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The Yakovlev VVP-6 was an experimental design for a flying support and Surface-to-air missile platform capable of vertical takeoff and landing. It never progressed beyond the model stage.[1]
Development[]
Perhaps the most radical design ever to emerge from the Yakovlev OKB studio, the VVP-6 appears more science fiction than a craft likely to have seen production. The VVP-6 was designed as a giant VTOL support platform which would work in coordination with VTOL jets, such as Yakovlev's Yak-38.[1] Among the many functions envisioned for this line of vehicles was the transportation of food, fuel and munitions. The huge, box-like design was to have been 49m long. In one version it was capable of carrying a complete SAM missile system, including 6 SA-2 (ASCC name "Guideline") missiles with launchers mounted on the craft's upper surface. Reloads and supporting radars were to be stored internally.[1] The VVP-6 was to have been fitted with six six-blade rotors mounted on six pylons extending from the craft's sides. Each rotor was to have been driven by four turboshaft engines, giving the VVP-6 a total of 24 engines.[1] The requirement for such a craft ended when the Soviet Air Force failed to put land-based VTOL jets into service.[1]
References[]
- Gunston, Bill. Yakovlev Aircraft since 1924. London, UK: Putnam Aeronautical Books, 1997. ISBN 1-55750-978-6.
The original article can be found at Yakovlev VVP-6 and the edit history here.