Yakovlev VVP-6
| Company type | Conceptual aircraft project |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace |
| Founder | Yakovlev design bureau |
| Fate | Project abandoned |
| Headquarters | Soviet Union |
| Products | VTOL aerial platform, surface-to-air missile carrier |
| Parent | Yakovlev design bureau |
The Yakovlev VVP-6 represented a conceptual project for a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aerial platform intended to serve as a flying base and surface-to-air missile (SAM) carrier. This design did not advance beyond the prototype model phase.
Development
Regarded as one of the most unconventional concepts produced by the Yakovlev design bureau, the VVP-6 resembled more a futuristic vision than a viable production aircraft. It was conceived as an enormous VTOL support vehicle, designed to operate alongside VTOL fighter jets like Yakovlev's own Yak-38.
The envisioned roles for this craft included logistical support functions such as delivering supplies including food, fuel, and ammunition. Its substantial, rectangular structure was planned to measure approximately 49 meters in length. One proposed variant was capable of transporting a full surface-to-air missile system, featuring six SA-2 (NATO reporting name "Guideline") missiles with launchers mounted atop the platform. Additional missile reloads and radar equipment were intended to be housed within the fuselage.
Propulsion was to be provided by six rotors, each equipped with six blades and affixed to pylons extending from the sides of the airframe. Each rotor would be powered by four turboshaft engines, culminating in an aggregate of 24 engines driving the entire system.
Development ceased after the Soviet Air Force abandoned plans to deploy land-based VTOL fighter aircraft, eliminating the operational need for such a support platform.
See also
References
- Gunston, Bill. Yakovlev Aircraft since 1924. London, UK: Putnam Aeronautical Books, 1997. ISBN 1-55750-978-6.