The Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute named after Zhukovsky conducted the first test cycle of a model of a promising light multi-purpose aircraft LMS-901 "Baikal", which in the future should replace the outdated Soviet An-2, also known as"Cornhuskers". According to the Institute, the research is carried out by order of the Baikal-engineering company.
In the summer of 2019, the Russian Ministry of industry and trade held a competition to develop a light multi-purpose helicopter capable of carrying up to nine passengers. The winner of the competition was recognized as the company "Baikal-engineering", which by the end of this year should submit the first prototype of the aircraft for static testing. The first flight of the LMS-901 is scheduled for 2021.
The t-102 wind tunnel of the Zhukovsky Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute is being tested on a 1:7 scale. at the first stage, the tests were carried out at air flow speeds from 25 to 50 meters per second. The model used a simulator of a working power plant. Experts determined the total aerodynamic characteristics of the aircraft and the effectiveness of its controls.
The LMS-901 is 12.2 meters long, 3.7 meters high, and has a wingspan of 16.5 meters. The aircraft has a maximum take-off weight of 4.8 tons and can fly at speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour. The maximum range of the LMS-901 is three thousand kilometers. The aircraft is created according to a modular scheme that will allow you to convert it into a cargo or passenger version.
The an-2 is one of the most popular Soviet aircraft. In total, about 18,000 maize trucks were produced, 1,400 Of which are still operated by Russian companies and agencies. The aircraft was widely used on local routes and in agriculture. The "cornhusker" is capable of reaching speeds of up to 236 kilometers per hour and flying at a distance of up to 990 kilometers. The aircraft can carry up to 12 passengers or cargo weighing up to 1.5 tons.
Vasily Sychev