Ekranolet "Ivolga" - the project was a success?

Once upon a time, the legendary Soviet designer of hovercraft R. Bartini introduced a distinction between the terms "ekranoplan" and "ekranoplan". The first of them could move through the air only over a smooth surface, the second - outside the area of ​​\u1996b\u2bthe pillow, that is, like an airplane. This terminology is still used today. In 1999, the KOMETEL organization was specially formed to develop the Ivolga ekranolet. With the support of the Research Institute "Kometa" and aircraft factories of the Russian Federation, the company presented an experimental model XNUMX years later, which was first launched at the end of the summer of XNUMX.


For 2 years, until 2000, the EL-7 was tested first on the Moskva River, then on the Irkutsk Reservoir. Later, the car was delivered to Baikal and Angara, where the River Shipping Company of Verkhne-Lensk came to grips with checks.

How the Ivolga works

Its purpose is the transportation of passengers (up to 11 people) or the transportation of goods. Also, the machine can be used as a rescue, tourist or patrol vessel. The device shows its operational advantages best when moving over a flat surface.


It can be a river, lake, sea or snow-covered plain, even wetlands are suitable. The most economical flights take place at a height of 0,2-2 m, due to the appearance of a dynamic cushion under the wings. In this mode, the screen effect appears: the lifting force increases, and the resistance decreases.


The car was tested at the Angara in screen and flight mode. EL-7 behaved confidently on the water and took off, landed on it at a wave height of 1 m, which corresponded to the 3rd sea score. The testers noted the ease of control of the ekranolet, which was "indulgent" even to gross errors made intentionally. EL-7 rose to 10 m and above, where the screen effect was no longer there, but the car behaved "normally". Some technical data of the Orioles:

✅ wingspan, length, height - 12,7, 16 and 4 m
✅ takeoff weight (maximum) - 3,3 tons
✅ cruising and maximum speed - 175 and 220 km / h
✅ height - up to 30 m
✅ range - 1500 km

The machine is driven by one person. Its full operation on the water is possible with waves up to 4 points.

Exploitation

Fuel consumption in airplane mode reached 75-90 l / 100 km with eight passengers on board. Another thing is the flight “with a screen”. Here, the loaded device spent only 25-35 liters of ordinary AI-95 automobile gasoline on a “hundredth”. This will be smaller than some trucks and ATVs! The average speed was 150-180 km/h. If compared with conventional aircraft of the same class (dimensions, power), then they have an average consumption of 0,45-0,8 kg / ton-kilometer. For Ivolga, this indicator is at least 4 times less - 0,15 kg / t-km.



The developers managed to create an environmentally friendly car. We are not talking about harmful emissions into the atmosphere: EL-7 does not disturb the turf layer, it makes little noise. The toxicity is comparable to a car. Sitting in the cabin is pleasant: there is no chatter, no jerks from the wind.

General construction

The Orioles scheme is a "composite wing" with a "T" tail and one keel. Some of the elements are borrowed from the Yak-18T. This decision made it possible to make the EL-7 compact, fit in standard aircraft hangars, and maneuverable. In the middle of the center section there is a pair of shields, which, in "alliance" with the floats, play the role of a braking and reversing system. If necessary, Ivolga can go ashore with a slope of no more than 1:10.


When ordering an ekranolet in the "marine" version, the manufacturer offers an apparatus made of 60% composites, 30% AMG-6 metal and 10% stainless steel. Optionally, instead of classic round instruments, displays can be installed. Also, the salon is performed with a "regular" finish or in the VIP version.

Engines

Initially, they planned to install turbocharged ZMZ-4064.10, each of which developed 210 "horses". However, the engine builders were in no hurry, and the ZMZ-4062.10 available at that time did not give out the required power. Therefore, we decided to use imported BMW 20 (S38) automotive units. Later, others were installed, also from machines, comparable in characteristics. For example, for the Ek-12 modification - Chevrolet LS-3 / 2 x 430 hp. With.

Equipment

On board there are the necessary instruments in accordance with the requirements of the Russian River Register, which applies to small vessels. This is navigation and flight equipment, radio stations. Inside, everything is provided for a comfortable stay for both the crew and passengers: ventilation, heating and air conditioning (optional, for hot regions). In terms of safety, rescue water facilities and a fire extinguishing system are provided.


Considering the harsh climatic conditions of Siberia and the Far East, the ekranolet is provided with an autonomous power supply system that operates throughout the day.

Modifications

Today, NPK TREK is engaged in the development of ekranoletov. In small-scale production - the EK-12 model, designed to carry 12 passengers. Power plant - BMW M70 engines of 236 hp. With. every. The official website emphasizes that navigation skills in speed boats are sufficient to control the device. At the same time, crew members can engage in maintenance. The scope of work is 16 man/h every 200 hours and 32 man/h every 100 m/h. Unassembled Ivolga EK-12 can be delivered to the place of operation in a standard container by railway, aircraft, cars or water transport.


According to the TREK company, an ekranolet designed for 15 passengers is under development. In subsequent plans, it is planned to increase their number to 30, 106 and 1290 people. The range of movement will reach 6100 km. It is curious: for this modification it is planned to use PS-90 aircraft engines with a capacity of 16 thousand “horses”. So everything is in order with import substitution!

Production and orders

There is no complete clarity at this point - a "commercial secret"! However, it is unofficially known that the customers are not only Russian companies, but also foreign companies from the countries of the South-Eastern region. Presumably China and Indonesia.


In particular, the potential buyer has already ordered the development of the ekranolet EK-100 for 106 passengers and EK-150, designed for 1290 people.

About clones

As for the PRC, back in 2013 (and then in the 15th) there was information about the test of the CYG-11 ekranolet. If you look at it from the outside, a striking resemblance to the Ivolga will become apparent. It is officially stated that the device was developed with the participation of the private company Hainan England WIG Manufacturing Company.


Most likely, Russian specialists from TREK took part in the creation of the ekranolet. The Chinese valued their clone at 1,5-2 million dollars. However, the chief designer of NPO V. Kalganov noted (2015) that the Russian version would cost 1-1,5 million "green", and the payback period would not exceed 2-3 years. As for the "used" EK-12, there are ads with a price of 9-12 million rubles.