Ekranoplan - A means of swimming and flying

In the Petrozavodsk city, the northwestern part of the Russian Federation, has successfully completed the first screenoplan test - a unique device that can swim and fly.

The 10-tonne "Orion" fighter jet can travel over water at 130km / h. It then flew up to 100 meters and accelerated to 300 kilometers per hour. At the same time, the device can carry 3 tons of cargo and 20 passengers. This unique craft is designed to serve residents in remote areas, as well as rescue workers and tourists. The chief architect of screenoplan Yuri Varakosov said: 'The advantage of this transport is that it is easy to find where to take off and land. In any emergency situation, the aircraft can land and continue moving on the water. "

Picture: Wikipedia

Today, almost all world powers try to design and manufacture this aircraft. Screenoplan costs 2 times less than airplanes, and costs the same as bus fare. Unlike aircraft, screenoplan does not need an airport network. It is less dependent on weather conditions. This is a very economical means of transportation. The designers noted that the capacity of the seaplane was considerably larger than that of the similarly fueled aircraft.

Border guards appreciate the ability of screenoplanes. Small "Orion-12" floatplanes for Russian border units have been shown to be effective when patrolling maritime and river borders. The Russian Border Guard Command has approved the establishment of a screening center based on the "Avangard" shipyard in Petrozavodsk.

As expected, Russia will begin production of large float vessels equipped with 20 and 40 passenger seats by 2020. Prior to this, tests were required: test run in the air and on the water each season. In addition, the designers will perfect some of the details of the new generation of screenoplan vehicles that must be beautiful inside and out.