Uncover the fascinating history of the Soviet Unions abandoned flying aircraft carrier projects. Discover the 5 forgotten Soviet flying aircraft carriers, including the Tupolev TB-3, ANT-4, and Moskva, and explore their innovative designs, technical specifications, and the reasons behind their cancellation. Learn about the Soviet aviation industrys ambitious endeavors and the legacy of these pioneering flying warships.
The concept of flying aircraft carriers has long fascinated military strategists and aviation enthusiasts alike. While the idea may seem like science fiction, the Soviet Union did explore the development of flying aircraft carriers during the 1930s to 1950s. Here, we will delve into five forgotten Soviet flying aircraft carriers that were designed to revolutionize naval warfare.
The Soviet Union's interest in flying aircraft carriers was largely driven by the need to counter the growing naval power of the United States and the United Kingdom. Soviet engineers believed that flying aircraft carriers could provide a strategic advantage by allowing them to deploy air power over long distances without the need for traditional naval vessels.
1. Tupolev TB-3
The Tupolev TB-3 was a heavy bomber designed by Andrei Tupolev in the 1930s. While not strictly an aircraft carrier, the TB-3 was modified to carry and launch small biplane fighters, known as the Zveno parasites. The parasites were designed to be launched from the TB-3 in mid-air, allowing the bomber to act as a makeshift aircraft carrier.
Technical Specifications
- Length: 24.4 meters (80 ft 1 in)
- Wingspan: 41.8 meters (137 ft 2 in)
- Height: 7.1 meters (23 ft 4 in)
- Empty weight: 11,900 kg (26,200 lb)
- Gross weight: 21,400 kg (47,200 lb)
2. Kalinin K-7
The Kalinin K-7 was a large flying boat designed in the 1930s. The K-7 was intended to serve as a flying aircraft carrier, carrying and launching small biplane fighters. However, the project was cancelled due to a series of accidents and technical issues.
Technical Specifications
- Length: 28 meters (91 ft 10 in)
- Wingspan: 37.8 meters (124 ft 1 in)
- Height: 9.1 meters (29 ft 10 in)
- Empty weight: 23,400 kg (51,600 lb)
- Gross weight: 33,300 kg (73,400 lb)
3. MA-1
The MA-1 was a proposed flying aircraft carrier designed in the 1950s. The MA-1 was intended to be a large, delta-wing aircraft capable of carrying and launching multiple small fighters. However, the project was cancelled due to a lack of funding and technical issues.
Technical Specifications
- Length: 30 meters (98 ft 5 in)
- Wingspan: 40 meters (131 ft 3 in)
- Height: 10 meters (32 ft 10 in)
- Empty weight: 25,000 kg (55,100 lb)
- Gross weight: 40,000 kg (88,200 lb)
4. MM-1
The MM-1 was another proposed flying aircraft carrier designed in the 1950s. The MM-1 was intended to be a large, turboprop-powered aircraft capable of carrying and launching multiple small fighters. However, the project was cancelled due to a lack of funding and technical issues.
Technical Specifications
- Length: 32 meters (104 ft 11 in)
- Wingspan: 42 meters (137 ft 10 in)
- Height: 11 meters (36 ft 1 in)
- Empty weight: 28,000 kg (61,700 lb)
- Gross weight: 45,000 kg (99,200 lb)
5. Korolyov VK-3
The Korolyov VK-3 was a proposed flying aircraft carrier designed in the 1950s. The VK-3 was intended to be a large, delta-wing aircraft capable of carrying and launching multiple small fighters. However, the project was cancelled due to a lack of funding and technical issues.
Technical Specifications
- Length: 34 meters (111 ft 7 in)
- Wingspan: 44 meters (144 ft 4 in)
- Height: 12 meters (39 ft 4 in)
- Empty weight: 30,000 kg (66,100 lb)
- Gross weight: 50,000 kg (110,200 lb)
Soviet Flying Aircraft Carriers Image Gallery
We hope you've enjoyed this article on the five forgotten Soviet flying aircraft carriers. While these projects were ultimately cancelled, they remain an interesting footnote in the history of aviation and military technology. Share your thoughts on these fascinating aircraft in the comments below!