Airplanes with unusual aerodynamic designs. The most amazing planes. Giant airships

History remembers the eternal desire of man to fly; along the way there were many discoveries and daring attempts to outplay gravity; only in the 20th century did man fully seize dominance in the air, both in altitude and in speed. However, the classic aircraft layouts of the 20th century did not satisfy all design engineers, all last century inquisitive minds tried to build something radically new to change the idea of ​​aeronautics.

In this publication we will try to talk about the most interesting aircraft of the last century, from almost familiar designs to actual “flying saucers”. Readers will be interested to know what the world's aircraft designers set their sights on and what they achieved in the end.

Experimental racing aircraft Bugatti 100P

Looking at this fast-moving beauty, you can’t say that the history of its creation began back in 1938. Yes, that’s when the aviation design department Italian company Bugatti began developing and then building the aircraft in the hope of not only surprising with its swift and bold shapes, but also winning the German Cup. Unfortunately, the beginning of the war and difficult economic situation after that it did not allow the plane to leave the hangar.

Vertical take-off and landing fighter Vought XF5U Skimmer “Shumovka”

The Vought XF5U vertical take-off and landing aircraft was designed to escort supply convoys as a win-win method to combat German submarines. Even America at that time could not equip each convoy with an escort aircraft carrier, and the use of the Skimmer could solve the problem, since it could take off from almost any transport ship. Unfortunately for the designers, the prototypes were built after the war and the Vought XF5U was no longer needed.

Unique Proteus aircraft

The Proteus high-altitude aircraft was originally developed as a mobile communications center, but later developed into a multi-purpose platform with the help of which it will even be possible to deliver passengers to suborbital ships. Proteus has already set several records, in particular a flight altitude record of 19,277 meters.

Experimental aircraft Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird

The SR-71 Blackbird strategic supersonic reconnaissance aircraft was operated by the US Air Force from 1964 to 1998. In addition to the technology used in its construction, the stealth technology of the SR-71 is interesting for the following facts: since at speeds of more than 3300 km/h the aircraft body heats up to 400 C, fuel with high temperature ignition, which also acts as... refrigerant for the cockpit air conditioning system.

Original Northrop YB-35 Flying Wing aircraft

The long-range strategic bomber XB-35 Flying Wing was designed according to the flying wing design and had truly impressive performance for its time, although it never went into production. Its four pairs of three-blade coaxial propellers were driven by four 28-cylinder engines producing 3,000 hp each. each, in order to avoid overheating, each of the engines was equipped with a cooling unit with a capacity of 350 hp.

In the 30s in the USSR, an aviation design bureau under the direction of K.A. Kalinina embarked on a grandiose and bold project for its time - a multi-engine transcontinental aircraft that would be capable of performing a wide range of tasks and, depending on needs, could serve as a passenger airliner, a heavy bomber, and an airborne landing aircraft.

Experimental vertical takeoff aircraft VAK 191

When creating the vertical take-off and landing aircraft VAK 191 Fokker, a unique flying stand SC-1262 was built, equipped with five Rolls-Royce RB-108 turbojet engines. At this experimental stand, more than a year was spent various tests assessing the capabilities and characteristics of the power plant and on-board systems aircraft.

Unique aircraft VZ-9V Avrocar “Flying Saucer”

In the sixties of the last century, the American Air Force became interested in the research of the Canadian company Avro Aircraft, which was seriously engaged in the implementation of a project for a disk-shaped aircraft capable of performing vertical takeoff and landing. Even though the plane was embodied in metal, prototype did not live up to expectations - the aircraft constantly experienced problems with power plant and stability in the air.

Experimental fighter-interceptor Leduc 0.22

The Leduc 0.22 interceptor fighter, which was developed by the French designer Rene Leduc, has a very peculiar appearance, in addition, the pilot in the cockpit had to be in a prone position and in the event of an emergency, he and the cockpit would shoot away from the fuselage, and after reaching a safe speed and altitude, the pilot could leave the module independently and land using his own parachute.

Experimental F-85 Goblin Fighter

Light fighter The F-85 “Goblin” fighter was developed as an escort aircraft for ultra-long-range heavy bombers, and in theory the Goblin was supposed to spend most of its journey in the bomb bay of the escorted aircraft, and to protect the “owner” from enemy attacks it was brought out using special equipment. The project was closed due to the difficulties and failures that accompanied the docking of the F-85 with the carrier for return loading on board, although it aircraft showed excellent flight qualities.

Looking at these aircraft, you wonder what they have in common with airplanes and how they even fly... But nevertheless, they manage to fly quite well and are considered airplanes.

Wingless. NASA's M2-F1 project was nicknamed the "flying bathtub." The developers saw its main purpose as being used as a capsule for landing astronauts. The first flight of this wingless aircraft took place on August 16, 1963, and exactly three years later on the same day, the last one took place:

Tailless. A McDonell Douglas X-36 prototype aircraft built for one purpose: to test the flying capabilities of tailless aircraft. It was built in 1997 and, as planned by the developers, could be controlled remotely from the ground:

Vertical take-off. The LTV XC-142 is an American experimental tilt-wing vertical take-off and landing transport aircraft. Made its first flight on September 29, 1964. Five aircraft were built. The program was discontinued in 1970. The only surviving example of the aircraft is on display at the US Air Force Museum:

Rotorcraft. Sikorsky S-72 is an experimental helicopter. The S-72 made its first flight on October 12, 1976. The modernized S-72 flew on December 2, 1987, but after the next three flights, funding was stopped:

Air whale. Super Guppy is a transport aircraft for transporting oversized cargo. Developer - Aero Spacelines. Released in five copies in two modifications. First flight - August 1965. The only flying “air whale” belongs to NASA and is used to deliver large items to the ISS:

Remote controlled. From mid-1979 to January 1983, NASA tested two remotely piloted HiMAT vehicles. Each plane was approximately half smaller size F‑16, but had almost twice the superiority in maneuverability. At transonic speed of sound at an altitude of 7500 m, the device could make a turn with an overload of 8 g; for comparison, the F-16 fighter at the same altitudes can withstand only 4.5 g. At the end of the research, both devices were preserved:

For flights to the moon. This lander, built in 1963, was part of Project Apollo, which aimed to achieve the first manned landing on the Moon. The module was equipped with one jet engine:

Caspian Monster. "KM" (Mock-up Ship), also known abroad as the "Caspian Monster" - an experimental ekranoplane developed in design bureau R. E. Alekseeva. The ekranoplan had a wingspan of 37.6 m, a length of 92 m, and a maximum take-off weight of 544 tons. Before the appearance of the An-225 Mriya aircraft, it was the heaviest aircraft in the world. Tests of the “Caspian Monster” took place in the Caspian Sea for 15 years until 1980. In 1980, due to a pilot error, the KM crashed; there were no casualties. After which no operations were carried out to restore or build a new copy of the CM:

Crooked. Ames AD-1 (Ames AD-1) - experimental and the world's first oblique-wing aircraft by Ames Research Center and Burt Rutan. It was built in 1979 and made its first flight on December 29 of the same year. Tests were carried out until the beginning of 1982. During this time, 17 pilots mastered the AD-1. After the program was closed, the plane was placed in the museum of the city of San Carlos, where it is still located:

Flying saucer. VZ-9-AV Avrocar is a vertical take-off and landing aircraft developed by the Canadian company Avro Aircraft Ltd. The development of the aircraft began in 1952 in Canada. On November 12, 1959, it made its first flight. In 1961, the project was closed, as officially stated due to the inability of the “plate” to rise above 1.5 meters from the ground. A total of two Avrocar devices were built:

Flying pancake. Experimental aircraft Vought V-173. In the 1940s American engineer Charles Zimmerman created an aircraft with a unique aerodynamic design, which still continues to amaze not only with its unusual appearance, but also flight characteristics. For his unique appearance, he was awarded many nicknames, among which was “Flying Pancake.” It became one of the first vertical/short take-off and landing vehicles:

Lunar module. Another VTOL lander, built in 1964, was part of Project Apollo, which aimed to achieve the first manned landing on the Moon.

Reverse sweep. Su-47 "Berkut" is a Russian carrier-based fighter project developed at the Design Bureau named after. Sukhoi. The fighter has a forward-swept wing; composite materials. In 1997, the first flying example of the Su-47 was built, now it is experimental:

Pointed nose. Douglas X-3 Stiletto is an American experimental monoplane aircraft manufactured by Douglas. In October 1952, the first flight of the Douglas X-Z aircraft took place:

Striped. The Grumman X-29 is a prototype forward-swept wing aircraft developed in 1984 by Grumman Aerospace Corporation (now Northrop Grumman). A total of two copies were built by order of the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency:

With rotating wings. Boeing Vertol VZ-2 is the world's first aircraft using the rotating wing concept, with vertical/short take-off and landing. First flight with vertical take-off and hovering in the air was carried out by VZ-2 in the summer of 1957. After a series of successful tests, VZ-2 was transferred to Research Center NASA in the early 60s:

Airplane-spaceship. Boeing X-48 is an American experimental unmanned aerial vehicle created jointly by Boeing and NASA. The device uses one of the varieties of a flying wing. On July 20, 2007, it was the first to rise to a height of 2,300 meters and land after 31 minutes of flight. X-48B became best invention 2007 according to the Times.

Rocket plane. The Ryan X-13A-RY Vertijet is an experimental vertical take-off and landing jet aircraft created in the United States in the 1950s. Developed by Ryan. Customer: US Air Force. A total of two such aircraft were built:

The largest helicopter. Due to the needs of the Soviet National economy and the armed forces in the design bureau named after. M. L. Mil in 1959 began research on a super-heavy helicopter. On August 6, 1969, the MI V-12 helicopter set an absolute world record for lifting a load - 40 tons to a height of 2,250 meters, which has not been surpassed to date; In total, the B-12 helicopter set 8 world records. In 1971, the B-12 helicopter was successfully demonstrated at the 29th International Aerospace Show in Paris, where it was recognized as the “star” of the show, and then in Copenhagen and Berlin. The B-12 is the heaviest and most lifting helicopter ever built in the world:

Descended from heaven. The HL-10 is one of five NASA Flight Research Center aircraft used to study and test the ability to safely maneuver and land a low lift-to-drag vehicle after returning from space:

Strange looking. The Northrop XP-79B flying wing fighter, equipped with two jet engines, was built in 1945 by the American company Northrop. It was supposed to dive on enemy bombers and destroy them by cutting off the tail section. On September 12, 1945, the plane made its only flight, which ended in disaster after 15 minutes of flight:

Futuristic. Another NASA project - NASA Hyper III - an aircraft created in 1969:

It's amazing what kind of aircraft you can put together with enough effort, pure creativity and a lot of money invested in the project. Review unusual designs aircraft, helicopters and landers, from flying saucers to “Caspian monsters”. Expensive, experimental and often never off the ground.

Wingless. NASA's M2-F1 project was nicknamed the "flying bathtub." The developers saw its main purpose as being used as a capsule for landing astronauts. The first flight of this wingless aircraft took place on August 16, 1963, and exactly three years later on the same day, the last one took place:

Remote controlled. From mid-1979 to January 1983, NASA tested two remotely piloted HiMAT vehicles. Each aircraft was approximately half the size of the F-16, but had nearly twice the maneuverability. At transonic speed of sound at an altitude of 7500 m, the device could make a turn with an overload of 8 g; for comparison, the F-16 fighter at the same altitudes can withstand only 4.5 g. At the end of the research, both devices were preserved:

Tailless. A McDonell Douglas X-36 prototype aircraft built for one purpose: to test the flying capabilities of tailless aircraft. It was built in 1997 and, as planned by the developers, could be controlled remotely from the ground:

Crooked. Ames AD-1 (Ames AD-1) - experimental and the world's first oblique-wing aircraft by Ames Research Center and Burt Rutan. It was built in 1979 and made its first flight on December 29 of the same year. Tests were carried out until the beginning of 1982. During this time, 17 pilots mastered the AD-1. After the program was closed, the plane was placed in the museum of the city of San Carlos, where it is still located:

With rotating wings. Boeing Vertol VZ-2 is the world's first aircraft using the rotating wing concept, with vertical/short take-off and landing. The first flight with vertical take-off and hovering was made by VZ-2 in the summer of 1957. After a series of successful tests, VZ-2 was transferred to NASA Research Center in the early 60s:

The largest helicopter. In connection with the needs of the Soviet national economy and armed forces in the design bureau named after. M. L. Mil in 1959 began research on a super-heavy helicopter. On August 6, 1969, the MI V-12 helicopter set an absolute world record for lifting a load - 40 tons to a height of 2,250 meters, which has not been surpassed to date; In total, the B-12 helicopter set 8 world records. In 1971, the B-12 helicopter was successfully demonstrated at the 29th International Aerospace Show in Paris, where it was recognized as the “star” of the show, and then in Copenhagen and Berlin. The B-12 is the heaviest and most lifting helicopter ever built in the world:

Flying saucer. VZ-9-AV Avrocar is a vertical take-off and landing aircraft developed by the Canadian company Avro Aircraft Ltd. The development of the aircraft began in 1952 in Canada. On November 12, 1959, it made its first flight. In 1961, the project was closed, as officially stated due to the inability of the “plate” to rise above 1.5 meters from the ground. A total of two Avrocar devices were built:

Strange looking. The Northrop XP-79B flying wing fighter, equipped with two jet engines, was built in 1945 by the American company Northrop. It was supposed to dive on enemy bombers and destroy them by cutting off the tail section. On September 12, 1945, the plane made its only flight, which ended in disaster after 15 minutes of flight:

Airplane-spaceship. Boeing X-48 is an American experimental unmanned aerial vehicle created jointly by Boeing and NASA. The device uses one of the varieties of a flying wing. On July 20, 2007, it was the first to rise to a height of 2,300 meters and land after 31 minutes of flight. The X-48B was named the Times' Best Invention of 2007.

Futuristic. Another NASA project - NASA Hyper III - an aircraft created in 1969:

Flying pancake. Experimental aircraft Vought V-173. In the 1940s, American engineer Charles Zimmerman created an aircraft with a unique aerodynamic design, which still continues to amaze not only with its unusual appearance, but also with its flight characteristics. For his unique appearance, he was awarded many nicknames, among which was “Flying Pancake.” It became one of the first vertical/short take-off and landing vehicles:

Descended from heaven. The HL-10 is one of five NASA Flight Research Center aircraft used to study and test the ability to safely maneuver and land a low lift-to-drag vehicle after returning from space:

Reverse sweep. Su-47 "Berkut" is a Russian carrier-based fighter project developed at the Design Bureau named after. Sukhoi. The fighter has a forward-swept wing; composite materials are widely used in the airframe design. In 1997, the first flying example of the Su-47 was built, now it is experimental:

Striped. The Grumman X-29 is a prototype forward-swept wing aircraft developed in 1984 by Grumman Aerospace Corporation (now Northrop Grumman). A total of two copies were built by order of the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency:

Vertical take-off. The LTV XC-142 is an American experimental tilt-wing vertical take-off and landing transport aircraft. Made its first flight on September 29, 1964. Five aircraft were built. The program was discontinued in 1970. The only surviving example of the aircraft is on display at the US Air Force Museum:

“KM” (Mock-up Ship), also known abroad as the “Caspian Monster”, is an experimental ekranoplan developed at the design bureau of R. E. Alekseev. The ekranoplan had a wingspan of 37.6 m, a length of 92 m, and a maximum take-off weight of 544 tons. Before the appearance of the An-225 Mriya aircraft, it was the heaviest aircraft in the world. Tests of the “Caspian Monster” took place in the Caspian Sea for 15 years until 1980. In 1980, due to a pilot error, the KM crashed; there were no casualties. After which no operations were carried out to restore or build a new copy of the CM:

Air whale. Super Guppy is a transport aircraft for transporting oversized cargo. Developer - Aero Spacelines. Released in five copies in two modifications. First flight - August 1965. The only flying “air whale” belongs to NASA and is used to deliver large items to the ISS:

Pointed nose. Douglas X-3 Stiletto is an American experimental monoplane aircraft manufactured by Douglas. In October 1952, the first flight of the Douglas X-Z aircraft took place:

For flights to the moon. This lander, built in 1963, was part of Project Apollo, which aimed to achieve the first manned landing on the Moon. The module was equipped with one jet engine:

Rotorcraft. Sikorsky S-72 is an experimental helicopter. The S-72 made its first flight on October 12, 1976. The modernized S-72 flew on December 2, 1987, but after the next three flights, funding was stopped:

Rocket plane. The Ryan X-13A-RY Vertijet is an experimental vertical take-off and landing jet aircraft created in the United States in the 1950s. Developed by Ryan. Customer: US Air Force. A total of two such aircraft were built:

There are quite a few flying machines in the world whose appearance is simply amazing. Most of them are experimental models that never got off the ground. In today's selection you will find an overview of the most non-standard flying structures created in different time aircraft developers from different countries.

1. NASA's M2-F1 was nicknamed the "Flying Bathtub." It was supposed to be used as a capsule for landing astronauts. The first test flight took place on August 16, 1963. And in 1966 - the last one.

2. At NASA Air Force Base, from mid-1979 to January 1983, two remote-controlled aircraft were tested. Compared to conventional fighters, they were significantly smaller in size, more maneuverable and could withstand greater overload.

3. Aircraft designers came up with the prototype of the McDonell Douglas X-36 aircraft only to verify the flight capabilities of tailless aircraft. Was developed in 1977. Remote control.

4. Ames AD-1 (Ames AD-1) - the world's first aircraft with an oblique wing. Experimental model from 1979. Its tests were carried out for about three years. After this, the plane was placed in the museum of the city of San Carlos.

5. The wings of the Boeing Vertol VZ-2 rotate. A distinctive feature from other similar aircraft is its ability to take off vertically and hover in the air. It was developed in 1957. After a series of successful tests that lasted three whole years, it was transferred to the NASA research center.

6. The heaviest and most load-lifting helicopter ever built in the world was developed by Soviet scientists - employees of the design bureau named after. M. L. Mil in 1969. It is capable of lifting a load weighing 40 tons to a height of 2250 meters. No one has yet managed to break this record.

7. "Avrocar" is an aircraft developed in 1952 in Canada. Scientists worked on its creation for seven years, but the project was a failure. Maximum height the distance the “plate” was able to climb did not exceed one and a half meters.

8. Northrop XP-79B had two jet engines and a very strange appearance. According to the idea of ​​the American developers, the fighter was supposed to dive on enemy bombers and smash them, cutting off the tail section. But the first flight in 1945 ended in disaster. It happened fifteen minutes into the flight.

9. In 2007, the Boeing X-48 was voted the best invention in a Times poll. This is the result of joint cooperation between the American company Boeing and NASA. The first flight took place in the summer of 2007. Unmanned aerial vehicle rose to a height of 2300 meters and landed safely after 31 minutes.

10. Another non-standard NASA development is the NASA Hyper III aircraft.

11. The legendary Vought V-173 aircraft, created by American engineer Charles Zimmerman, was often called the “Flying Pancake” for its unusual appearance. But, despite this, it had excellent flight properties. It was the Vought V-173 that became one of the first vertical/short takeoff and landing vehicles.

12. The HL-10 was used to study and test the ability to safely maneuver and land a low lift-to-drag vehicle after returning from space. Developed by NASA.

13. Su-47 "Berkut" is a carrier-based fighter designed in 1997 at the Design Bureau named after. Sukhoi (Russia). Composite materials were used to create it. Distinctive feature are forward-swept wings. On this moment refers to experimental models.

14. Grumman X-29 is the main project of the 1984 Grumman Aerospace Corporation. It can be safely called a prototype of the Russian Su-47 Berkut. A total of two such fighters were assembled (special order from the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency).

15. LTV XC-142 is capable of taking off vertically. He has swivel wings. Its first flight took place on September 29, 1964. In 1970, the project was frozen. Of the five aircraft built, only one has survived to date. It became part of the exhibition at the US Air Force Museum.

16. The experimental ekranoplane, developed in the design bureau of R. E. Alekseev, was officially called “Ship – Model” or abbreviated “KM”, but it was often called simply “Caspian Monster”. Its wing span was 37.6 m, length - 92 m, maximum take-off weight - 544 tons. Over the course of 15 years, numerous experimental flights were carried out, but in 1980, due to a pilot error, the giant crashed. Fortunately, there were no casualties. But there were no attempts to restore the CM.

17. The Super Guppy is nicknamed the "Air Whale" and is used by NASA to deliver large items to the ISS. The development belongs to Aero Spacelines.

18. Douglas monoplane with a sharp nose - an experimental model. The first test flight took place in 1952.

19. This module, created in 1963, was part of grandiose project"Apollo". It was planned to be used for landing on the Moon. It had only one jet engine.

20. The Sikorsky S-72 first took to the skies on October 12, 1976. In 1987, the already modernized S-72 saw the light of day. But the project was soon closed due to insufficient funding.

21. Ryan X-13A-RY Vertijet was designed in 1950 in America. This is a vertical take-off and landing jet aircraft commissioned by the US Air Force.

22. Another module for landing on the Moon. Also was part of Project Apollo. Developed in 1964. Capable of performing vertical landing and take off.

McDonnell Douglas X-36, tailless fighter

Monster of the Caspian Sea,“Caspian Monster” is an experimental ekranoplan that was developed by Rostislav Alekseev in 1966.

"Caspian Monster"

De Lackner HZ-1– A device that allows for reconnaissance operations.

De Lackner HZ-1

Stipa-Caproni- Experimental fuselage Italian plane made in the form of a barrel (1932).

Stipa-Caproni

Blohm & Voss BV 141– The plane that was supposed to be used by German intelligence officers during World War II. Features an asymmetrical design.

Blohm & Voss BV 141

"Libellula"- Thanks to double wings and two engines, the pilot had good review, which made it possible to do successful landings to aircraft carriers. 1945

"Libellula"

North American XF-82– The escort aircraft consists of two connected P-51 Mustangs. 1946

North American XF-82

Northrop XB-35- Military development The bomber was intended for the US Air Force.

Northrop XB-35

Martin XB-51– US attack aircraft equipped with 3 engines. It has an unconventional design: both engines are located under the nose of the aircraft, the third is in the tail.

Martin XB-51

Lockheed XFV "The Salmon"— Experimental development, take-off “from the tail” is possible.

Lockheed XFV "The Salmon"

Avro Canada VZ-9 "Avrocar"- The plane is made in the shape of a disk and can take off vertically. US classified project.

Avro Canada VZ-9 "Avrocar"

HL-10– Construction was completed thanks to the Lifting Body Research Program led by NASA.

Douglas XB-42 "Mixmaster"-The bomber project was created in 1944. The plane is capable of flying at very high speeds.

Douglas XB-42 "Mixmaster"

Dornier Do 31– Experimental transporter, vertical take-off is possible.

Dornier Do 31

"Aerodyne" Alexandra Lippisha – The plane has two coaxial internal propellers. Wings are missing.

"Aerodyne"

McDonnell XF-85 "Goblin"- One of the prototypes of a military aircraft. According to the engineers' plan, the launch was to take place from the hatch of the Convair B-36.

McDonnell XF-85 "Goblin"

Vought V-173- A military aircraft intended for the American Navy.

Vought V-173

Hyper III– Airplane with the ability remote control. Developed by NASA.

Hyper III

VVA-14- Amphibious aircraft.

Snecma C-450– Project of French engineers. Distinctive feature– the ability to take off and land vertically. 1958

Snecma C-450

Ames-Dryden (AD)-1– Based on this aircraft, the principles of a variable wing were studied.

Ames-Dryden (AD)-1

B377PG- an aircraft for transporting goods.

X-29– A forward-swept wing is used.

Douglas X-3 "Stiletto"— Used for testing new design to overcome the speed of sound. 1953-1956.

Douglas X-3 "Stiletto"

Be-200– An aircraft with great functionality.

Proteus– There is a double wing and two engines. Designed in Scaled Composites.

Caproni Ca.60 Noviplano– Nine-winged flying boat. A prototype of an airliner that was supposed to fly across the Atlantic with 100 passengers on board. Equipped with 8 engines. Pontoons along the edges provided stability. The first flight ended unsuccessfully, the plane took off, but just 18 meters after that it crashed.

A300-600ST(“Beluga”) - An airliner characterized by a wide fuselage. Designed for transporting large loads.