In the US, evaluated the project of the new Russian transport "Elephant"
Russia showed the aerodynamic model of the Elephant transport aircraft, designed to replace the old Soviet An-124 Ruslan. The new aircraft has little in common with previously demonstrated developments, such as the Il-106, writes The Drive magazine.
The aircraft model 5 November showed the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute (TsAGI). In the near future, the model will be tested in the T-106 wind tunnel and show its flight and take-off and landing characteristics. Next year, the model will be sent to the T-102 pipe for new studies. The model can easily be rebuilt in different configurations, which will simplify its testing. In particular, now she does not have a keel - the optimal plumage pattern will be determined during the purge.
A model can have a length of about 5 feet (1,6 m) and a wing span of 6 feet (1,75) m. A steel and aluminum product can have different weights, but not more than 364 pounds (120 kg).
TsAGI does not disclose the size and weight of the future Elephant aircraft. However, it is claimed that he will be able to transport 180 tons of cargo - 60 tons more than Ruslan. The flight speed will reach 850 km / h, range - 7 thousand km. This is noticeably higher than the characteristics of the An-124.
The aircraft will receive four PD-35 engines, created on the basis of the PD-14 engine. PD-14, in turn, was developed on the basis of the PS-90 engine, widely used on several aircraft.
Outwardly, “Elephant” resembles the development of the An-124 platform. Also, foreign experts note some similarities with the American C-5. Moreover, the “Elephant” is different from the old Russian developments. It does not look much like the Il-106, previously considered a promising replacement for the An-124.
The size, weight and part of the characteristics of the "Elephant" remain unknown. However, the data from TsAGI allow us to draw some conclusions. First of all, the declared characteristics of the new aircraft indicate that Russia wants to receive a replacement for Ruslan.
However, the Elephant project is still in its early stages. The variable configuration of the aerodynamic model indicates the search for the optimal look of the future aircraft. All its features will be determined only in the future.
However, Russia really has every reason to create its own replacement for the An-124 aircraft. At the moment, the Russian Air Force and Volga-Dnepr Airlines are operating about 35 Ruslanov engaged in various operations. Despite the small number, such a technique is of great value to Russia. However, the operation of aircraft requires the assistance of Ukraine, which has been impossible since the 2014 of the year due to the deterioration of relations between the two countries. Thus, the development of a replacement is completely logical and justified.
The TsAGI Elephant model indicates that Russian aircraft manufacturers have already taken up the issue of replacing Ruslan. At least one project of this kind has already reached research. Also, work is underway on the IL-106 - this aircraft can take off by the mid-twenties. Whether Russian industry will be able to create new technology, and what it will be, remains to be seen in the future.
The aircraft model 5 November showed the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute (TsAGI). In the near future, the model will be tested in the T-106 wind tunnel and show its flight and take-off and landing characteristics. Next year, the model will be sent to the T-102 pipe for new studies. The model can easily be rebuilt in different configurations, which will simplify its testing. In particular, now she does not have a keel - the optimal plumage pattern will be determined during the purge.
A model can have a length of about 5 feet (1,6 m) and a wing span of 6 feet (1,75) m. A steel and aluminum product can have different weights, but not more than 364 pounds (120 kg).
TsAGI does not disclose the size and weight of the future Elephant aircraft. However, it is claimed that he will be able to transport 180 tons of cargo - 60 tons more than Ruslan. The flight speed will reach 850 km / h, range - 7 thousand km. This is noticeably higher than the characteristics of the An-124.
The aircraft will receive four PD-35 engines, created on the basis of the PD-14 engine. PD-14, in turn, was developed on the basis of the PS-90 engine, widely used on several aircraft.
Outwardly, “Elephant” resembles the development of the An-124 platform. Also, foreign experts note some similarities with the American C-5. Moreover, the “Elephant” is different from the old Russian developments. It does not look much like the Il-106, previously considered a promising replacement for the An-124.
The size, weight and part of the characteristics of the "Elephant" remain unknown. However, the data from TsAGI allow us to draw some conclusions. First of all, the declared characteristics of the new aircraft indicate that Russia wants to receive a replacement for Ruslan.
However, the Elephant project is still in its early stages. The variable configuration of the aerodynamic model indicates the search for the optimal look of the future aircraft. All its features will be determined only in the future.
However, Russia really has every reason to create its own replacement for the An-124 aircraft. At the moment, the Russian Air Force and Volga-Dnepr Airlines are operating about 35 Ruslanov engaged in various operations. Despite the small number, such a technique is of great value to Russia. However, the operation of aircraft requires the assistance of Ukraine, which has been impossible since the 2014 of the year due to the deterioration of relations between the two countries. Thus, the development of a replacement is completely logical and justified.
The TsAGI Elephant model indicates that Russian aircraft manufacturers have already taken up the issue of replacing Ruslan. At least one project of this kind has already reached research. Also, work is underway on the IL-106 - this aircraft can take off by the mid-twenties. Whether Russian industry will be able to create new technology, and what it will be, remains to be seen in the future.
Information