's tradition of light aircraft development.
Design Philosophy
The MAI-910 Interfly embodied OSKBES-MAI's approach to practical light aviation. The aircraft featured a conventional low-wing configuration with fixed landing gear, optimized for the two-seat multipurpose role. The enclosed cockpit provided side-by-side seating with heating and ventilation systems, addressing the demanding climate conditions of Russian operations.
Design objectives centered on creating a certified aircraft suitable for civilian training and personal transportation roles. The aircraft represented a departure from the bureau's earlier experimental focus, embracing the commercial aviation market that emerged following Soviet economic reforms.
International Presence
Despite its limited production scale, the MAI-910 Interfly achieved modest international recognition. Aircraft registrations appeared in both Brazilian ANAC RAB and United States databases, with examples like N447YX documented in American records. This international presence, though limited, demonstrated the aircraft's compliance with various national airworthiness standards.
The aircraft's ICAO designation A910 facilitated its recognition in international aviation databases, though operational examples remained scarce outside Russia.
Continuing Legacy
OSKBES-MAI remains active today under its original name, continuing the design lineage established with aircraft like the MAI-910. Recent projects include the MAI-407 program initiated in 2008, the MAI-223 which achieved first flight in 2004, and the MAI-208 autogyro presented at HeliRussia 2009.
The organization's persistence through Russia's economic transitions demonstrates the enduring appeal of light aircraft development within academic institutions. While the MAI-910 Interfly never achieved significant commercial success, it represents an important chapter in Russian aviation's adaptation to civilian market demands.
Technical Characteristics
The aircraft employed conventional piston engine propulsion, consistent with OSKBES-MAI's focus on cost-effective light aircraft solutions. The fixed-wing, landplane configuration received classification as a light aircraft with low wake turbulence characteristics and FAA Class I designation.
Limited documentation exists regarding specific performance parameters, reflecting the aircraft's prototype status and minimal production volumes. This scarcity of technical data contrasts with the well-documented certification process, suggesting that regulatory compliance received greater emphasis than performance optimization.
The MAI-910 Interfly ultimately served as a bridge between OSKBES-MAI's Soviet-era experimental work and its current role in modern Russian aviation development, demonstrating the organization's ability to adapt to changing market conditions while maintaining its core mission of light aircraft innovation.