dodgy-alan 1,587 Posted May 26, 2012 Report Share Posted May 26, 2012 With a maximum T/O weight of 380,000kg and a length of 242 ft, the Lun class Ekranoplan was the largest seaplane ever to have entered operational service. It was powered by 8 Kuznetzov turbojets giving a top speed of almost 600 knots and a service ceiling of 16 ft ! An Ekranoplan works by using the ground effect of the air pressure under the wing to create lift but it has to sit on this air cushion to work effectively, some types get up to around 40 ft but they are not easy to control at that height due to their stubby wings. The heavily armed Lun class craft was supposed to become a whole fleet but in the event the money dried up and only one was built, It entered service in 1987 from a base on the Caspian Sea and was retired around 1999...officially! It is a huge aircraft to fly and is very sensitive around the fore and aft axis due to its length. I found the best way to operate is to pre set the autopilot to its cruise height before take off then once airborne engage the AP and let it do the hard work ! It is not a ship for the faint hearted. Although the Lun never visited the UK I've put her alongside HMS Ark Royal to show some idea of the size. thanks for viewing. Link to post Share on other sites
hurricanemk1c 195 Posted May 26, 2012 Report Share Posted May 26, 2012 She's quite big! I think I have this lurking around in my hangar - never taken her out though! Great shots Alan! Link to post Share on other sites
mutley 4,498 Posted May 26, 2012 Report Share Posted May 26, 2012 What were they thinking of?! Thanks Al, and well done for getting her into the air! Link to post Share on other sites
rosariomanzo 545 Posted May 26, 2012 Report Share Posted May 26, 2012 Ugly. I love it! Link to post Share on other sites
ddavid 149 Posted May 26, 2012 Report Share Posted May 26, 2012 Didn't think it could actually fly! Cheers - Dai. Link to post Share on other sites
dodgy-alan 1,587 Posted May 26, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 26, 2012 She definately flew Dai ! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVTbi8kWovI This one is an hour long programme but absolutely fascinating, you'll love it ! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xr8N0Z4Cl0U&feature=related Link to post Share on other sites
ddavid 149 Posted May 27, 2012 Report Share Posted May 27, 2012 "... the wing in ground effect assistance - at the edge of two environments..." So, almost flying! And a big target, too... By the way, did you know that Microsoft includes this "aircraft" in the FSX 'Tokyo Executive Mission'? I'll buy you a pint if you can post a screenshot!! Cheers - Dai. Link to post Share on other sites
hurricanemk1c 195 Posted May 27, 2012 Report Share Posted May 27, 2012 I found that whilst messing around in AI Carriers - she does about 300kts when told to go forward! Link to post Share on other sites
hurricanemk1c 195 Posted May 27, 2012 Report Share Posted May 27, 2012 There we go Dai! It's not a bad model really! Link to post Share on other sites
ddavid 149 Posted May 27, 2012 Report Share Posted May 27, 2012 You got the pint, Chuck! But when are you eighteen?!? Cheers - Dai. BTW, how did you find the heli landings... Link to post Share on other sites
hurricanemk1c 195 Posted May 28, 2012 Report Share Posted May 28, 2012 Heli landings were a tad rough shall we saw And as for the pint, I think I'll have it in small quantities of Coca Cola/Pepsi! Link to post Share on other sites
jaydor 345 Posted May 28, 2012 Report Share Posted May 28, 2012 That craft looks like something out of Star Trek. "Beam me up Dai" Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now