Russian photog gets illicit shots inside the Ekranoplan

[aeropilot]

Its an amazing thing, and the vintage films of it from the 80's are astonishing, and now just before its put into a 'museum', a Russian photographer has sneaked on board it to take photographs of inside it.

https://www.rferl.org/a/photographer-sneaks-inside...

[Podie]

Always been fascinated by the ekranoplan- interesting to see inside.

[tracer.smart]

It’s in surprisingly good condition. Looks like you could flip a few switches and fire it up.

[Scrump]

Thanks for sharing the link. Amazing to see the interior.

[Europa1]

Thanks for sharing, OP. I've always been fascinated by these things - a great idea, but also some very rudimentary engineering solutions: just look at all those engines strapped together!

[cardigankid]

aeropilot said:

Its an amazing thing, and the vintage films of it from the 80's are astonishing, and now just before its put into a 'museum', a Russian photographer has sneaked on board it to take photographs of inside it.

https://www.rferl.org/a/photographer-sneaks-inside...

Those pictures are remarkable - a few years ago pictures like that would have got you a Siberian holiday or worse.

[Sophisticated Sarah]

Well that poor security guard will be falling off a balcony

[Jader1973]

I saw a documentary about these years ago. They are incredible machines.

[Nickbrapp]

That’s mad, what a amazing looking thing

[Tony1963]

Can you imagine being in your little fishing boat, a mile out in the Caspian Sea, when your mate says “What’s that noise?” and that hoofing great monster appears on the horizon? Love it.

[Leon R]

I love these things, shame the even bigger KM is sat at the bottom of the Caspian sea.

[LotusOmega375D]

Which enemy aircraft carriers in the Caspian Sea were the Soviets worried about?

Also what happens to the above fishing boat if the Ekranoplan is heading straight for it at silly speeds?

[ecsrobin]

Sophisticated Sarah said:

Well that poor security guard will be falling off a balcony

I imagine he was more likely bribed than asleep.

[TimJMS]

Leon R said:

I love these things, shame the even bigger KM is sat at the bottom of the Caspian sea.

That creation was properly intimidating. Jet engines attached to the vertical stabiliser as well as above the cockpit.

[essayer]

LotusOmega375D said:

Which enemy aircraft carriers in the Caspian Sea were the Soviets worried about?

Also what happens to the above fishing boat if the Ekranoplan is heading straight for it at silly speeds?

Give way to the right!

[anonymous-user]

Great photos, and as already said, it looks in amazing condition inside.

Usually anything Soviet-era fell to pieces 20+ years ago due to neglect.

[anonymous-user]

essayer said:

LotusOmega375D said:

Which enemy aircraft carriers in the Caspian Sea were the Soviets worried about?

Also what happens to the above fishing boat if the Ekranoplan is heading straight for it at silly speeds?

Give way to the right!

I was wondering exactly the same thing. It doesn't look like it can steer particularly well once it's up to speed, and surely it would need to be able to avoid boats.

[geeks]

Awesome thing, I had no idea it existed until just now!

[normalbloke]

Lord Marylebone said:

essayer said:

LotusOmega375D said:

Which enemy aircraft carriers in the Caspian Sea were the Soviets worried about?

Also what happens to the above fishing boat if the Ekranoplan is heading straight for it at silly speeds?

Give way to the right!

I was wondering exactly the same thing. It doesn't look like it can steer particularly well once it's up to speed, and surely it would need to be able to avoid boats.

Might be why it has triple radars...

[Podie]

Google earth link (quite old) - https://www.google.com/maps/place/42%C2%B052'54.0%...