This Weird Machine Was Russia’s Way Of Combating US Nuclear Submarines

The Cold War saw two nations trying to overpower one another and that led to a number of peculiar designs when it comes to military. Soviet’s astounding creations included the Bartini Beriev VVA-14 – a bizarre plane that was designed to take out the threat of US nuclear submarines. Its pontoons gave it the unique look of a bomber airframe that has been affixed to two Star Trek-like nacelles. It was the work of Italian designer Robert Bartini.

The plane was to be a vertical-take-off amphibious aircraft that was designed to be part of the defense against US nuclear subs. The idea was for the plane to skim the water’s surface and thus, enabling it to have eyes on the underwater targets while ensuring its safety from sub attacks.

Only two prototypes were built and the project was eventually scrapped. The only remaining prototype is on display outside the Russian Air Force Museum in Monino, outside of Moscow.

The Bartini Beriev VVA-14 featured a 3-person crew. 

Its first flight was on 4^th September, 1972. At that time, the prototype still had to be given the pontoons for aquatic landings.

Once the pontoons were incorporated, the VVA-14 was able to land at sea.

The plane was also able to hover along the surface of water and did so in an efficient manner.

It featured two turbojet engines apart from the 12 turbofan engines that imparted the power to execute the lift. 

The plane flew a total of 103 flight hours clocking in over 107 flights before the project was cancelled following Bartini’s death.