81/2 x 11 128 pgs 150 color & b&w photos For decades the Soviet Union and now Russia have held leading positions in the development of a special class of vehicles that are neither aircraft nor ships or both at once. Known as wing-in-ground effect (WIGE) craft or by their Russian name of ekranoplan, these vehicles combined the best of both worlds, operating on the borderline between the sky and the sea, offering the speed of an aircraft coupled with better operating economics and the ability to operate pretty much anywhere on the world's waterways. As such they promptly attracted the attention of the military and thus have been veiled in secrecy until recently.The book describes in detail the many series of WIGE vehicles developed by various design bureaus, including the Orlyonok, the only ekranoplan to see squadron service, the missile-armed Loon and the famous and awesome KM, or Caspian Sea Monster, which first attracted the attention of the West to these developments.
One of the most unusual strands in aviation history has been the development of wing-in-ground effect (WIG) vehicles, or as they are more commonly known by their Russian name, Ekranploans. Beginning with a brief outline of the concept from the theory to viable technical solutions, this new, expanded edition of Soviet and Russian Ekranploans gives a historical survey of the development of WIG research and construction in Russia. A large part of the book focuses on a type-by-type description of specific designs of ekranoplans developed in the Soviet Union and Russia in the course of half a century. Special emphasis is given to the activities of Rostislav Alekseyev, who has played an enormous role in the development of this new technology. Ekranoplans developed by several other major design bureaus, notably those led by Sukhoi, Bartini and Beriyev, are also considered. Economic and political transformations following the break-up of the Soviet Union led to the emergence of privately-owned design bureaus and firms that are now pursuing the development of WIG aircraft in Russia, given the lack of interest on the part of the military and the state in this branch of transport technology. This new edition has been fully updated to include unpublished photos and diagrams and examples of similar technology being developed in countries outside of Russian, including the USA, Germany and China. This is a welcome update to a book regarded as the definitive work on these unusual and exciting aircraft.
In the last half-century, high-speed water transportation has developed rapidly. Novel high-performance marine vehicles, such as the air cushion vehicle (ACV), surface effect ship (SES), high-speed monohull craft (MHC), catamaran (CAT), hydrofoil craft (HYC), wave-piercing craft (WPC) and small water area twin hull craft (SWATH) have all developed as concepts, achieving varying degrees of commercial and military success. Prototype ACV and SES have achieved speeds of 100 knots in at calm con- tions; however, the normal cruising speed for commercial operations has remained around 35–50 knots. This is partly due to increased drag in an average coastal s- way where such craft operate services and partly due to limitations of the propulsion systems for such craft. Water jets and water propellers face limitations due to c- itation at high speed, for example. SWATH are designed for reduced motions in a seaway, but the hull form is not a low drag form suitable for high-speed operation. So that seems to lead to a problem – maintain water contact and either water propulsion systems run out of power or craft motions and speed loss are a problem in higher seastates. The only way to higher speed would appear to be to disconnect completely from the water surface. You, the reader, might respond with a question about racing hydroplanes, which manage speeds of above 200 kph. Yes, true, but the power-to-weight ratio is extremely high on such racing machines and not economic if translated into a useful commercial vessel.
This book is dedicated to the memory of a distinguished Russian engineer, Rostislav E. Alexeyev, who was the first in the world to develop the largest ground effect machine - Ekranoplan. One of Alexeyev's design concepts with the aerodynamic configuration of a jlying wing can be seen on the front page. The book presents a description of a mathematical model of flow past a lifting system, performing steady and unsteady motions in close proximity to the underlying solid surface (ground). This case is interesting for practical purposes because both the aerodynamic and the economic efficiency of the system near the ground are most pronounced. Use of the method of matched asymptotic expansions enables closed form solutions for the aerodynamic characteristics of the wings-in-ground effect. These can be used for design, identification, and processing of experimental data in the course of developing ground effect vehicles. The term extreme ground effect, widely used through out the book, is associated with very small relative ground clearances of the order of 10% or less. The theory of a lifting surface, moving in immediate proximity to the ground, represents one of the few limiting cases that can be treated analytically. The author would like to acknowledge that this work has been influenced by the ideas of Professor Sheila E. Widnall, who was the first to apply the matched asymptotics techniques to treat lifting flows with the ground effect. Saint Petersburg, Russia February 2000 Kirill V. Rozhdestvensky Contents 1. Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Devoted to advances in the field of computer simulation of aerospace equipment, this study is the most up-to-date coverage of the state-of-the-art on coastal and passenger aircraft, drones, and other recent developments in this constantly changing field. This book is devoted to unique developments in the field of computer modeling in aerospace engineering. The book describes the original conceptual models of amphibious aircraft, ground-effect vehicles, hydrofoil vessels, and others, from theory to the full implementation in industrial applications. The developed models are presented with the design of passenger compartments and are actually ready for implementation in the aircraft industry. The originality of the concepts are based on biological prototypes, which are ergonomic, multifunctional and aesthetically pleasing. The aerodynamic layout of prospective convertible land and ship-based aircrafts of vertical and short takeoff-landing is presented, as well as the development of the original model of the unmanned aerial vehicle, or drone. The results of full-scale experiments are presented, including the technology of modeling aerospace simulators based on the virtual reality environment with technical vision devices. Whether for the practicing engineer in the field, the engineering student, or the scientist interested in new aerospace developments, this volume is a must-have. This groundbreaking new volume: Presents unique developments of coastal aircraft concepts based on biological prototypes, from the idea to the finished model Gives the process of modeling the original unmanned aerial vehicle Investigates aerospace simulators based on virtual reality environment with technical vision devices Covers the original ideas of creating carrier-based aviation for sea ships and the results of field experiments simulating an unmanned aerial vehicle Provides many useful illustrations of naval aviation Audience: The book is intended for aerospace engineers, mechanical engineers, structural engineers, researchers and developers in the field of aerospace industry, for aircraft designers and engineering students. It will be useful for scientists, students, graduate students and engineers in the field of naval aviation and space simulators.
Motoring journalist Ashley Hollebone reveals for the first time the full story behind the hovercraft, a wonderful British invention that was created in a back shed from a rusty food tin and an old hair dryer – simple yet remarkable! Christopher Cockerell’s 1950s invention has found a multitude of uses across numerous arenas, from cross-Channel ferries and leisure cruising to racing at up to 80mph; it has modernised travel and has an impressive safety record, yet despite this little has been written about this, one of the most innovative modes of transport.This colourful book decisively redresses the balance and comprehensively reveals the history of the hovercraft, through photographs and diagrams, making it an invaluable addition to every enthusiast’s library.
The hovercraft was first created in 1959, when Sir Christopher Cockerell came up with a prototype that crossed the English Channel. The SRN1, the first ever hovercraft, is now proudly housed by the Science Museum and this very British invention enjoys an active role in many arenas, from travel, leisure cruising and racing to lifesaving and transporting goods.This detailed book delves into the history of the hovercraft, from the early days of its development through to the commercial and military applications of the craft. It looks into the exciting world of hovercraft leisure, cruising and racing from amateur to Formula 1, and also explores the important role the hovercraft plays in rescues whether on water or delivering aid around the word in places that helicopters can’t reach. Finally, it details the types of hovercraft in use today, and what the future holds. The hovercraft is more than a product of 1960s Britain: it is one that has pushed the boundaries of transport as we look into the future and we have the back-shed culture of Britain to thank for its invention.
Get ready for a smorgasbord of fun, laughter and learning with Holiday Special 51! With 96 pages of freshly brewed content, you won’t be able to put this book down! What’s inside? 1. People getting light-headed and fainting? What’s happening in Merbudapilly? Find out what’s brewing along with Aisha, Suppandi, the Defective Detectives and WingStar in the Mega Toon Mash-up: ‘Rock’stars. 2. Pluto and Chinky are left alone at home. But will they be on their best behaviour? That sounds like Mission Im-paw-sible! 3. Ever wondered what A Day in the Life of Suppandi is like? Well, wonder no more! 4. Oh, to be a famous movie star! But, it comes with its own downfalls and sometimes, unexpected adventures. Read Thrillers: Star Kid and be prepared to be thrilled! 5. It's Riti’s birthday! But a ‘hair-raising’ disaster strikes and her brother, Toto, is responsible for it. Will they manage to turn around the situation or will this birthday turn to a terrible day? Find out in Toto’s Hairstyle! 6. Zarah goes hunting for a leprechaun but instead finds a Celtic warrior god! Travel alongside Zarah as she goes on an adventure like no other in ModernMythos: Cawing Glory! 7. Janice, Jovita and Justin are going for a holiday to their great-aunt's house in Wayanad, Kerala. But does this house hold sinister secrets? Is great-aunt a g-ghost?! Read Ghost Grauntie to know more! 8. A royal conspiracy, a magical sword, and a chosen one who is on the run! Things are about to get exciting and dangerous in Once Upon a Time in Verdunia. 9. Be transported to a magical land where Ray and Tua try to save a ‘baby lizard’ and go on a long journey in Wizards and Lizards. 10. Raja Hooja, Tantri the Mantri, Shambu, Shanti and Shaurya are stuck in a jungle where they cross paths with the animals from Big Baan! Be ready to laugh your heads off because It’s Wild! Plus! A variety of cool puzzles and factoids brought to you by the SuperWeirdos, Ina, Mina, Mynah, Mo, the NOISians and more! Also learn how to make the super fun Tinkle Toon edition of tic-tac-toe in Do-It-Yourself: Tinkle-Tac-Toe!
