Sep/13

Soviet heavy aircraft used to transport space rockets

No comments · Posted by Sergei Rzhevsky in Photos, Technology

VM-T “Atlant” is a Soviet heavy transport aircraft, which is a modification of the strategic bomber 3M. This aircraft was used to transport various parts of space-rocket complexes to the Baikonur Cosmodrome.

In the 1980s, more than 150 flights were made to deliver to the Baikonur the elements of launch systems “Energy” and “Buran”. Because of the specific appearance the aircraft was called the “flying barrel”.

Wingspan – 53.14 meters, the length of the aircraft – 58.70 m, the height of the aircraft – 14.0 m, empty weight – 74 500 kg, maximum take-off weight – 210 000 kg.

In 2013, it was presented at the exhibition of the Moscow International Aviation and Space Salon MAKS-2013 in Moscow. Photos by lusika33