Nikitin PSN-1

PSN-1
Role Research aircraft
National origin USSR
Designer Vasilii Vasilyevich Nikitin & N.G. Mikhelson[1]
Number built 10

The Nikitin PSN-1 was a piloted glider anti-shipping missile produced in the USSR from 1937.[1]

Development

From 1933 a series of special projects was initiated under the PSN banner (Planer Spetsial'nogo Naznachenaya - Glider for Special Purposes). A proposal was made by S.F. Valk for a glider anti-shipping bomb with Infra-Red guidance, which was expanded to include DPT (long-range glider torpedo), LTDD (Long-range flying torpedo) and BMP (towed mine glider). To evaluate the Kvant Infra-Red guidance a piloted version was produced as the Nikitin PSN-1. Nikitin and Mikhelson designed a small single-seat monoplane flying boat glider with floats at approx 1/2 span, carrying a torpedo underneath. The PSN-1 was carried aloft by either Tupolev TB-3 or Tupolev TB-7 motherships and released at the appropriate height.[1]

At least 10 were built and many of these were flown during trials of the autopilot and the Kvant (Quantum) guidance system.[1]

Specifications (PSN-1)

Data from Encyclopedia of Russian Aircraft 1875-1995[1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Wingspan: 18 m (26 ft 3 in)
  • Empty weight: 970 kg (2,138 lb)
  • Gross weight: 2,000 kg (4,409 lb)
  • Powerplant: 1 × MG-11F

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 168 km/h (104 mph, 90 kn)

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Gunston, Bill (1995). The Osprey Encyclopedia of Russian Aircraft 1875–1995 (1st ed.). London: Osprey Publishing. ISBN 1-85532-405-9.
  • Gunston, Bill. "Encyclopedia of Russian Aircraft 1875-1995". London:Osprey. 1995. ISBN 1-85532-405-9