EKRANOPLANY - WINGED CRAFT OF THE FUTURE, AND AN AIR SLED-AMPHIBIAN FROM THE DESIGN BUREAU OF A.N. TUPOLEV

The speed of water transportation has been increased through the use of wingless ground effect vehicles which are supported on an air cushion slightly above the surface of the earth. The ekranoplane is a winged vehicle which operates in the same region but utilizes the principle of increased aerodynamic lift near the surface of the earth for support. The advantage of the ekranoplane over the wingless ground effect vehicle is that potentially higher speeds are possible with reduced fuel consumption. An explanation of the phenomenon of increased lift near the surface of the earth is given, accompanied by graphs showing the influence of the flight altitute on drag and on the aerodynamic quality. Descriptions are given of experimental and projected ekranoplanes, both in the Soviet Union and abroad. The economical advantages of the future employment of ekranoplanes for passenger and freight traffic on sea and ocean routes are discussed. Construction details and performance characteristics of a gasoline- engine powered air sled-amphibian, capable of travel over snow or swampy surfaces are discussed. The craft is intended for economical transportation, particularly in snowy areas without road communications, and attained speeds of over 120 km per hours. The economy in fuel consumption is achieved through an aerodynamic hull design which aids in reducing friction forces. A provision is made for the installation of a more powerful engine.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Translated from Nauka i Zhizn ( USSR ) V32 N1 P32-41 1966
• Corporate Authors:

  Army Foreign Science and Technology Center

  220 7th Street, NE
  Charlottesville, VA  United States  22901
• Authors:
  • Pipko, D
  • Vorobev, A
• Publication Date: 1969-3

Media Info

• Pagination: 26 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Surface effect ships
• Subject Areas: Marine Transportation; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00002245
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Defense Documentation Center
• Report/Paper Numbers: FSTCGT2385268
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Oct 30 1973 12:00AM