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KM - Caspian Sea Monster

5,476 thomin  9.5 years ago
424 downloads
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Unfortunately, Simple Planes doesn't simulate ground effect, therefore it is impossible to design a real ekranoplan. In order to simulate the flght of the KM, you must therefore balance the flight manually. Depending on the fuel level, a speed of around 380mph will be ideal to have a perfectly balanced flight where you can hover close above the water.

Have fun and don't forget to rate.

Info:
The KM was designed in 1964 – 1965, and was unique in size and payload. The first spy photographs from American spy satellites showed a strange aircraft carrying letters "KM" on its fuselage. CIA disambiguated it as "Kaspian Monster", while it actually meant "Korabl maket" – "prototype ship" in Russian. Chief designer for this aircraft was Rostislav Alexeyev, and the lead engineer was V. Efimov. Until the construction of the An-225 it was the largest aircraft in the world. It was designed to fly at an altitude of 5-10 meters in order to utilize the ground effect. The KM was designed as a special vehicle for the military and rescue teams. However designing such a machine caused serious difficulties. It was documented as a marine vessel and prior to the first flight a bottle of champagne was broken against its nose. It displayed the Soviet Navy Flag and was assigned to the Soviet Navy, since the ground effect is only possible within several meters from the surface. The new vehicle was, however, piloted by air force test pilots.

General Characteristics

  • Successors 1 airplane(s)
  • Created On iOS
  • Wingspan 34.4ft (10.5m)
  • Length 73.7ft (22.5m)
  • Height 20.5ft (6.3m)
  • Empty Weight 10,589lbs (4,803kg)
  • Loaded Weight 23,330lbs (10,582kg)

Performance

  • Power/Weight Ratio 1.444
  • Wing Loading 29.6lbs/ft2 (144.6kg/m2)
  • Wing Area 787.6ft2 (73.2m2)
  • Drag Points 5744

Parts

  • Number of Parts 250
  • Control Surfaces 5
  • Performance Cost 615
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  • Profile image
    3,892 TheChosenOne

    Can someone ask Garrison or Tarpley to add ground effect? I'm trying to make this!

    7.2 years ago
  • Profile image
    5,476 thomin
    @Wakescar Thanks, your words are very much appreciated
    9.5 years ago
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    32.7k Wakescar
    Awesome! I'd seen this while looking for something to build. So easy to stay low to the water with its stability and control. A very nice replica my friend. Needs more stars!
    9.5 years ago
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    50.4k Stingray
    Brilliant! @330 mph this goes level at 200 feet with no problem! (Easier to fly than some of my flying AC carriers, too.)
    9.5 years ago