fossil_digger Report This Comment Date: November 20, 2006 04:35AM
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Horsepower: 360
Description
In 1961 the Russian military ordered the Tupolev Aircraft Company to design and
build an amphibious craft small enough to be transported inside the Russian MK6
giant helicopter. It was to be used for the recovery of Russian cosmonauts
downed in Siberia after completion of their space flights. The craft had to be
capable of crossing lakes, swampy tundra, and hostile terrain. The craft needed
to be capable of operating at temperatures well below freezing at speeds of
above 100km/h.
Aleksei Tupolev (1888-1972 was a Russian aircraft designer. He is considered the
father of Soviet Aviation. His designs include the Tu-95 Bear which is a famous
Russian bomber and the Tu-444 which is also known as the Russian concord. He
built Tupolev into one of the most successful aviation companies in the world
employing more that eleven thousand of Russia's finest engineers. In 1965
Tupolev first introduced his prototype we call the "N007" at the
"Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy of the USSR"
located in Moscow. His design won the "Diploma of Finest Engineer in the
USSR". At this exhibit the engineering of this machine won the following
medals: For the propeller they won Gold Medal G.V. Makhotkinym due to the
special two bladed slit which promoted efficiency in the basic service speed.
For body style and overall appearance: Silver Medal "M. Tatarinou" and
Bronze Medal A.D. Vordoyeau V. Merkulou and T. Zhevakin. In 1999
"N007" was acquired in delapidated condition. A German metal craftsman
restored the body by hand. The engine was overhauled in Bacau, Romania by the
original factory. The restoration of the propeller and the interior of the craft
was also necessary. After completion in 2004 the craft was shown at boat shows
all over the country and featured in many TV newscasts and written publications.
In 2005 "N007" received the "Corinthian Award" at the
"Keels and Wheels "Concourse De Elegance" in Houston. In 2006 the
craft not only received the "Corinthian Award" again but also the
"Award of Excellence" in a prestigious show called "Concoursse De
Elegance" in Greenwich, Ct. The exact number of these cosmonaut rescue
crafts has always been kept a secret. "N007" is the only one known to
exist in the country. It comes with its original owner's manual and tool kit.
Enclosed in this manual you find the basic technical data such as: Engine MP14B,
Turbocharged 360 HP and 350 liter fuel capacity for long range. Length 6,11
meters and Width 2,16 meters. Height of propeller 2,20 meters. Weight 2100 kg.
Payload on water 300kg. This being one of the last models built, it was equipped
with a leading edge differential forcontrol system. It has a 500 psi air
pressure system to start the engine and operates without the need of batteries
in super cold temperatures
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 20/11/2006 04:37AM by fossil_digger.
90130_ Report This Comment Date: November 20, 2006 05:34AM
The Tupolev "Concorde" was the TU-144. Just a typo I'm sure.
90130_ Report This Comment Date: November 20, 2006 05:46AM
Aleksei Tuplolev was Andrei Tupolev's son, and took over operations after his
father's death in 1972.
[
en.wikipedia.org]
[
en.wikipedia.org]
For Christ's sake, if you're gonna cut 'n paste, check the accuracy of your
sources!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 20/11/2006 05:49AM by 90130_.
fossil_digger Report This Comment Date: November 20, 2006 01:30PM
then it wouldn't be an accurate quote.
quasi Report This Comment Date: November 20, 2006 10:45PM
Extremely cool.