Passenger hydrofoil comet 120m. "Kometa" is back: Russia has resumed the production of hydrofoils

Burevestnik, Sputnik, Comet and Meteor - the names of these Soviet ships gave rise to romantic thoughts about flying. Although it was only about the river trip. However, it is difficult to say, a trip on a hydrofoil is also swimming, but there is something from flying in it. These ships, which in general were called rockets and could reach speeds of 150 km / h (carrying up to 300 passengers), were the same symbol of the USSR of the 60s and 80s, like the real space rockets that plowed the Bolshoi Theater space spaces.

Heavy economic crisis(if not an industrial disaster) of the 90s led to the fact that the number of ships of this class was sharply reduced. Now let's remember a brief history these unusual ships.

The principle of movement of these vessels was twofold. At low speed, such a vessel moves like an ordinary ship, that is, due to the buoyancy of water (hello to Archimedes). But when it develops high speed, then due to the hydrofoils available to these ships, a lifting force arises, which raises the ship above the water. That is, a hydrofoil is both a ship and, as it were, an airplane at the same time. He only flies "low".

Perhaps the most elegant high-speed hydrofoil was the so-called. gas turbine "Petrel". It was developed by the Central Design Bureau of the SPK R. Alekseev in the city of Gorky and, with a length of 42 meters, could reach an estimated speed of 150 km / h (although there is no evidence that the ship has ever reached such a speed).

The first (and only) experimental vessel, Burevestnik, was built in 1964.

It was operated by the Volga Shipping Company on the Volga along the route Kuibyshev - Ulyanovsk - Kazan - Gorky.

Two aircraft gas turbine engines on the sides gave this ship a special showiness (such engines were used on the IL-18 aircraft).

In such a ship, the journey really should have resembled a flight.

The captain’s cabin was distinguished by particular grace, the design of which resembled the design of futuristic American limousines of the 50s (in the photo below, however, the cabin is not the “Petrel”, but about the same).

Unfortunately, having worked until the end of the 70s, the unique 42-meter Burevestnik was written off due to wear and tear, and remained in a single copy. The immediate cause of the decommissioning was an accident in 1974, when the Burevestnik collided with a tugboat, severely damaging one side and a gas turbine engine. After that, it was restored, as they say, "somehow" and after some time its further operation was considered unprofitable.

Another type of hydrofoil was the Meteor.

The "Meteors" were smaller than the "Petrel" (34 meters in length) and not as fast (no more than 100 km / h). Meteors were produced from 1961 to 1991 and, in addition to the USSR, they were also supplied to the countries of the socialist camp.

In total, four hundred motor ships of this series were built.

Unlike the aircraft engines of the Burevestnik, the Meteors flew with diesel engines that drove propellers typical of ships.

Vessel control panel:

But the most famous hydrofoil is probably the Rocket.

For the first time "Rocket" was presented in Moscow in 1957 at International Festival youth students.

The leader of the USSR Nikita Khrushchev himself then expressed himself in the spirit that, they say, it’s enough to swim along the rivers in rusty bathtubs, it’s time to travel in style.

However, at that time only the first experimental "Rocket" went along the Moscow River, and after the festival it was sent for trial operation on the Volgna to the Gorky-Kazan line. The ship covered a distance of 420 km in 7 hours. An ordinary ship followed the same route for 30 hours. As a result, the experience was considered successful and the "Rocket" went into series.

Another of the famous Soviet ships is the Comet.

"Comet" was marine option"Meteora". In this 1984 photo, two Comets are in seaport Odessa:

"Comet" was developed in 1961. Serially produced from 1964 to 1981 at the Feodosia shipyard "More". A total of 86 Komets were built (including 34 for export).

One of the surviving "Komet" in a bright design:

By the beginning of the 70s, the Rockets and Meteors were already considered obsolete ships, and the Voskhod was developed to replace them.

The first ship of the series was built in 1973. A total of 150 Voskhods were built, some of which were exported (China, Canada, Austria, Hungary, the Netherlands, etc.). In the 90s, the production of Voskhod was stopped.

"Sunrise" in the Netherlands:

Of the other types of hydrofoils, it is worth remembering the Sputnik.

It was truly a monster. At the time of the construction of the first Sputnik ship (October 1961), it was the world's largest hydrofoil passenger ship. Its length was 47 meters, and the passenger capacity was 300 people!

"Sputnik" was first operated on the Gorky - Tolyatti line, but then, due to its low landing, it was transferred to the lower reaches of the Volga to the Kuibyshev - Kazan line. But he was on this line for only three months. On one of the voyages, the ship collided with a driftwood, after which it stood in a shipyard for several years. At first they wanted to cut it into scrap metal, but then they decided to install it on the Togliatti embankment. "Sputnik" was placed next to river station, where it houses a cafe with the same name, which continues to delight (or scare) the inhabitants of Avtograd (proof) with its appearance.

The marine version of the Sputnik was called the Whirlwind and was intended for sailing with a wave of up to 8 points.

It is also worth remembering the ship "Chaika", which was created in a single copy and took on board 70 passengers, but developed a speed of up to 100 km / h

Another of the rare ones is the Typhoon ...

... and "Swallow"

a story about Soviet courts on hydrofoils would be incomplete without a story about a man who devoted his life to the creation of these ships.

Rostislav Evgenievich Alekseev (1916-1980) - Soviet shipbuilder, creator of hydrofoils, ekranoplanes and ekranoplanes. Yacht designer, winner of all-Union competitions, master of sports of the USSR.

He came to the idea of hydrofoils during the work during the war (1942) on the creation of combat boats. His boats did not have time to take part in the war, but in 1951 Alekseev was awarded the Stalin Prize of the second degree for the development and creation of hydrofoils. It was his team that in the 50s created the "Rocket", and then, starting in 1961, almost every year a new project: "Meteor", "Comet", "Sputnik", "Petrel", "Sunrise". In the 60s, Rostislav Evgenievich Alekseev began work on the creation of the so-called. "Ekranoplanes" - ships for the Airborne Forces, which were supposed to soar above the water at a height of several meters. In January 1980, while testing a passenger ekranolet, which was supposed to enter service for the 1980 Olympics, Alekseev was seriously injured. He died from these injuries on February 9, 1980. After his death, the idea of ekranoplanes was no longer returned.

And now I offer a few more photos of these insanely beautiful hydrofoils:

The Kometa-44 built in 1979 is currently operated in Turkey:

Project "Olympia"

Project "Katran"

Two-story monster "Cyclone"

Cemetery of ships near Perm.

Bar "Meteor" in the city of Kanev (Ukraine)

Red "Meteor" in China

But even today, these ships of the 60s projects look quite futuristic.

Traveling around our country every day you discover something new. So today, on a cruise in Petrozavodsk, I discovered just such a curiosity. These are hydrofoil ships "Kometa" and "Meteor". Since I was not prepared to meet such vessels, the Meteor practically did not get into the frame, because I thought that they were the same. From Petrozavodsk "Meteors" and "Kometa" operate flights along Lake Onega to Kizhi, Velikaya Guba and Shala. The fare, for example, to Kizhi is 1375 rubles one way. Pleasure is not cheap.

1. "Kometa" - a series of sea (the first in this class) passenger ships on hydrofoils. The motor ship was developed in 1961 at the Central Design Bureau for Hydrofoils named after I. R. E. Alekseeva. Serially produced in 1964-1981 at the Feodosia shipbuilding plant "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).

2. Displacement 41.2 t (empty), 58.3 t (full), length 35.1 m, width 11.0 m, height 7.8 m (when running on wings), draft 3.6 m (when parked) , 1.7 m (when running on wings).

3. The ship is equipped with 2 diesel engines M-401A, 1 auxiliary diesel generator-compressor-pump. Power 2200 hp, propeller 2 propellers, travel speed 60 km/h (maximum), 55-57 km/h or 30 knots (operational).

4. Crew 5 people, passenger capacity up to 120 people (depending on modification). Passengers are accommodated in three cabins equipped with soft seats: bow, middle and stern. Passenger compartment resembles an airplane cabin, because even the seats are of an airplane type.

5. In the parking lot and when moving at low speed, the hydrofoil is kept on the water due to the force of Archimedes, like an ordinary displacement vessel. At high speed, due to the lift created by these wings, the ship rises above the water. At the same time, the area of contact with water is significantly reduced, and, consequently, the hydrodynamic and frontal resistance of water, which allows you to develop a higher speed.

6. "Meteor", project 342E river passenger ship hydrofoil, designed by Rostislav Alekseev. Produced from 1961 to 1991 at the Zelenodolsk shipbuilding plant named after. A. M. Gorky. In total, more than 400 ships of this series were built.

7. And this photo is a bonus. This is the sunset today Onega lake.

My next post will be about the city of Petrozavodsk. As they say, Stay tuned.

MOSCOW, June 17 - RIA Novosti. Russia resumed production of high-speed marine passenger ships on hydrofoils of the "Kometa" type, said the Minister of Transport Maxim Sokolov. Greece is already showing interest in the project, and they are ready to accept such vessels on the Black Sea coast of Russia.

The talk about the new "Comets" was at a meeting of the co-chairs of the Russian-Greek mixed commission for economic, industrial and scientific-technical cooperation in Crete. The head of the Russian Ministry of Transport was asked whether the sales of Komets to Greece, which bought them thirty years ago, resumed. To this, Sokolov replied: "There is no sale yet, but the production of Komets has resumed."

However, now the ship has received a different name, he said.

"We even called her the beautiful name "Seagull", because she was laid in Rybinsk in Yaroslavl region, where Valentina Vladimirovna Tereshkova works as a deputy. You remember that her call sign during the flight into space was "Seagull". Therefore, this "Comet" was called "Seagull". Now she is almost ready. Therefore, if Greek companies want to buy it, then the contract, in my opinion, is still open," Sokolov said.

As for the purchases of "Comets" by Greece, then, 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 the co-chairman of the mixed commission, are ready to support any proposals from Greece,” the head of the Ministry of Transport said.

As it became known to RIA Novosti, JSC " Shipyard"Vympel" in Rybinsk is cooperating with the Greek company "Argonavtiki ploes" on the construction and transfer of "Comet 120M". Negotiations are currently underway with a potential Greek customer to sign an agreement of understanding, which reflects the main terms of the contract for the construction of four such vessels. The cost of each vessel exceeds six million euros.

At the Black Sea

Interest in the new "Comets" is shown 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 offer similar projects.

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

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

Anapa is ready to receive "Comets"

The other day CEO Rosmorport Andrey Tarasenko said that preparations are already underway for the resumption of Komet flights on Black Sea coast. According to him, an enterprise has already been created in Anapa, which will be fully responsible for passenger transportation.

“It used to be unprofitable, but now applications have been received, in particular from the Black Sea High-Speed Lines company, which is interesting for many to come from Anapa to Sochi, many want to come to Yalta. Therefore, we are resolving the issue. I won’t say exactly when it will be. Now the company receive licenses, there is a large set of documents for obtaining equipment," Tarasenko said.

Will it this direction popular and regular, will show passenger traffic, he added.

Updated "Comet"

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

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 the transportation of passengers not only major rivers Russia, but also in the Black Sea basin and in the Baltic Sea basin.

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

The Minister of Transport of Russia Maxim Sokolov, during a meeting of the heads of the Russian-Greek mixed commission on economic, industrial and scientific and technical cooperation on June 17, 2017 in Moscow, announced the resumption of production of high-speed hydrofoils of the Kometa type in the Yaroslavl region.

“We even called it the beautiful name “Chaika”, because it was laid 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 "Seagull". Therefore, this "Comet" was called "Seagull". Now she is almost ready. Therefore, if Greek companies want to buy it, then the contract, in my opinion, is still open,” said the head of the Russian Ministry of Transport.

According to him, the sale of ships to Greece has not yet been agreed, but there are all conditions for this, including historical background, since Athens purchased these ships 30 years ago and still has not lost interest in them. Sokolov added that he was ready to facilitate the supply of "Seagulls" to Greece.

"We will be glad. And although shipbuilding is the competence of the Ministry of Industry, I, as the Minister of Transport and as the co-chairman of the mixed commission, are ready to support any proposals from Greece, ”RIA Novosti quoted the official as saying.

Photo report: Russia resumed production of Kometa hydrofoil ships

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JSC “Shipyard “Vympel” is cooperating with the Greek company “Argonavtiki ploes” on the construction and transfer of the ships “Kometa 120M”. Currently, negotiations are underway with a potential Greek customer to sign an agreement of mutual understanding, which reflects the terms of the contract for the construction of four "Comets". The cost of one vessel exceeds €6 million.

The first hydrofoil ships were tested in Europe in the 19th century. Later, in the first third of the 20th century, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, the USA, Canada and the USSR began to produce this type of ships. Domestic production of this type of transport ended with the collapse of the USSR, in total, about 1.5 thousand "winged" ships were built during this time.

The laying ceremony of the first vessel of the Kometa-120M project took place in August 2013 in the city of Rybinsk.

“After an almost 20-year break in the construction of hydrofoil ships, the laying and subsequent serial construction of hydrofoil ships (SPK) of a new generation at JSC Shipyard Vympel became the most important stage in the development domestic shipbuilding. This will also contribute to the development passenger traffic”, Maxim Sokolov said then.

According to Sokolov, the ships are planned to be used not only in river transport but also in the Black and Baltic Seas. The construction will be carried out according to the project developed by JSC "Central design department for hydrofoil ships. R.E. Alekseev. The production was the result of cooperation between OJSC Central Design Bureau for SPK im. R.E. Alekseev” and OJSC “Shipbuilding Plant “Vympel” within the framework of the federal target program"Development of civil marine technology for 2009-2016".

The ship "Kometa-120M", designed for 120 passengers, was created on the basis of the SPK of the "Kometa", "Colchis", "Katran" projects and is intended for the transportation of passengers in the coastal sea zone. The SPK develops a speed of 35 knots (65 km/h). According to the Ministry of Transport, the main differences between this modern vessel and the previously built SPK will be a high level of passenger comfort, for which the ship will use automatic system reduction of pitching and overload.

In September 2016, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the Zvezda shipbuilding complex as part of a working trip to Primorsky Krai.

He inspected the tanker ice class Sakhalin got acquainted with the work of the hull production unit and took part in the launch ceremony of the first stage of the shipyard. During that meeting, the head of state expressed the opinion that the new enterprise "in many respects will be better than our main competitors in the world" and will give impetus to the development of the Far East region. The shipyard will receive all the necessary funding, the president promised.

Traveling around our country every day you discover something new. So today, on a cruise from Moscow to the Solovetsky Islands in Petrozavodsk, I discovered just such a curiosity. These are hydrofoil ships "Kometa" and "Meteor". Since I was not prepared to meet such vessels, the Meteor practically did not get into the frame, because I thought that they were the same. From Petrozavodsk "Meteors" and "Kometa" operate flights along Lake Onega to Kizhi, Velikaya Guba and Shala. The fare, for example, to Kizhi is 1375 rubles one way. Pleasure is not cheap.

2. Displacement 41.2 t (empty), 58.3 t (full), length 35.1 m, width 11.0 m, height 7.8 m (when running on wings), draft 3.6 m (when parked) , 1.7 m (when running on wings).

4. Crew 5 people, passenger capacity up to 120 people (depending on modification). Passengers are accommodated in three cabins equipped with soft seats: bow, middle and stern. The passenger compartment resembles the cabin of an aircraft, because even the seats are of an aircraft type.

6. "Meteor", project 342E hydrofoil river passenger ship, developed by Rostislav Alekseev. Produced from 1961 to 1991 at the Zelenodolsk shipbuilding plant named after. A. M. Gorky. In total, more than 400 ships of this series were built.

7. And this photo is a bonus. Here is such a sunset today on Lake Onega.

My next post will be about the city of Petrozavodsk. As they say, Stay tuned.