Tsybin RSR
| RSR | |
|---|---|
| |
| Orthographically projected diagram of the Tsybin RSR | |
| Role | Reconnaissance aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Tsybin OKB-256 |
| Designer | P. V. Tsybin |
| First flight | 7 April 1959 |
| Status | Prototype/project |
| Primary user | USSR |
TheTsybin RSR(Reactivnyy Strategicheskiy Razvedchik,CyrillicРеактивный Стратегический Разведчик,Russianfor "jet strategic reconnaissance" ) was aSovietdesign for an advanced, long-range,Mach3strategicreconnaissance aircraft.
Development and design
[edit]In 1954, thedesign bureauheaded by Pavel Tsybin started development of aramjet-poweredsupersonicstrategic bomber,theRS.This design proved impracticable, and a smaller derivative, the2RSwas proposed, which would achieve intercontinental range by beingair-launchedfrom a modifiedTupolev Tu-95bomber.[1]
This too was unsuccessful, with the aircraft unable to return to base if used on an intercontinental mission,[1]while being incapable of carrying athermonuclear bomb.[2]The design was therefore revised again to a reconnaissance aircraft capable of operating from conventionalrunways,theRSR.As ramjets could not be used for take-off, they were replaced byturbofans.[1]
The RSR was primarily of aluminium construction, with a long circular-section fuselage, which housed apressurized cabinfor the pilot together with cameras and fuel, with thin, low-aspect-ratiotrapezoidal wings.The engines, twoSoloviev D-21turbofans,were mounted at the tips of the wings. The aircraft had a bicycle undercarriage, with outriggers under the enginenacelles.It was planned tocruiseat greater thanMach2 at a height of 20,000 m (65,600 ft) giving a range of 3,760 km (2,340 mi).[3]
A simplified, full-sized aerodynamic prototype for the novel layout, theNM-1was built in 1957. Intended for low-speed handling tests, the NM-1 had a steel-tube fuselage withduraluminiumand plywood skinning.[4]This aircraft, powered by twoMikulin AM-5turbojetsfirst flew on 7 April 1959.[3]Based on the results of these trials, the RSR was redesigned (as theR-020) to make it more manoeuvrable at high altitude (it was proposed to carry outbarrel rollsto avoidsurface-to-air missiles).[5]More conventionalTumansky R-11turbojets (the engine used in theMiG-21) replaced the unavailable Soloviev turbofans. Five R-020 airframes were virtually complete, only awaiting engines by April 1961, with another 10 planned, when Soviet PremierNikita Khrushchevcancelled the program.
Specifications (R-020)
[edit]Data fromSoviet X-Planes,[6]The Osprey Encyclopedia of Russian Aircraft 1875–1995[7]
General characteristics
- Crew:1
- Length:28 m (91 ft 10 in)
- Wingspan:10.66 m (35 ft 0 in)
- Wing area:64 m2(690 sq ft)[8]
- Empty weight:9,100 kg (20,062 lb)
- Gross weight:19,870 kg (43,806 lb)
- Fuel capacity:10,700 kg (23,589 lb)
- Powerplant:2 ×Tumansky R-11Fturbojetengines, 38.64 kN (8,686 lbf) thrust each dry, 60.65 kN (13,635 lbf) with afterburner
Performance
- Maximum speed:2,600 km/h (1,600 mph, 1,400 kn) at 12,000 m (39,000 ft)
- Maximum speed:Mach 2.44
- Range:4,000 km (2,500 mi, 2,200 nmi)
- Service ceiling:22,500 m (73,800 ft)[8]
- Take-off run:1,200 m (3,900 ft)
- Landing run:800 m (2,600 ft) with brake parachute
See also
[edit]Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
References
[edit]Notes
[edit]- ^abcButowski 1998. p. 39–40.
- ^Gunston 1995, p. 376.
- ^abGunston 1995, p. 377.
- ^Air InternationalFebruary 1977, p. 98.
- ^Tsybin R-020.testpilot.ru.Retrieved 28 February 2008.
- ^Gordon, Yefim; Gunston, Bill (2000).Soviet X-Planes.Hinkley: Midland. pp. 191–192.ISBN978-1-85780-099-9.
- ^Gunston 1995, p. 378.
- ^abTsybin NM-1.testpilot.ru.Retrieved 28 February 2008.
Bibliography
[edit]- Butowski, Piotr. "Steps Towards 'Blackjack': Soviet supersonic intercontinental bombers before the Tu-144".Air Enthusiast.No. 73, January - February 1998. Stamford, Lincolnshire: Key Publishing. Page 36-49.ISSN0143-5450.
- Gunston, Bill.The Osprey Encyclopedia of Russian Aircraft 1875 - 1995.London: Osprey, 1995.ISBN1-85532-405-9.
- "Plane Facts:Soviet strategic reconnaissance".Air International,February 1977, Vol 12 No 2. Bromley, UK:Fine Scroll. p. 98.