EKIP - experimental aircraft with vertical takeoff

What comes to mind when you hear the expressions: ecology and progress? Sounds like a Soviet slogan? To some extent it is, but on a larger scale it is something else. EKIP is an abbreviation that was exactly what it was deciphered, but it meant a special aircraft that did not need an airfield runway. This unit used the principle of an air cushion as a lifting force. Although he could fly at an ultra-low altitude (from 3 m), if necessary, the EKIP was able to climb up to 10 km.

The author of this aircraft, created in the 80s, was L. Schukin. Although four decades have passed, no one in the world has yet been able to repeat the success of the design. Even the appearance of the EKIP was inspired by the theme of alien aliens, which was popular in those days. Its shape strongly resembled a flying saucer. And the very principle of take-off was very similar to an alien ship. At the same time, she could carry a fairly voluminous cargo - up to 120 tons and reach speeds of up to 700 km / h.

A very promising project could be put on the conveyor, but the crisis that began in our country did not allow the development of a promising direction. Therefore, now we can only recall the "Russian UFO". This is exactly what the authors of the BIBIP channel did, you can also watch this informative video.