River high-speed passenger hydrofoil vessel. Boat Meteor: technical characteristics. Passenger hydrofoils

"Saroavto Transport Blog Collection"

River and sea expresses - hydrofoil ships. Impressions from traveling on them are some of the most vivid memories of river or sea travel.

The chief designer of these ships is Rostislav Alekseev.

In total, more than 3,000 passenger hydrofoil ships were built at shipyards in Russia, Ukraine and Georgia.

This is how these ships were transported. Monument to R. Alekseev in Nizhny Novgorod.

An engineer in the Soviet Union, Rostislav Alekseev, defended his thesis “Hydrofoil glider” in 1941, at the age of 25. During the war, the management of the plant where he worked allocated time and funds to work on the SPC. However, Alekseev’s combat boats appeared at the end of the war, and did not have time to fight. After the war, Alekseev continued working for the army, but also developed a passenger ship, to which he gave the catchy and relevant name of those years “Raketa”, like today “Fast and Furious”.

"Rocket"- this is the first Soviet passenger hydrofoil ship. Developed and launched in 1957 at the shipyard of the Krasnoye Sormovo plant (Nizhny Novgorod). Production continued until the mid-1970s. This ship was awarded the Gold Medal at the Brussels Exhibition.

During the period from 1957 to 1979, about 300 ships of this class were built. Production was established in Feodosia (FSK More), Volgograd, Leningrad (St. Petersburg), Nizhny Novgorod, Khabarovsk and Poti (Georgia). Apart from the USSR, missiles were purchased by Finland, China, Lithuania, Romania and Germany. Some rockets are still used on flights today. And many rockets, after the collapse of the USSR, were converted into cafes and dachas. Soon the name "Rocket" became synonymous with all ships of this type, regardless of the name of their models.

The hydrofoil “rocket,” although it was created by order of the Ministry of Shipbuilding, had dubious prospects due to its unusualness and non-standard nature for that time. Most likely, it was precisely because of the fear of being misunderstood that Rostislav Alekseev conceived a daring plan - to show “Rocket” to the Secretary of the Central Committee himself, Nikita Khrushchev, bypassing his superiors. And it was done like this: in the hot summer of 1957, on Student Youth Day, Alekseev ordered the Raketa to be launched, and at full speed headed from the Krasnoye Sormovo plant straight to Moscow. Knowing where Khrushchev was staying, Alekseev moored the rocket and invited the Secretary General to take a ride. Here the Secretary General is swimming at super speed along the Moscow River, easily overtaking other ships, and this swim is watched by amazed students who came from all over the world for the festival. The “rocket” struck Nikita Sergeevich, and under an explosion of pleasant feelings, He immediately uttered the memorable words “We’ll stop riding oxen along the rivers! Let's build!"

The rocket became a large-scale ship, Alekseev received the right to contact Khrushchev directly once a year, as well as enmity with the Minister of Shipbuilding, Boris Butoma: “The bastard is getting over our heads!” Let us mention here that Boris Butoma is also a talented engineer and a competent leader, but jumping over the heads of his superiors will quarrel between these two talented people. Further mistakes by both Butoma and Alekseev will lead to a tragic end.

"Rockets" at the Northern River Station in Moscow.

Scheme of the "Rocket" routes along the Moscow Canal

The rocket served as a firefighter during the Soviet era; in the 2000s, the firefighting rocket was retired. She was moved to the training base of the Ministry of Emergency Situations. During its operation, this rocket evacuated more than one hundred passengers from sinking ships, and extinguished about a dozen ships.

Length: 27 m

Width: 5 m

Height (on wing): 4.5 m

Draft (full): 1.8 m

Operating speed: 35 kz, 60 km/h

Powerplant: 1000 hp. diesel M50

Propulsion: screw

Crew/staff: 3

Passengers: 64

Gas turbine ship "Burevestnik".

The gas turbine ship Burevestnik is the fastest type of river transport. Has two engines
from IL-18. In 1964-1979 he worked on the Kuibyshev-Ulyanovsk-Kazan-Gorky route.

This is the most beautiful hydrofoil of all created earlier and later.

In 1964, the flagship of the USSR river passenger fleet, Burevestnik, began operation, accommodating 150 passengers and having an operating speed of 97 km/h. However, this ship did not go into production, although it was in operation for about 15 years.

The Burevestnik had problems - two aircraft engines made a lot of noise and required a lot of fuel. In addition, the stern of the ship was constantly smeared with fumes from used engines that had exhausted their service life.

In 1974, the Burevestnik collided with a tug and was severely damaged. They refused to repair it then, but thanks to the pressure of the captain and the enthusiasm of the workers, they repaired it.

After repairs, the Burevestnik operated for only a couple of years, and then rising fuel prices made it unprofitable. The gas turbine ship was cut down and later towed to a landfill, where it remained for most of its life. In 2000, it was cut into scrap.

Length: 43.2 m
Hull width: 6 m
Height (on wing): 7 m
Displacement: 40 t
Draft: 2 m
Operating speed: 45 knots, 97 km/h
Range: 500 km
Powerplant: 2x GTE AI24
Propulsion: 2x water jet
Type and consumption of fuels and lubricants: Kerosene, 330 g/hp.
Passengers: 150

"Gull"- an experimental rocket built in a single copy in 1962. Chaika was created as a smaller model of the upcoming Petrel. It was used to perfect a new hydrofoil shape, aerodynamic contours and a water jet - like a new propulsion device. There are allegations that the geometry of the hull of the KM ekranoplan was also worked out on the Chaika.

The Chaika worked as a delivery vessel for Rechflot employees, reaching a speed of 85-90 km/h and accommodating up to 30 passengers. And then it was cut into metal. The seagull lived only a couple of years, but turned into a symbol of a high-speed ship for the USSR.

Length: 26.3 m
Width: 3.8 m
Height: 3.5 m
Displacement: 9.9 t
Draft: 0.6 m
Operating speed: 40 U.S. 85 km/h
Powerplant: 1200 hp diesel
Propulsion: water jet
Crew/staff: 3
Passengers: 30

Motor ships "Meteor" and "Comet".

In 1961, a new type of civilian SPK “Meteor” went into production. More capacious ships were required than Raketa.

So the Meteor already took 115 people on board, had a comfortable cabin (with a bar and a cafe), and a long range.

However, it used two engines instead of one, which in terms of operation and profitability made the Meteor equal to the Rocket.

On the basis of the Meteors, a naval version of the Comet was designed, on which the hull was modified and other wings were installed. This increased capacity to 120 people and improved the ship's seaworthiness.

Comets were produced from 1961 to 1981, in Feodosia and Poti. More than 100 ships were built, of which 39 were for export to Greece.

An incident in 1992, during the conflict between Georgia and Abkhazia, is associated with Comet 44. An unknown helicopter fired a machine gun at Comet 44, with 70 passengers on board, Comet stopped for inspection. But instead of inspection, the helicopter made a combat turn and opened fire with NURS (unguided missiles). The 3rd salvo hit the hull and made a hole below the waterline measuring 1m2. If the “comet” had remained in place, it would have drowned. But the crew turned the engines to maximum, and the SPK rose to the wings, which prevented the ship from sinking. "Comet" reached Sochi safely.

"Comet-44" in Turkey

As for the Meteors, they were produced from 1961 to 1993, more than 400 ships were built. Today they are modernized by installing efficient engines and resold abroad (to China, Greece and South Korea).

Some cars, like the Verny meteor, are bought by private individuals and turned into elite super-yachts, with modern cabins, showers, and lounges.

SEC "Meteor-Verny" on the Yenisei.

"Meteora" on vacation in St. Petersburg

One of the Meteors was converted into a bar in the city of Kanev, Ukraine:

And this "Meteor" ended up in China. Operating on the Yangtze River

"Sputnik" and "Whirlwind".

In 1961, simultaneously with the launch of the Meteors and Comets series, the type 329 motor ship Sputnik, the largest (at that time) SPK, was launched from the stocks. It carries 300 Passengers at a speed of 65 km/h.

But over the course of 4 years of operation, a lot of shortcomings emerged: the great gluttony of 4 engines, and the discomfort of passengers due to strong vibration from the operation of so many diesel engines. As a result, Sputnik hit a snag in one of the swims, breaking one engine. The ship could continue to sail, but it would no longer “take off” on its wing, and therefore it was erected as a monument to the Soviet SEC in the city of Tolyatti. In 2005, a fire burned inside, causing severe damage to the interior of the ship.

Just like with Meteor, they built a naval version of Sputnik, called the Whirlwind. There is information that 3 Whirlwinds were built, one had 4 diesel engines, like Sputnik, and the other two were equipped with AI-20A aircraft turbines. The fate of these ships is unknown.

For comparison, "Sputnik" and "Raketa" on the Volga.

Length: 48 m
Width: 12 m
Height: 7.5 m
Draft: 2.5 m
Operating speed: 37 knots, 65 km/h
Fuel consumption: 650-750 kg/h
Powerplant: 4x1000 hp diesel
Propulsion: screw
Passengers: 240

"Belarus" and "Polesie".

For shallow rivers, a little more than a meter deep, in 1963 they developed the motor ship "Belarus", named after the Republic in which this motor ship was assembled (plant in Gomel). Belarus took 40 passengers. About 30 ships were built. In 2005, these ships successfully sailed along the Karakum Canal.

In 1983, a replacement, or rather a modernization of the Belarus, appeared: a motor ship of the Polesie type. The hull became angular, which reduced the cost of production, and multiple parts of the hull and engine in Polesie were standardized with parts of the Voskhod type motor ship, which further reduced the cost of production. In addition to being cheaper, Polesie accepts 50 instead of 40 passengers. A little less than a hundred of these ships were built. These SPCs are still in operation, for example in Romania and Belarus.

Length: 21.5 m
Width: 5 m
Height: 2.6 m
Displacement: 12 t + 6 t cargo
Draft: 0.9 m

Range: 400 km

Propulsion: screw
Type and consumption of fuels and lubricants: 150-170 kg/hour
Crew/staff: 2
Passengers: 50

"Sunrise" and "Swallow".

"Rockets" and "Meteors" were getting old. To replace them, the second generation Voskhod SPK was launched in 1973. Voskhod is the direct receiver of the Rocket. This ship is more economical, more spacious, more reliable - in fact, every characteristic of the Voskhod is better than that of the Raketa. In addition, although Voskhod was designed as a river SPC, its characteristics allow it to operate without changes in sea coastal zones, for example in Crimea.

Since 1973, about 300 ships have been built, and further construction was stopped by the collapse of the USSR and the economic crisis, which has been going on for 25 years. New ships continue to be built in small series.

Thus, the Dutch company Connexicon ordered three modernized versions of Voskhod in 2003. These ships were delivered to Canada, Turkey, Austria, Thailand and China.

The last 3 SPKs of this series were assembled in 2003 for the Connexicon company in the Netherlands.

Length: 27.6 m
Width: 6.4-7 m
Height (on wing): 4 m
Displacement: 20.4 t + 8 t cargo
Draft (full): 2 m
Operating speed: 35 kz, 60 km/h
Range: 500 km
Powerplant: 1000 hp diesel
Propulsion: propeller N. fuel and lubricants: 150-170 kg/hour
Crew/staff: 3 / 5
Passengers: 70

Due to the fact that Voskhod could also operate at sea, a “sea” version of this ship, called Lastochka, appeared much later, in the 80s.

And it had significant changes - a modified shape of the wings, and a twin-engine power plant, which, in addition to seaworthiness, increased the speed to 85 km/h. We assembled 3-4 ships, which were bought by European companies.

A little-known fact - in 1986, "Rockets" and "Voskhods" of the Ukrainian SSR participated in the removal of residents of Pripyat. One of the Chernobyl “Sunrises” is called “Shkval” - a suitable name for a fighter against that tragedy.

"Olympia".

The marine passenger hydrofoil vessel "Olympia" (hereinafter SPK "Olympia") is the generally recognized flagship of the Russian high-speed passenger fleet. Its appearance is mesmerizing and creates a feeling of hidden swiftness and power, which can be fully felt when sailing on this vessel. This vessel fully corresponds to the proud and beautiful name "Olympia", given to it by its creator - the famous "Central Design Bureau for Hydrofoils named after R.E. Alekseev", Nizhny Novgorod, whose achievements in the design of hydrofoils and ekranoplanes have not been surpassed to date by anyone in the world.

It is also necessary to pay attention to the fact that the Olympia SPK, which will be discussed below, were built at a shipbuilding enterprise with unique technical and technological capabilities and highly qualified specialists - the Feodosia Shipbuilding Company "More", Feodosia, where During its existence, more than 630 ships were built and launched, the products of which were delivered to 40 countries around the world.

Motor ship "Olympia - Hermes" in Sochi.

"Colchis" and "Katran"

SPK "Katran" and "Kolkhida" are twin brothers.

In 1980, at the Shipyard named after. Ordzhonikidze (Georgia, Poti) production of the Kolkhida agricultural production complex opens. The speed of the vessel is 65 km/h, the passenger capacity is 120 people. In total, about forty ships were built. Currently, only two are in operation in Russia: one ship on the St. Petersburg - Valaam line, called "Triad", the other in Novorossiysk - "Vladimir Komarov".

"Kolkhida" is a type of marine passenger twin-screw hydrofoil vessels designed for high-speed passenger transportation. The navigation area is open seas with a distance of up to 50 miles from the port of refuge and up to 100 miles in closed seas and lakes. The vessels were produced according to projects 10390 and 10391, developed by the Central Design Bureau for the SPK named after. R.E. Alekseev and approved in 1980. They were built at the Potiysky Shipyard and the Volga Shipyard in Nizhny Novgorod. The first vessel of the series entered testing in 1981. The vessels of this series had a number of improvements compared to the Comet series. The ship's hull, welded using argon-arc and resistance welding, was divided below the main deck along the length by watertight bulkheads into 9 compartments; the ship's unsinkability is ensured when any two adjacent compartments are filled. The bow saloon had no front windows. There was a special room for luggage. In total, about 40 motor ships of this series were built.

Currently, they are almost never used on passenger lines in the Russian Federation - a number of ships have been mothballed, sold abroad, cut into metal, and converted into cafes. Some Kolkhida vessels continue to operate in maritime passenger transportation in foreign countries.

The modernization of "Colchis" is developed by the Central Design Bureau for the SPK named after. R.E. Alekseev series of ships “Kolkhida-M” (project), “Katran” (4 vessels were built, 2 of which: “Seaflight-1” and “Seaflight-2”, operate on high-speed lines on the Black Sea), and "Katran-M" (project).

Similar in appearance to the Colchis and Katran was the experimental hydrofoil Albatross, built in a single copy at the Poti Shipyard in 1988. Unlike the Colchis, the Albatross had high-speed Soviet-made M421 diesel engines ( Zvezda plant).

Until 1996, he worked on the lines of the Black Sea Shipping Company (home port of Odessa), after which he was sold and worked in the Mediterranean Sea on the line between Cyprus and Lebanon under the name “Flying Star”.

"Katran" is a Project 10391 twin-screw hydrofoil passenger motor ship, designed for high-speed transportation of passengers on sea and lake coastal lines, with a distance from the port of refuge up to 50 miles and up to 100 miles in closed seas and lakes and a cruising range of up to 380 miles. The lead vessel was built in 1994.

"Cyclone"

"Cyclone" is a new flagship, but already a marine passenger ship. Equipped with two gas turbine engines (GTE), has a speed of 70 km/h, and a capacity of up to 250 passengers. "Cyclone" is a second-generation marine SPK, built in 1986. The Cyclone's competitor was the Olympia, which was built at the same shipyard in Feodosia.

There is 1 ready-made “Cyclone”, which in 2004 returned from Greece to Feodosia for repairs, but it still stands there, in a semi-disassembled state. In addition, there is at least 1 more Cyclone backlog, with a readiness of 30%. There is unconfirmed evidence that there was a second “Cyclone” backlog with a readiness of 15%, but it could have been destroyed.

Length x Width x Height: 44.2m x 12.6m x 14.2m
Displacement: 101 t + 36 t cargo
Draft (afloat/foil): 4.3 m / 2.4 m
Operating speed: 42 knots, (70 km/h)
Range: 300 miles
Powerplant: 2x3000 hp gas turbine engine
Propulsion: 2x screws
Type and consumption of fuels and lubricants: kerosene
Passengers: 250

Another interesting fact is that all SPKs are registered with the military; in case of war, they should be used as river hospitals.

New developments of the Central Design Bureau for hydrofoils named after R.E. Alekseeva
During the exhibition “International Naval Show 2013”, held in St. Petersburg, Russian shipbuilders announced the upcoming revival of one almost forgotten direction. During July, the Rybinsk shipyard "Vympel" will begin construction of a new hydrofoil vessel. The last time such equipment was built in our country was about twenty years ago.

Nizhny Novgorod Central Design Bureau for Hydrofoils named after. R.E. Alekseeva (CDB for SPK) several decades ago created several models of such equipment that became widely known. However, recently the development and construction of hydrofoils has ceased. The new vessel, whose keel is scheduled for the coming days, will be built in accordance with the new project 23160 “Kometa-120M”. This project allegedly combines the best developments of past years, as well as modern technologies and electronic equipment. According to the figurative expression of the General Director and Chief Designer of the Central Design Bureau for SPK S. Platonov, “Kometa-120M” differs from the previous “Kometa” in the same way as the “Sapsan” train differs from a simple electric train.

The new Kometa-120M differs from previous hydrofoils primarily by the widespread use of composite materials in its design. In addition, the control systems have undergone major improvements. As a result of all these measures, it was possible to save several tons and significantly lighten the ship. Reducing the weight of the entire vessel, in turn, made it possible to change the draft and the design of the hydrofoils, which ultimately had a beneficial effect on performance. The declared maximum speed of the Comet-120M is about 60 knots, which exceeds the capabilities of all previous vessels of this class.

Project 23160 vessels are proposed to be equipped with modern electronic navigation and communication equipment. At the IMDS-2013 salon, the Central Design Bureau for SPK demonstrated not only models of its hydrofoils, but also a full-scale model of the Comet-120M control systems. All the usual instruments on the panel have been replaced by several large monitors, and most of the controls have given way to push-button remote controls. At the same time, the functionality and information content of the new systems fully corresponds, and in some respects even exceeds the corresponding indicators of the systems used previously.

The declared economic qualities of the new vessel "Kometa-120M" will probably be of interest to potential customers. The payback period is determined to be five years, and the total service life with timely maintenance should exceed 25 years. During this period, the ship will be able to carry up to 120 passengers on each voyage. It is especially noted that two versions of the Comet-120M are available for order, intended for use on rivers and at sea. Most of the design of both options does not have any differences, but the vessel for the sea will have a different anti-corrosion coating on the structural elements and a hydrofoil of a different shape, adapted for operation in sea conditions.

Construction of the first hydrofoil vessel of the Kometa-120M project will begin literally any day. Subsequently, the Central Design Bureau for hydrofoils named after. R.E. Alekseeva plans to bring several more similar projects to production. Thus, at the last exhibition, a model of the hydrofoil vessel Project 23170 “Cyclone-250M”, designed to carry 250 passengers, was demonstrated. In addition, in the coming years, serial construction of Project 23180 Valdai-45R ships, capable of carrying about four dozen passengers, may begin. However, these projects are still only plans. First of all, the Central Design Bureau for SPK intends to launch production of the new Komet-120M. Only after these ships go to work on passenger transportation will preparations begin for the construction of other types of shipbuilding complexes.

The impetus for the current work of the Central Design Bureau for hydrofoils and the Vympel shipyard can be considered the Federal Target Program “Development of Civil Maritime Transport”, within the framework of which promising research and development programs are financed. During this program, only the Central Clinical Hospital for SPK named after. R.E. Alekseeva, commissioned by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, is leading several projects, the total cost of which exceeds 590 million rubles. According to available information, the Central Design Bureau is required to prepare four projects for hydrofoil ships and two projects for air-cavity ships by 2014, as well as conduct several research programs necessary for the implementation of other projects.

The high characteristics of the new hydrofoil vessels, as well as extensive experience in operating such equipment, suggest that the Kometa-120M will be of interest to potential customers and will enter service in certain numbers with carrier companies. It is too early to talk about specific prospects for TsKB’s new SPK projects, since construction of the first vessel of the new project has not even begun.

The Central Design Bureau for Hydrofoils named after R. E. Alekseev is a leading Soviet and Russian enterprise in the field of design of ekranoplans, hydrofoils (SPK), air-cavity vessels (HCV), hovercraft (Hovercraft), boats . Founded April 17, 1951.

Rocket

"Raketa" is the first Soviet passenger hydrofoil ship. Developed and launched in 1957 at the shipyard of the Krasnoye Sormovo plant (Nizhny Novgorod). Production continued until the mid-1970s. This ship was awarded the Gold Medal at the Brussels Exhibition.

Length: 27 m
Width: 5 m
Height (on wing): 4.5 m
Draft (full): 1.8 m
Operating speed: 35 kz, 60 km/h
Powerplant: 1000 hp. diesel M50
Propulsion: screw
Crew/staff: 3
Passengers: 64

Comet

Comet is a series of marine (the first in this class) passenger hydrofoil motor ships.
Developed in 1961.
They were serially produced in 1964-1981 at the Feodosia shipyard "More" (a total of 86 Komets were built, including 34 for export) and in 1962-1992 at the Poti Shipyard (project 342 ME, 39 ships).
High-speed diesel engines for the ship were supplied by the Leningrad Zvezda plant

Gas turbine ship "Burevestnik".

The gas turbine ship Burevestnik is the fastest type of river transport. Has two engines
from IL-18. In 1964-1979 he worked on the Kuibyshev-Ulyanovsk-Kazan-Gorky route.

Meteor

Unlike the aircraft engines of the Burevestnik, the Meteors flew using diesel engines driving propellers typical of ships.

Gull

It was created in a single copy and carried 70 passengers, but it reached speeds of up to 100 km/h! On the water!

Typhoon

Martin

Polesie

"Polesie" is a type of passenger hydrofoil ship.

The vessels are designed for high-speed passenger transportation during daylight hours with a voyage duration of up to 8 hours, including for shallow water bodies.

The body is made of aluminum-magnesium alloy. The wing structure consists of bow and stern wings. The front wing has an arrow-shaped plan.

Belarus- river passenger SPK

Colchis

In total, about 40 units of ships of the Colchis type were produced.

Albatross (Katran)

Marine passenger twin-screw hydrofoil motor ship.
A total of 5 motor ships of the Albatross type were produced.

Cyclone

Comet 120M

via

Documentaries:

"Hydrofoil Flight"(Hydrofoil Flight) - To the centenary of Rostislav Alekseev (1916-1980)

"The Comet Enters the Ocean"

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Where did the “winged fleet” go? (Ukraine) 2017

Once the pride of river passenger transport, Meteora and Rocket are now idle on land. Some are either abroad or cut into scrap metal and cannot be restored. However, in Zaporozhye there are craftsmen who are able to breathe new life into an old ship. The only Meteor in Ukraine that can still be revived is undergoing repairs. Vladimir Osadchiy is one of those who does not allow the ship to go into oblivion.

*******
Russia resumed production of high-speed sea passenger hydrofoil ships of the "Kometa" type (2013)

The new generation marine passenger hydrofoil "Kometa 120M" of Project 23160 is designed for high-speed transportation of passengers during daylight hours in cabins equipped with aircraft-type seats.

Operating area:
Seas with a marine tropical climate R3-RSN (hв3% 2.5 m). The distance from the port - refuge in the open seas is up to 50 miles.
Vessel class KM Hydrofoil craft Passenger - A of the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping.

Seaworthiness:
The movement of the SPK in the wing mode is ensured at wave height hв3% up to 2.0 m and wind up to force 4.
With wave heights hв3% up to 2.5 m and winds up to force 5, safe navigation in displacement mode is ensured.

Production of the Volga boat was launched back in 1958. Initially, it was planned to be used exclusively for service in various regions of the country. Inspectors and patrol officers quickly and appreciated the vessel. Serial production for the population was not launched; the boat remained only in the possession of the state. After the collapse of the country and becoming popular among the masses, the boat gained popularity in the field of trips along rivers and seas. The Volga boat is manufactured with hydrofoils to ensure smooth flight and movement even in slight waves.

General description of the boat "Volga"

Previously, the Volga boat could not be purchased for one’s own needs, since, like the Chaika car, it could only be owned by government organizations. Due to the shortage of such vessels, today the Volga boat is in demand as an excellent retro class transport. The newest boats are those that came out in 1986.

The Volga wing boat was developed by the Krasnoe Sormovo Shipyard and was produced by three factories during the period of active production. The project can be recognized by the identifier - 343. Somewhat later, a similar model was developed that could be used for walking on the sea. In the standard design it was possible to go only to rivers. Marine versions have additional designations ME, MEM, MK.

Production of the Volga boat was launched back in 1958

The characteristics of the Volga hydrofoil boat made it possible to use the vessel for high-speed travel, for transporting large loads or for walking.

The wings in the design are quite deep; they impose certain restrictions on places of use, since on the Volga boat you cannot approach unequipped piers and walk in shallow water. The draft height is 0.85 m. In many photos of the Volga boat, it can be determined that there are only 2 wings: one row is located under the driver’s seat, and the second is at the stern.

Previously, the ship was called “Strela”; this name was valid until 1965. After the renaming, it received the name “Volga”, and unofficially - “Krylatka”, a similar expression still remains among the people.

The engine of the Volga boat may differ in the standard version, since production was carried out in 3 versions:

• "M53F" - 75 liters. With.;
• "M-652-U" - 80 l. With.;
• “M8ChSPU-100” – 90 l. With.

All of the listed types of engines run on gasoline using a 4-stroke system. Most models came with a second engine option, which is sufficient to reach a speed of 65 km/h.

The design is based on aluminum alloy. The method of joining the structure is riveting. Welding was used for individual elements of the body. The length of the vessel is fixed in all modifications and is 8.5 m. The boat has a relatively small cockpit, it can accommodate 6 passengers thanks to the presence of 3 rows of seats, each with a capacity of 2 people.

Hydrofoil boat "Volga"

The bow of the Volga is very elongated and takes up up to 40% of the total space. There is a large engine compartment in the stern, it can carry large loads while maintaining ease of transition to planing.

In river conditions, you can find various versions of the vessel, as many buyers are engaged in design modifications. Today, it is relatively common to see a Volga boat without wings, although it was not possible to make a decent video, but there is an option with removable wings in the video.

Completely restored vessels increasingly feel the need to replace the engine with a more powerful and smaller one. The Volga boat under an outboard engine allows you to speed up the transition to a planing state. To install an outboard motor, you will have to redesign the transom design and remove the stationary engine model. In modernized models, comfort is significantly improved.

Due to the presence of a long closed bow, part of the cockpit is greatly reduced, but the craftsmen found a way out in creating a cabin-type vessel. The high speed of the boat made it popular in the entertainment industry. For tourist purposes, a long deck is installed on the boat, which occupies about 60% of the total area.

In terms of a number of technical parameters, the boat remains competitive today. The case is highly resistant, as the design uses a protective layer of protection consisting of a 4-fold magnesium coating. Additional protection helps prevent corrosion on both the wings and the underbody.

All models of the Volga boat use protectors, but their number depends on the water in which the vessel is intended to be used. For salty, sea water, more protectors are included, and for rivers - less.

The Volga boat under an outboard engine allows you to speed up the transition to planing state

There are several factors why wings are needed on the Volga boat:

• to increase the speed of movement and the speed of transition to planing;
• to reduce water resistance and increase speed;
• to improve seaworthiness, as the wings compensate for pitching and waves.

Hydrofoils also lead to a number of disadvantages:

• high design cost compared to standard displacement vessels;
• when the waves are too large, there is a strong blow to the bottom, and also the wings come out of the water and the ship falls, hitting the bow;
• high demands on engines; they must be relatively light, compact and powerful.

Technical characteristics of the Volga boat

For its time, the ship was one of the fastest, as the speed could reach 70 km/h. Even today, the Volga boat remains a good purchase due to its high quality workmanship, excellent speed and durability.

Technical characteristics of the Volga hydrofoil boat:

• maximum length – 8.5 m;
• overall width – 1.95 m;
• side height in the midsection area – 0.98 m;
• overall height to the top of the windshield – 1.47 m;

Technical characteristics of the Volga boat

• displacement at load – 1.8 t;
• weight without equipment and passengers – 1.25 tons;
• useful load capacity – 650 kg;
• bottom deadrise in the transom area – 17.8°;
• equipment weight – about 190 kg;
• maximum draft for displacement sailing – 0.85 m;
• draft level when planing on the wings – 0.55 m;
• number of passengers – 5 people;
• availability of separate places for control – 1 pc.;
• maximum autonomous navigation distance – 92 miles;
• main engine – “M-652-U”;
• engine power – 80 l. With.;
• propulsion type – propeller (screw);
• screw size – 0.335 m;
• pitch – 0.538 m;
• disc ratio – 0.75;
• number of blades – 3 pcs.;
• comfortable speed of the boat for operation is 50 km/h;

The Volga boat has 5 passenger seats

• maximum speed – 65 km/h;
• seaworthiness level when sailing on wings – 0.4 m;
• seaworthiness with displacement type of movement - 1 m;
• type of material – Amg5V;
• connection method - welding and riveting.

If we consider the seaworthy version of the Volga ME boat, there are several differences, although most of the characteristics have remained unchanged.

Features of the boat for the sea:

• the width of the hull was increased to 2.1 m (by 0.15 m);
• the weight of the structure is slightly greater - 1316 kg (by 71 kg);
• maximum cruising distance without refueling – 97 miles;
• Available with several engine types: 75, 80 and 90 hp. With.

What price

You can purchase a Volga boat in standard configuration without tuning or replacing the engine at a relatively low price, which ranges from 230-300 thousand rubles. When installing an outboard engine, the price may increase by 50–100 thousand rubles.

The boat "Meteor" is a river passenger ship. It is a hydrofoil-powered vessel. It was developed by the domestic shipbuilder Rostislav Alekseev.

History of "Meteor"

The Meteor boat dates back to 1959. It was then that the first such experimental vessel was launched. Sea trials took almost three weeks. Within their framework, the very first boat "Meteor" covered the distance from Gorky to Feodosia. The ship was built at a plant called Krasnoe Sormovo.

The Meteor spent the winter in Feodosia. He set off on his return journey only in the spring of 1960. This time it took him five days to swim from Feodosia to Gorky. The tests were considered successful by all participants.

Mass production

Everyone was happy with it, so already in 1961 it was put into mass production. It was established in the name of Gorky, who was located in Zelenodolsk. Over 30 years, more than 400 ships from this series were produced here.

At the same time, the design bureau did not stand still. New and improved versions were constantly being developed. Thus, Nizhny Novgorod designers proposed making the Meteor on hydrofoils. In this case, imported engines and air conditioners were used. The history of this ship ended only in 2007, when the line was finally dismantled and rebuilt for ships of a new class.

Inventor of "Meteor"

The shipbuilder Rostislav Alekseev is rightfully considered the creator of the Meteor boat. In addition to aircraft on air wings, his merit is the appearance in our country of ekranoplanes (high-speed vehicles flying in the range of an aerodynamic screen) and ekranoplanes (using the screen effect for flights).

Alekseev was born in the Chernigov province back in 1916. In 1933 he moved with his family to Gorky, where he developed a successful working career. He graduated from the Industrial Institute and defended his thesis on hydrofoil gliders. He started working as a shipbuilding engineer.

During the Great Patriotic War, he was allocated resources and people to create hydrofoil combat boats. The leadership of the Soviet Navy believed in his idea. True, their creation was delayed, so they never had time to take part directly in hostilities. But the resulting models convinced skeptics of the feasibility of this project.

Work on "Meteor"

A group of scientists began to develop the “Meteor” hydrofoil under the leadership of Alekseev. Initially it received the symbolic name "Rocket".

The world community became aware of this project in 1957. The ship was presented at the international festival of youth and students, which took place in Moscow. After this, active shipbuilding began. In addition to the Meteor boat, whose technical characteristics turned out to be impressive, projects were created under the names Burevestnik, Volga, Voskhod, Sputnik and Comet.

In the 60s, Alekseev created an ekranoplan for the navy and a separate project for the airborne troops. If the flight altitude of the first was only a few meters, then the second could rise to a height comparable to airplanes - up to seven and a half kilometers.

In the 70s, Alekseev received an order for the landing ground effect vehicle "Eaglet". In 1979, the world's first ekranolet ship was adopted by the navy as an official combat unit. Alekseev himself regularly tested his vehicles. In January 1980, while testing a new model of a civilian passenger ekranolet, which was supposed to be completed for the Moscow Olympics, it crashed. Alekseev survived, but received numerous injuries. He was urgently hospitalized. Doctors fought for his life, two operations were performed. But on February 9, he still died. He was 63 years old.

Hydrofoils

The hydrofoil Meteor is a striking example of ships of this class. It has hydrofoils under the hull.

Among the advantages of such aircraft are high speed of movement, low resistance when moving on the wings, insensitivity to pitching and high maneuverability.

However, they also have significant disadvantages. Their main disadvantage is low efficiency, especially in comparison with slow-moving displacement vessels, and they begin to have problems when the water is rough. In addition, they are not suitable for unequipped parking lots, and to move they need both powerful and compact engines.

Description of "Meteor"

"Meteor" is a hydrofoil motor ship, which is designed for high-speed transportation of passengers. It runs on diesel and is single-deck. Used exclusively during daylight hours on navigable rivers. It is also possible for it to move through freshwater reservoirs and lakes, but only in areas with a predominantly temperate climate. It is controlled remotely, its movement is controlled directly from the wheelhouse.

Passengers are seated in three salons with comfortable and soft seats. They are located in the bow, middle and stern parts of the vessel. A total of 114 passengers can be accommodated. Movement between parts of the vessel is carried out through the deck, from which doors lead to the toilet, utility rooms and engine room. In the middle salon there is even a buffet for those who want to refresh themselves.

The wing device includes load-bearing wings and flaps. They are fixed to the sides and bottom racks.

The main engines are two diesel. At the same time, to service the power plant, a combined unit consisting of a diesel engine with a power of up to 12 horsepower is required. The mechanical installation is controlled from the wheelhouse and engine room.

Power supply of the ship

"Meteor" is a motor ship for which two running DC generators are considered the main source of electricity. Their power is one kilowatt at a stable and normal voltage.

There is also an automatic machine for simultaneous operation of batteries and a generator. There is also an auxiliary generator, which is used directly to power consumers.

Specifications

The passenger ship "Meteor" has enviable technical characteristics. The empty displacement is 36.4 tons, and the full displacement is 53.4 tons.

The length of the vessel is 34.6 meters, width is nine and a half meters with a hydrofoil design span. The height when parked is 5.63 meters, when moving on the wings - 6.78 meters.

The draft also differs when stationary and when moving on the wings. In the first case, 2.35 meters, in the second - 1.2 meters. Power varies from 1,800 to 2,200 horsepower. "Meteor" can reach a maximum speed of 77 kilometers per hour, as a rule, it is operated at a speed of 60-65 kilometers per hour. Autonomously, the ship can sail about 600 kilometers.

One of the disadvantages of Meteor is fuel consumption. Initially, it was about 225 liters per hour, but thanks to the use of new modern engines, today it can be significantly reduced - by about 50 liters of fuel per hour.

The crew is small - only three people.

Countries where Meteor is distributed

Currently, serial production of Meteors has been discontinued, so new ships of this type are no longer appearing. But their exploitation continues today. In particular, they are used by the river fleet of the Russian Federation, and they are also common in other countries.

Until now, they can be seen in Hungary, Greece, Vietnam, Italy, Egypt, China, Kazakhstan, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

These river hydrofoils were actively used in Bulgaria until about 1990, in Latvia until 1988, in Ukraine until 2000, in the Netherlands until 2004, and in Germany until 2008. Now in these countries they have been replaced by more modern ones vehicles.

Safe Travel

Exciting river trips and walks are still organized today using Meteor. Safety on board the ship for passengers is guaranteed by a special control system and regular thorough maintenance of all devices and mechanisms. Therefore, we can say with confidence that when you set sail on the Meteor, you do not risk anything.

You can take a ride on this river boat in different parts of the country. For example, excursions from St. Petersburg to Peterhof and back are very popular today. The ship sets off through the picturesque places of the Neva, tourists can enjoy the amazing beauties of Northern Palmyra. Moreover, everything is done for the convenience of people; it is not even necessary to waste time in line at the box office; it is enough to purchase a ticket online.

This high-speed river boat will delight you with a smooth ride, which is provided by powerful and reliable modern engines. On board each vessel there are radio navigation control, communication and air conditioning systems.

In three comfortable cabins, passengers are protected from any vagaries of nature. In soft chairs that take the form of a tourist, they can fully relax, have a snack, using folding wooden tables hidden in the armrests.

Between the chairs there are also round tables made of natural wood, which are much larger. They will come in handy if you are traveling with a friendly group.

Service for tourists

It is worth noting that today these vehicles are mainly used for tourism purposes. Therefore, they organize the most comfortable pastime. Great attention is paid to service.

Companies organizing such river cruises provide a full range of services, providing everything a vacationer might need. For example, tourism services, which include not only the transportation and accommodation of passengers, but also the organization of nutritious meals, exciting entertainment programs and educational excursions.

By using the convenient form for ordering tickets for these river ships on the Internet, you will not only save time, but also fully enjoy an unforgettable journey along the great rivers of Russia.

There are many fascinating and useful facts about the Meteor ship that will not only broaden your horizons, but also make a trip on this ship even more exciting.

Most of them are collected in a book called “Winged”, which combines all the most interesting things about this unusual type of water transport.

For example, one of the captains of the Meteor ship, which moved on hydrofoils, was the famous Hero of the Soviet Union, participant in the Great Patriotic War, Mikhail Devyatayev. While fighting against the Nazi invaders, he was captured, but managed to free himself and even hijack an enemy bomber.

A successful escape was achieved in February 1945 from a concentration camp located in Germany.

And in 1960, the new ship was demonstrated to the leader of the Soviet Union, Nikita Sergeevich Khrushchev. The famous aircraft designer Andrei Tupolev, who was present, was so impressed by what he saw that he even asked the main developer, Alekseev, for permission to jointly control the ship.

Today, the Meteor has been replaced by the passenger ship Lena, which is also produced at the shipyard in Zelenodolsk. In the future, this project is being developed at a shipbuilding plant located in Khabarovsk. It is capable of covering a distance of 650 kilometers. At the same time, it develops an average speed of up to 70 kilometers per hour. Capable of accommodating 100 passengers or 50 with VIP accommodation. And the crew is only 5 people.

Russia resumed production of hydrofoils June 17th, 2017

I was recently in Kazan and several times passed by the river technical school, in the courtyard of which there was a full-fledged "Rocket". I thought back then, those were the times...

And then I read that the Vympel shipyard (Rybinsk, Yaroslavl region) plans to launch the Project 23160 marine passenger hydrofoil ship "Kometa 120M" in 2017.

That is, we can say that Russia has resumed the production of high-speed sea passenger hydrofoil ships of the "Kometa" type. Greece is already showing interest in the project; they are ready to accept such vessels on the Black Sea coast of Russia.

The new Comets were discussed at a meeting of the co-chairs of the Russian-Greek mixed commission on economic, industrial, scientific and technical cooperation in Crete. The head of the Russian Ministry of Transport was asked whether sales of Komets to Greece, which purchased them thirty years ago, have resumed. To this Sokolov replied: “There are no sales yet, but production of the Comets has resumed.”

However, now the ship has received a different name, said Transport Minister Maxim Sokolov.

Photo 2.

“We even called it the beautiful name “Chaika”, because it was laid down in Rybinsk in the Yaroslavl region, where Valentina Vladimirovna Tereshkova works as a deputy. You remember that her call sign during the flight into space was “Chaika”. Therefore, this “Comet” received name "Chaika". Now it is almost ready. Therefore, if Greek companies want to purchase it, then the contract, in my opinion, is still open," Sokolov said. As for the purchase of Komets by Greece, according to the minister, he is ready to assist them.

“We will be happy. And although shipbuilding is the competence of the Ministry of Industry, I, as the Minister of Transport and as co-chairman of the mixed commission, am ready to support any proposals from Greece,” said the head of the Ministry of Transport.

Photo 3.

As RIA Novosti learned, Vympel Shipyard JSC in Rybinsk is cooperating with the Greek company Argonautiki Ploes on the construction and transfer of the Comet 120M. Negotiations are currently underway with a potential Greek customer on the signing of an agreement of mutual understanding, in which the main terms of the contract for the construction of four such vessels are reflected. The cost of each vessel exceeds six million euros.

Photo 4.

There is interest in the new "Comets" not only in Greece, but also in Russia itself. At the end of April, President Vladimir Putin visited the Vympel plant in Rybinsk. During the meeting, the general director of the enterprise, in particular, told the head of state about the project to launch a hydrofoil ship between Yalta and Sochi.

Putin noted that this proposal is not the only one; several other shipbuilding companies in different regions are offering similar projects.

“The Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Industry have the opportunity to conduct quasi-competitive or competitive procedures and choose the best proposal. But I really like the proposal itself,” the president said, noting that the plan can be implemented with some support from the state in the form of benefits for leasing

Photo 5.

At the same time, Putin added that the Sochi-Yalta route is difficult in terms of weather conditions, since hydrofoils are dangerous to use in strong winds. But such ships can be sent to other routes on the Caucasian coast or in Crimea, this type of transport needs to be developed, it will be in demand, the president concluded.

Anapa is ready to host Comets
The other day, Rosmorport General Director Andrei Tarasenko said that preparations are already underway for the resumption of Komet flights along the Black Sea coast. According to him, an enterprise has already been created in Anapa that will be fully responsible for passenger transportation.

“Previously it was unprofitable, but now we have received applications, in particular from the Black Sea High-Speed ​​Lines company, that many are interested in coming from Anapa to Sochi, many want to come to Yalta. Therefore, we are resolving the issue. I will not say exactly when this will be. Now the companies they receive licenses, there is a large set of documents for obtaining equipment,” Tarasenko said.

Passenger traffic will show whether this route will be popular and regular, he added.

Photo 6.

Production of Komets at the Rybinsk plant was interrupted for almost two decades, but in 2013 the company began building hydrofoils again.

Then Maxim Sokolov, speaking at the laying ceremony of the first of the updated Komets, noted that the ships would be built using completely new technologies. According to him, the implementation of such developments will provide new opportunities for transporting passengers not only along the largest rivers of Russia, but also in the Black Sea basin and the Baltic Sea basin.

Photo 7.

The high-speed hydrofoil "Kometa 120M" is designed to transport passengers in the coastal sea zone. The vessel, about 35 meters long and with a displacement of 73 tons, will be able to reach speeds of up to 35 knots and carry up to 120 passengers: 22 in business class, 98 in economy class.

Photo 8.

Marine passenger hydrofoil ship "Kometa 120M" project 23160 - information

The area of ​​operation is seas with a marine tropical climate. Distance from the port - refuge in the open seas up to 50 miles.

RS class: KM Hydrofoil craft Passenger – A

Overall length, m - 35.2
Overall width, m - 10.3
Displacement, t - 73.0
Overall draft afloat, m - 3.5
Speed, knots - 35
Crew, people - 5
Passenger capacity, people: 120
business class cabin 22
economy class cabin 98
Engine power, kW - 2 x 820
Hourly fuel consumption, kg/hour - 320
Cruising range at full displacement, miles - 200
Sailing autonomy, hours - 8

Photo 9.

The marine passenger hydrofoil ship "Kometa 120M" is a single-deck ship equipped with a twin-shaft diesel-geared power plant. The vessel is designed for high-speed transportation of passengers during daylight hours in new aviation-type seats. It is reported that this sea vessel project was designed on the basis of the SPK, which were created in the USSR according to the Comet, Colchis and Katran projects. The main purpose of this ship is to transport passengers in the coastal sea zone. It is reported that the ship will be able to reach a speed of 35 knots. Its main difference from the SECs previously built in our country will be the provision of a high level of comfort for passengers. For this purpose, the ship will have to have an automatic system for moderating pitching and overload. Modern vibration-absorbing materials will be used in the design of the ship, which should also have a positive effect on passenger comfort.

Photo 10.

The spacious business and economy class cabins on the new Comet will have comfortable airline-type passenger seats, the maximum number of passengers is 120, and an air conditioning system will be installed in the cabins. The peculiarities of the ship include the accommodation of passengers in the bow and middle salons. There will be a bar in the aft saloon. There is also double glazing in the pilothouse and bar areas. The vessel will receive modern means of communication and navigation. It is planned to reduce fuel consumption through the installation of modern 16V2000 M72 engines with electronic fuel injection, produced by the German company MTU, and propellers with increased efficiency.

Photo 11.

Also, Sergey Italiantsev, who holds the post of director of the River-Sea Vessels program in the civil shipbuilding department of the United Shipbuilding Corporation, told reporters that USC is considering the option of completing two hulls of marine passenger hydrofoil ships of the Olympia project located at the Khabarovsk Shipyard . In the future, these completed ships could be used to provide passenger transportation at the Kerch crossing in Crimea. Also, if completed, these vessels could be used in the Far East. It is in the Black Sea and the Far East that today there are big problems with servicing passenger traffic.

The ships of the Olympia project are able to carry up to 232 passengers. They are designed for high-speed transportation of passengers across seas with tropical and temperate climates at a distance of up to 50 miles from “ports of refuge”. A total of two such vessels were built, both of which were sold for export. The degree of completion of the two unfinished ships is approximately 80%. If a decision is made and an agreement for their completion is concluded, the ships can be completed within 6-8 months, as noted on the website of the Central Design Bureau for Hydrofoils named after R. E. Alekseev.

Photo 12.

Photo 13.

Photo 14.

sources