Vertical takeoff aircraft. VTOL

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

Multifunctionality and design perfection combines a unique aviation technique - a vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. The best minds of Russia, England and the USA, through many years of development and their further modernization, have created legendary models in the competitive struggle. The increase in speed, flight altitude, carrying capacity, as well as combat performance is associated with the constant improvement of the heavy-duty jet engine. This is what made vertical take-off aircraft the main base unit of the world's air forces.

First vertically

The very first vertical takeoff and landing technique experimentally created in 1954 was the development of the Model 65 Air Test Vehicle. The designed design consisted of available units from different aircraft - the fuselage and vertical tail were borrowed from the airframe, the wings- on the Cessna Model 140A aircraft, and the landing gear - on the Bell Model 47 helicopter. Until now, modern designers wonder how the combination of these individual elements could give such a result!

The aircraft of the American company Bell was ready by the end of 1953. A month later, the first flight with hovering in the air took place, and six months later - its first free flight. But the modernization of the aircraft did not stop, for another year it was brought to the required performance by testing and testing in the air.

Reactive, but not very

The engines located on the sides of the fuselage turned 90 degrees down, thus creating lift and thrust for flight. The turbocharger provided intensive power directly to the air nozzles themselves at the ends of the wing and tail. This ensured the control of the entire aircraft structure in the hover mode, and with the preservation of this possibility even when moving at low speed.

But soon, according to the test results, Bell refused to continue working with this project. The first VTOL aircraft had such jet thrust that it barely exceeded its own takeoff weight, although it was excessive for horizontal movement.

With such characteristics, it was difficult for the pilot to keep the speed in acceptable values, without exceeding the limits on the maximum speed of horizontal flight. Therefore, the angle of attention of Americans has moved to other developments.

The world's only Yak-141

In 1992, specially invited accredited journalists were surprised by the interest of leading Western airlines in this technique. Experts noticed the features of the aircraft, which went beyond the standard ideas about a combat aircraft. It became obvious that over many years of research, which were carried out in parallel in several countries, the Soviet aircraft will deservedly receive the palm.

It was the Yak-141, the only supersonic VTOL aircraft in the world at that time. It was distinguished by a wide range of combat missions, high speed and unique maneuverability, for which it immediately received worldwide recognition.

Americans and Europeans began their development in this direction in the 60s. At the exhibition in 1961 in Farnborough, only an English company was able to present a worthy result. The future main combat aircraft of the British Air Force, the Harrier VTOL fighter, was not only the most interesting, but also the most protected exhibit.

The British did not let anyone in, not even their allies, the Americans. The only one for whom an exception was made for special merits and contribution to the victory over Nazi Germany was the well-known designer of Soviet fighters - A. S. Yakovlev. He was not only invited, but also acquainted with the capabilities of this technique.

Vertical race of world powers

Development in the USSR at that time achieved some success, but still significantly inferior to the British. Experiments with the invented turbofly gave the designers valuable experience, it became possibleinstallation of two turbojet engines on the aircraft. Their nozzles could rotate 90 degrees.

Test V. Mukhin lifted a plane named Yak-36 into the sky. But it was not yet a full-fledged combat vehicle. At demonstration performances, instead of rockets, special models were hung. After all, the plane was not yet ready for real weapons.

In 1967, the Central Committee of the CPSU set the task for Yakovlev's project team to create a light aircraft with vertical takeoff. The updated model, called the Yak-38, caused a skeptical reaction even from A. Tupolev. But already in 1974, the first 4 aircraft were prepared.

After the unequivocal superiority of the British Harrier bombers in the skies in the Falklands War, it became obvious to the government of the Soviet Union that it needed to improve its Yak-38. Therefore, in 1978, the Minaviaprom Commission approved a project for the Yakovlev Design Bureau - the creation of an updated vertical take-off fighter Yak-141.

Soviet record holder

A unique engine equipped with a perfect control system was created in Russia specifically for vertical takeoff aircraft. For the first time in the world, a solution was found for an afterburner rotary nozzle - something that not only Soviet, but also foreign aircraft designers have been working on for a decade. This made it possible to complete the ground test cycle for the Yak-141 and send it to take off. From the first tests, he confirmed his best flight performance.

It was one of the mostsecret aviation projects, it took 11 years for Western intelligence agencies just to find out what it looks like. Multi-purpose carrier-based aircraft Yak-141, a 4th generation fighter, set 12 world records. It was intended to gain air supremacy and provide cover for the location from the enemy. Its locator allows you to hit both air and ground targets. The ability to reach a maximum speed of up to 1800 km / h. Combat load - 1000 kg. The combat range is 340 km. The maximum flight altitude is up to 15 km.

Gorbachev's policy

Further policy to reduce spending on the defense industry has had its impact. To demonstrate the thaw in foreign economic relations, the government significantly adjusted the production of aircraft carriers. Due to the lack of basing ships in connection with the withdrawal of aircraft carriers from the Russian fleet after 1987, the development of the Yak-141 ceased.

Despite this, the appearance of the Yak-141 was a significant step in aircraft design practice. Russian vertical take-off aircraft have become indispensable equipment of the Air Force, and in further modernization of fighters, scientists largely relied on the results of Yakovlev's many years of work.

MiG-29 (Fulcrum)

Developed by the A. Mikoyan Design Bureau, the fourth-generation Russian fighter MiG-29 combines the best characteristics for air combat with missiles at medium and short ranges.

Initially, the VTOL MiG was designed to destroyany type of air targets under any weather conditions. Retains its functionality even in the presence of interference. Equipped with highly efficient dual-circuit engines, it is capable of hitting ground targets as well. Designed in the early 70s, the first takeoff took place in 1977.

Quite easy to use. Having entered service with the Air Force in 1982, the MiG-29 became the main fighter of the Russian Air Force. In addition, more than 25 countries have purchased over a thousand aircraft.

American winged predator

Always meticulous in the matter of defense, the Americans also excel in building powerful fighters.

Named after the bird of prey, the Harrier was designed as a multifunctional and light attack aircraft for air support of ground forces, combat and reconnaissance. Due to its excellent performance, it is also used in the Spanish and Italian Navy.

Becoming the first in its class, the British VTOL Hawker Siddeley Harrier became the prototype of the Anglo-American modification of the AV-8A Harrier in 1978. The joint work of the designers of the two countries improved it to the second-generation attack aircraft of the Harrier family.

In 1975, McDonnell Douglas came to replace England, which had left the project due to the inability of the management to withstand the financial budget. The measures taken for the thorough modification of the AV-8A Harrier made it possible to obtain the AV-8B fighter.

Advanced AV-8B

Based on technologythe former model, the AV-8B has greatly improved in terms of quality upgrade. The cockpit was raised, the fuselage was redesigned, the wings were updated, adding one additional suspension point for each wing. High-precision weapons are dropped directly upon entering the launch zone, the probability of deviation can be up to 15 m.

The model was further improved in terms of aerodynamics and thus created the best aircraft with a vertical takeoff in the United States. Equipped with an updated Pegasus engine, it made it possible to perform vertical takeoff and landing. The AV-8B entered service with the US infantry in early 1985.

Development did not stop, and later AV-8B(NA) and AV-8B Harrier II Plus models received equipment for night combat operations. Further improvement made it one of the best representatives of the fifth generation vertical takeoff aircraft - Harrier III.

Soviet designers worked hard on the short takeoff task. These achievements were acquired by the Americans for the F-35. Soviet blueprints played a big role in perfecting the multifunctional supersonic striker F-35. This VTOL fighter deservedly later entered service with the British and US Navy.

Boeing. Beyond the limits

The mastery of aerobatics and unique characteristics are now demonstrated not only by fighters, but also by passenger liners. Boeing 787 Dreamliner is awide-body twin-engine vertical takeoff passenger jet Boeing.

Boeing 787-9 is designed for 300 passengers with a range of 14,000 km. Weighing 250 tons, a pilot at Farnborough pulled off an amazing trick: he lifted a passenger plane and performed a vertical takeoff, which is only possible for a fighter jet. The best airlines immediately appreciated its merits, orders for its purchase began to arrive immediately from the leading countries of the world. According to the status at the beginning of 2016, 470 units were sold. The VTOL Boeing has become a unique passenger creation.

Aircraft capabilities are expanding

Russian designers are successfully working on a civil project for the development of an aircraft with vertical takeoff and landing, which does not need takeoff sites. It can operate effectively on different types of fuel, based both on land and on water.

Has a wide range of applications:

• providing urgent medical care;
• air reconnaissance;
• rescue operations;
• private use for official purposes.

And for private purposes too

Possible users may be the Ministry of Emergency Situations and rescue services, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, medical services and ordinary commercial organizations.

New vertical take-off aircraft capable of flying at altitudes up to 10 km, reaching speeds up to 800 km/h.

The capabilities of the new generation of this aircraft are designed for use even inconfined spaces: in the city, in the forest, if necessary, even in emergency situations.

The circle made by the propeller of such an aircraft is considered to be its bearing area. The lifting force is created by the rotation of the main rotor, which uses the air from above, directs it down. As a result, a reduced pressure is created above the area, and an increased one below it.

Designed by analogy with a helicopter, in fact, being its more advanced and adapted model to different conditions, it is capable of vertical takeoff, landing, and hovering in one place.

Cold War returns

Achievements of aircraft designers in this example have confirmed that high technology and a vertical takeoff aircraft can be equally useful and in demand both for government and civilian purposes.

During the Cold War era, the world's leading powers were fascinated by projects to create a combat aircraft that would not require traditional airfields. This was explained by the slight vulnerability of such objects with deployed aircraft to the enemy. In addition, the expensive runway was not guaranteed to be protected. This period is considered the most important stage in the development of aircraft design activities.

Western and domestic strategists have been diligently modernizing VTOL aircraft for 30 years, reaching perfection in fifth-generation fighters. And the adopted basic technologies make it possible to use the long-term developments of the world's leadingaircraft designers.