The heavy ekranoplan returns: tests are underway in Russia
Even a cursory glance at the map of Russia is enough to understand that you can’t build up this entire territory with autobahns. But even if you set such a goal, then it will be extremely difficult to maintain the infrastructure in good condition for decades. The example of the United States proves this clearly, but they are much more compact than Russia.
Therefore, it is not surprising that in October 2018 at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute (TsAGI) named after Zhukovsky began testing the model of the ekranolet - a heavy transport aircraft integrated circuit (TTS-IS). This promising aircraft has an unconventional layout, it has combined wings and fuselage. According to the developers, this will allow the maximum use of the internal space, and at the same time increase the aerodynamic characteristics.
Initially, the developers tested the model in "off-screen" modes. This is when the ekranolet is at a great height away from the surface, which creates the presence of the screen. So they try to establish the effectiveness of the controls and the impact on the main structural elements (nacelles, nose, wingtips). This is a lengthy process. But this is how the improvement of the appearance of the device is achieved.
And only after that, taking into account the experience gained, they will begin testing with a screen effect. This is an imitation of the earth's surface, ice or water. After all, they create this effect. After that, the stage of experiments to visualize the flow around the surface of the model will begin. And at each stage, the developers will "finish" the appearance of the model, bringing it to the optimal state.
The TTS-IS project is really needed for Russia. Its successful completion will allow the creation of an ekranolet, which will be able to deliver 500 tons of cargo to a distance of more than 500 km at a speed of 6000 km / h. These ekranoletami will use the existing runways and the existing infrastructure. Consequently, they can be exploited not only in Russia, but also beyond its borders, since there will be no need to create something new specifically for them.
Therefore, it is not surprising that in October 2018 at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute (TsAGI) named after Zhukovsky began testing the model of the ekranolet - a heavy transport aircraft integrated circuit (TTS-IS). This promising aircraft has an unconventional layout, it has combined wings and fuselage. According to the developers, this will allow the maximum use of the internal space, and at the same time increase the aerodynamic characteristics.
Initially, the developers tested the model in "off-screen" modes. This is when the ekranolet is at a great height away from the surface, which creates the presence of the screen. So they try to establish the effectiveness of the controls and the impact on the main structural elements (nacelles, nose, wingtips). This is a lengthy process. But this is how the improvement of the appearance of the device is achieved.
And only after that, taking into account the experience gained, they will begin testing with a screen effect. This is an imitation of the earth's surface, ice or water. After all, they create this effect. After that, the stage of experiments to visualize the flow around the surface of the model will begin. And at each stage, the developers will "finish" the appearance of the model, bringing it to the optimal state.
The TTS-IS project is really needed for Russia. Its successful completion will allow the creation of an ekranolet, which will be able to deliver 500 tons of cargo to a distance of more than 500 km at a speed of 6000 km / h. These ekranoletami will use the existing runways and the existing infrastructure. Consequently, they can be exploited not only in Russia, but also beyond its borders, since there will be no need to create something new specifically for them.
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