In Russia full swing construction of a civil hydrofoil vessel (SPK) is underway in a new way, the first since Soviet Union project. We are talking about a ship designed to carry 120 passengers. The construction of a civilian vessel is underway in the city of Rybinsk, Yaroslavl region, at the Vympel shipyard. The vessel, intended for high-speed sea transportation, is being built according to project 23160 “Kometa 120M”.
JSC Shipbuilding Plant Vympel specializes in the production of small and medium-tonnage marine and river boats and boats for both civil and military purposes. Since the founding of the enterprise in 1930, more than 30 thousand various ships of all types have been assembled and launched in Rybinsk. Over the past 40 years, more than 1,800 ships and boats built in the Yaroslavl region have been delivered to 29 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, countries of the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
Passenger hydrofoil ship "Kometa"
The vessel is being built according to a project that was created by the designers of the famous Nizhny Novgorod Central Design Bureau for Hydrofoils named after R. E. Alekseev in Russia. The very fact of construction symbolizes the fact that high-speed civil shipbuilding is beginning to awaken from a long hibernation and period of decline in the 90s of the 20th century. A source in the Russian shipbuilding industry in an interview with RIA emphasized that in the 1990s, available passenger high-speed ships were sold abroad: to Greece, China, the Baltic countries, where at that time they were in demand by local customers. But now such ships are in demand in Russia itself. They would be very useful today on the Black Sea, where there are really great difficulties in servicing passenger flows. According to Soviet designs, such ships were built in Russia until about the mid-90s of the last century.
The new ship according to project 23160 was laid down at the Vympel shipyard in the city of Rybinsk on August 23, 2013. The regional governor Sergei Yastrebov and the Minister of Transport Maxim Sokolov took part in the solemn ceremony of laying the keel of the marine passenger hydrofoil ship "Kometa 120M". At the ship's laying ceremony the following were announced: approximate dates construction of a new vessel - 9-10 months. As it turned out, the terms that appeared in the press at that time turned out to be very optimistic. But the event itself, when, after an almost 20-year break in Russia, the construction of high-speed passenger hydrofoil ships began under a new project and the subsequent serial production of the new generation SPK in Rybinsk, is certainly a very important and significant stage for Russian civil shipbuilding.
Perhaps it is precisely such a long break that affects the construction time of the small vessel as a whole. According to the manufacturer's information, on March 13, 2015, the ship under construction was moved from the conductor slipway from the first construction position to the second. In Rybinsk they note that this important point, which means the end of a large construction phase. Now the ship will remain at the second outfitting position for about another month. The technological clamping strips, the so-called butts, have already been removed from the ship. The body is welded from the outside. Ahead of the ship is a mandatory stage of work - testing the hull for leaks. As part of this work, X-ray inspection of the seams will be carried out; in addition, the tanks will be filled with water and tested for water tightness.
To save time on the construction of the vessel, work on the formation of the superstructure frame will begin at the second outfitting position. At the third stage construction work"Kometa 120M" will be returned back to the conductor slipway, where the superstructure will be riveted. At the fourth, final stage of work, the ship will be placed on high keel blocks for the installation of the propulsion and steering complex, wing device, propellers, shafts and rudder.
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 high level comfort for passengers. For this purpose, the ship will have to have automatic system moderation of 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.
The spacious business and economy class cabins on the new Comet will have comfortable aviation-style passenger seats, maximum amount passengers - 120, provision is made for the installation of an air conditioning system 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 communications and navigation. It is planned to reduce fuel consumption through the installation of modern 16V2000 M72 engines with electronic fuel injection, manufactured by the German company MTU, and propellers with an increased coefficient useful action.
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, in the event of completion, the vessel data could be used for 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 tropical and temperate climate with a distance from “ports of refuge” of up to 50 miles. 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 a contract 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.
Two such vessels were built in the 80s of the last century and were successfully operated. "Olympia" is one of the latest projects of Soviet civilian SEC. According to RIA Novosti, there are currently several potential customers who are ready to use these vessels in the Black Sea. According to Italiantsev, currently in Khabarovsk there is preparatory work, in order to modernize this project to meet the requirements of today and to the current register rules in Russia and complete the construction of the ships.
In the meantime, the ferry crossing Kerch Strait(crossing port "Crimea" - port "Caucasus") is the main transport artery that connects Crimea with the rest of Russia. For this reason, long traffic jams and hours of waiting for cars to be loaded onto the ferry have become commonplace here, especially during the summer holidays. Moreover, in winter and autumn, traffic jams occur here only during a storm. By the end of 2018, it is planned to complete and put into operation a new bridge across the Kerch Strait. 247 billion rubles are allocated for the construction of this bridge, and a total of 416.5 billion rubles are planned to be allocated for the development of the transport infrastructure of Crimea.
Main characteristics of the vessel "Kometa 120M":
Displacement - 73 tons.
Overall dimensions: length - 35.2 m, width - 10.3 m, draft - 3.2 m.
Operating speed - 35 knots (in calm water).
Passenger capacity - 120 people (22 business class, 98 economy class).
Range - 200 miles.
Autonomy (flight duration) - up to 8 hours.
The power of the main power plant is 2x820 kW.
Fuel consumption - 320 kg/hour.
Seaworthiness (wave height): when sailing on foils - 2 m, in displacement position - 2.5 m.
Crew - 5 people.
Information sources:
http://www.vz.ru/news/2015/5/19/746141.html
http://ria.ru/economy/20150519/1065394853.html
http://portnews.ru/news/166150
http://www.vympel-rybinsk.ru (manufacturer)
http://www.ckbspk.ru (design company)
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 ships 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 named her beautiful name"Chaika" because it was founded in Rybinsk in the Yaroslavl region, where Valentina Vladimirovna Tereshkova works as a deputy. You remember that her call sign during the space flight was “Seagull”. Therefore, this “Comet” was called “Seagull”. Now it's almost ready. Therefore, if Greek companies want to purchase it, then, in my opinion, the contract is still open,” Sokolov said. As for the purchase of Komet 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 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 reflects the main terms of the contract for the construction of four such vessels.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; there are several other shipbuilding companies in different regions propose 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 from the point of view 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 CEO"Rosmorport" Andrey Tarasenko stated that it has already preparations are underway to 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 at sea coastal 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 a contract 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
“Burevestnik”, “Sputnik”, “Comet” and “Meteor” - the names of these Soviet ships gave rise to romantic thoughts about flight. Although we were talking only about a river trip. However, it’s hard to say, a trip on a hydrofoil is also swimming, but there is something of flying in it. These ships, which are general view, 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 - 80s, just like the real ones space rockets who roamed the Bolshoi Theater in space.
Heavy economic crisis(if not an industrial disaster) of the 90s led to a sharp reduction in the number of ships of this class. Now let's remember a short history these unusual ships.
The principle of movement of these ships was twofold. At low speed, such a ship moves like an ordinary ship, that is, due to the buoyant force of water (hello to Archimedes). But when it develops high speed, due to the hydrofoils these ships have, a lifting force arises, which lifts the ship above the water. That is, a hydrofoil is both a ship and, as it were, an airplane at the same time. He just flies low.
Perhaps the most elegant high-speed hydrofoil was the so-called. gas turbine ship "Burevestnik". 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 a design speed of 150 km/h (although there is no data that the ship 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.
What made this vessel especially impressive were the two aircraft gas turbine engines on its sides (such engines were used on the IL-18 aircraft).
In such a ship, travel should indeed resemble flight.
The captain's cabin was particularly elegant, the design of which was reminiscent of the design of futuristic American limousines of the 50s (the photo below, however, is not the cabin of the Burevestnik, 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 reason for the decommissioning was an accident in 1974, when the Burevestnik collided with a tug, severely damaging one side and the gas turbine engine. After this, 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 Burevestnik (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, were also supplied to the countries of the socialist camp.
A total of four hundred motor ships of this series were built.
Unlike the aircraft engines of the Burevestnik, the Meteors flew using diesel engines driving propellers typical of ships.
Vessel control panel:
But the most famous hydrofoil is probably the Raketa.
“Rocket” was first presented in Moscow in 1957 at the International Student Youth Festival.
The leader of the USSR Nikita Khrushchev himself then expressed himself in the spirit that, they say, it’s enough to swim along rivers in rusty bathtubs, it’s time to travel in style.
However, at that time only the first experimental “Rocket” was running along the Moscow River, and after the festival it was sent for trial operation to the Volgna on the Gorky-Kazan line. The ship covered a distance of 420 km in 7 hours. An ordinary ship would travel the same route for 30 hours. As a result, the experiment was considered successful and “Rocket” went into production.
Another famous Soviet ship is the Comet.
"Comet" was a naval version of "Meteor". This 1984 photo shows two Comets in the seaport of Odessa:
"Comet" was developed in 1961. They were mass-produced from 1964 to 1981 at the Feodosia shipyard "More". A total of 86 Komets were built (including 34 for export).
One of the “Comets” that has survived to this day in a bright design:
By the beginning of the 70s, “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, production of Voskhods was stopped.
Sunrise in the Netherlands:
Among other types of hydrofoils, it is worth remembering the Sputnik.
It was truly a monster. At the time of construction of the first Sputnik ship (October 1961), it was the world's largest passenger hydrofoil ship. Its length was 47 meters, and its 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 Volga on the Kuibyshev - Kazan line. But he spent only three months on this line. On one of the voyages, the ship encountered a sinkhole, after which it stood in a ship repair yard 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 the river station, where it housed a cafe of the same name, which with its appearance continues to delight (or frighten) the residents of Avtograd (proof).
The marine version of Sputnik was called “Whirlwind” and was intended for sailing in waves up to 8 points.
It is also worth remembering the ship “Chaika”, which was created in a single copy and took 70 passengers on board, but reached a speed of up to 100 km/h
Another rare one we can’t help but mention is “Typhoon”...
...and "Swallow"
A story about Soviet hydrofoils would be incomplete without a story about a man who devoted his life to creating 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 while working during the war (1942) to create 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 created “Rocket” in the 50s, and then, starting in 1961, almost every year new project: “Meteor”, “Comet”, “Satellite”, “Petrel”, “Sunrise”. In the 60s, Rostislav Evgenievich Alekseev began work on creating the so-called. "Ekranoplans" - ships for the airborne forces, which were supposed to hover above the water at a height of several meters. In January 1980, during testing of a passenger ground-propelled aircraft, which was to be put into operation 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 never returned to.
And now I offer some more photos of these incredibly beautiful hydrofoils:
Built in 1979, Comet-44 is today operated in Turkey:
Project "Olympia"
Project "Katran"
Double-decker monster "Cyclone"
Ship cemetery near Perm.
Bar "Meteor" in Kanev (Ukraine)
Red Meteor in China
But even today these ships of the 60s designs look quite futuristic.
Central Design Bureau for Hydrofoils named after R. E. Alekseev - the leading Soviet and Russian enterprise in the field of design of ekranoplanes, hydrofoil vessels (HFV), air cavity vessels (HCV), vessels on air cushion(SVP), boats. Founded on 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".
Gas turbine ship Burevestnik - the fastest type 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 reservoirs.
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"
*******
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 masters 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 sea 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.
Traveling around our country, you discover something new every day. Today, on a cruise in Petrozavodsk, I discovered such a curiosity. These are hydrofoil ships "Kometa" and "Meteor". Since I was not prepared to meet such ships, the Meteor practically did not make it into the frame, since I thought that they were the same. From Petrozavodsk, "Meteora" and "Comet" operate flights along Lake Onega to Kizhi, Velikaya Guba and Shala. The cost of travel, for example, to Kizhi is 1375 rubles one way. Pleasure is not cheap.
1. "Kometa" - a series of marine (the first in this class) passenger hydrofoil motor ships. The motor ship was developed in 1961 at the Central Design Bureau for hydrofoils named after. R. E. Alekseeva. 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).
2. Displacement 41.2 t (unladen), 58.3 t (full), length 35.1 m, width 11.0 m, height 7.8 m (when moving on the wings), draft 3.6 m (when parked) , 1.7 m (when moving on wings).
3. There are 2 installed on the ship diesel engines M-401A, 1 auxiliary diesel generator-compressor-pump. Power 2200 hp, propulsion 2 propellers, 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 soft chairs: bow, middle and stern. The passenger cabin resembles an airplane cabin, because even the seats are airplane-type.
5. When stationary and traveling at low speed, a hydrofoil vessel is kept afloat by the Archimedes force, just like an ordinary displacement vessel. At high speed, due to the lifting force 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 drag resistance of the water, which allows you to develop a higher speed.
6. "Meteor", project 342E hydrofoil river passenger motor ship, designed by Rostislav Alekseev. Produced from 1961 to 1991 at the Zelenodolsk shipyard named after. A. M. Gorky. In total, more than 400 motor ships of this series were built.
7. And this photo is a bonus. This is the sunset on Lake Onega today.
My next post will be about the city of Petrozavodsk. As they say, Stay tuned.