How a ‘Crocodile’ once flew over the Soviet Union!
At first, this plane operated in spreading propaganda and then was engaged in the transportation of passengers.
This ‘Crocodile’ was the ‘ANT-9’ nine-seat passenger plane. It was part of the ‘Maxim Gorky’ Special Joint Propaganda Squadron.
The squadron was created in 1933 to spread communist propaganda in the most remote and inaccessible corners of the country.
The planes brought propaganda films and literature. And, along with them, officials, workers and scientists, who all gave reports and fiery speeches.
The ‘crocodile’ appeared in 1935 by order of the satirical magazine of the same name. The plane was given a decorative nose and ridges on the roof of the fuselage, while the chassis was made up to look like the arms of the reptile. The aircraft was painted red and silver and “was given” a characteristic predatory grin.
For several years, the ‘Crocodile’ actively carried out propaganda flights. In 1942, the plane was transferred to ‘Aeroflot’, where it was returned to its original appearance.
