https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bartini_Beriev_VVA-14
The Bartini Beriev VVA-14 Vertikal`no-Vzletayuschaya Amphibia (vertical take-off
amphibious aircraft) was a wing-in-ground-effect aircraft developed in the
Soviet Union during the 1970s. Designed to be able to take off from the water
and fly at high speed over long distances, it was to make true flights at high
altitude, but also have the capability of "flying" efficiently just above the
sea surface, using aerodynamic ground effect. The VVA-14 was designed by
Italian-born designer Robert Bartini in answer to a perceived requirement to
destroy United States Navy Polaris missile submarines.
Bartini, in collaboration with the Beriev Design Bureau intended to develop the
prototype VVA-14 in three phases. The VVA-14M1 was to be an aerodynamics and
technology testbed, initially with rigid pontoons on the ends of the central
wing section, and later with these replaced by inflatable pontoons. The VVA-14M2
was to be more advanced, with two starting engines to blast into the cavity
under the wing to give lift and later with a battery of lift engines to give
VTOL capability, and with fly-by-wire flight controls. The VVA-14M3 would see
the VTOL vehicle fully equipped with armament and with the Burevestnik
computerised anti-submarine warfare (ASW) system, Bor-1 magnetic anomaly
detector (MAD) and other operational equipment.
Role
Amphibious ASW aircraft
National origin
Soviet Union
Manufacturer
Beriev
Designer
Robert Bartini
First flight
September 4, 1972
Status
Retired
Number built
2 prototypes
After extensive research, including the development of the small prototype Be-1
wing in ground effect aircraft, the first VVA-14 prototype was completed in
1972. Its first flight was from a conventional runway on September 4, 1972.
In 1974, the inflatable pontoons were installed, though their operation caused
many problems. Flotation and water taxi tests followed, culminating in the start
of flight testing of the amphibious aircraft on 11 June 1975.
The inflatable pontoons were later replaced by rigid pontoons, while the
fuselage was lengthened and the starting engines added. This incarnation was
given the designation 14M1P. However, the bureau supplying the intended battery
of 12 RD-36-35PR lift engines did not deliver, and this made VTOL testing
impossible.
After Bartini's death in 1974, the project slowed and eventually drew to a
close, the aircraft having conducted 107 flights, with a total flight time of
103 hours. The only remaining VVA-14, No. 19172, was retired to the Russian
Federation Central Air Force Museum, Monino in 1987. The aircraft still resides
at the museum in a dismantled state, where it carries the designations "10687"
and "Aeroflot".
Specifications (VVA-14M1)
General characteristics
Crew: 3
Length: 25.97 m (85 ft 2 in)
Wingspan: 30 m (98 ft 5 in)
Height: 6.79 m (22 ft 3 in)
Wing area: 217.79 m2 (2344 ft2)
Empty weight: 23,236 kg (51,119 lb)
Gross weight: 52,000 kg (114,400 lb)
thrust each
Performance
Maximum speed: 760 km/h (472 mph)
Cruising speed: 640 km/h (398 mph)
Range: 2,450 km (1,522 miles)
Service ceiling: 8,000-10,000 m (26,247-32,808 ft)
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