HEAVY-CLASS EKRANOPLANS TO MAKE UP GLOBAL RESCUE SYSTEM AT SEA

The real possibility of using second-generation ekranoplans in the global transport system creates prerequisites for the development of a global sea rescue system, based on such vehicles.

Newly designed rescure ekranoplan

The design of the above-mentioned second-generation heavy-class ekranoplans provides for their high aerodynamic characteristics in flight and good seaworthiness when sailing, i.e. the operation of this marine equipment in two modes. When afloat, ekranoplans can easily maneuver using hydrodynamic rudders, propelling devices and transverse thrust units, and move at low speeds for extended periods. The latter factor enables them in sailing mode to arrive at a safe port from any point of their flight radius if, for some reason, their further flight becomes impossible (because of waves, icing, malfunctioning, and so on). The two-mode operation gives second-generation ekranoplans some new qualities. For example, they demonstrate high operational safety compared with other types of aircraft. The possibility of landing on water at any time and arriving at a port of refuge in the sailing mode guarantees the delivery of passengers and cargo to the point of destination under any circumstances. 

The real possibility of using second-generation ekranoplans in the global transport system creates prerequisites for the development of a global sea rescue system, based on such vehicles. There is every reason to create such a system. 

First, the development of navigation and other forms of the exploration of seas and oceans, as well as air transportation over water, requires taking efficient measures to reduce casualties and material damage as a result of shipwrecks, plane crashes, accidents at sea-based production structures, and so on, as well as damage done to the environment due to this. 

Second, experience has proven that rendering fast and efficient aid to people in distress at sea or to victims of ecological disasters with the help of currently available means is difficult and sometimes impossible. Amphibian aircraft are unable to accomplish all rescue tasks and are inefficient in unfavorable hydrometeorological conditions, because of some accident-related reasons, or because of their own limited capabilities, whereas the use of helicopters is limited to coastal areas. Ships that happen to be near accident sites remain the main rescue means. However, most of them do not have special rescue equipment and are little suited for rescue operations. 

Third, the international community already uses the COSPAS-SARSAT communications and navigation system created by Russia, the United States, Canada and France for rescue operations at sea. This system has already helped rescue more than 4,500 people. Satellites transmit information from people in distress at sea in equatorial areas at intervals of not more than two hours, and continuously from latitudes more than 60 degrees. The system, which is being intensively modernized, will soon include geostationary satellites, which will enable rescue organizations around the world to immediately receive distress signals and information about the location of accident sites, circumstances of accidents, and weather conditions there. 

Finally, the creation and use of a global sea rescue system, based on heavy ekranoplans, will not require spending in an amount that the international community cannot afford. 

A global international rescue system must be intended to rescue crews and passengers of ships, submarines and aircraft, personnel of oil rigs and other technical facilities at sea, and technical facilities themselves, and render emergency aid in environmental catastrophes at sea. 
 

Range of operation of ekranoplan

 
The Krylov Central Research Institute has come out with technical proposals on a global rescue system. Specifically, it has proposed building 12 bases at ports in the Far East, Southeast Asia, Africa, Europe and North and South Americas, where 50 heavy-class ekranoplans will be stationed. As these vehicles are water-based, no additional facilities will need to be built. Ekranoplans can also be based at outlying terminals with floating piers, the construction of which will not take much money. Considering the range of operation of ekranoplans, the 12 bases will enable the global rescue system to cover all areas of international shipping, fishing, intensive uses of aviation, oil extraction and transportation, and so on. (See map. The dots mark accident sites at sea.) 

The stationing of three or four ekranoplans at each base would make it possible to send one or two vehicles to an accident site immediately after the reception of a distress signal, where they will search for and pick up victims and provide all kinds of the required aid for several hours. Ekranoplans are capable of rescuing not only people but also transport and technical facilities with the help of special rescue teams and equipment. The use of ekranoplans in environmental catastrophes makes it possible to quickly localize the disaster area and deliver rescue teams and technical facilities there. 

In combination with the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system, heavy-class ekranoplans can make up a rescue system at sea that would be the only really efficient such system at present and in the future. 

The Krylov Research Institute has come out with a design of a heavy-class ekranoplan with a displacement of 750 tons for a global rescue system. This vehicle will have high seaworthiness characteristics in taking off and landing even on very rough seas, which makes it possible to use it on the open sea almost all year round. The vehicle has a long sailing range and can reach a port of refuge from any point in its zone of responsibility at a low speed (about 15 knots) even if for some reason it is unable to fly. The ekranoplan's flight speed is 400 to 500 km/h, and its range of operation varies from 3,000 to 4,000 km. The vehicle can deliver a wide range of rescue equipment, from rafts and motor boats to a boom defense ship, a bathyscaph and a helicopter, to an accident site. Disaster victims can receive any medical aid on board while on the way to port. 

To substantiate the project, specialists of the Krylov Central Research Institute have conducted large-scale engineering development and experiments in wind tunnels, test basins, on catapults, gasdynamic test stands, and in the open sea. 

Efficient rescue operations at sea are impossible without cooperation between seafaring countries. The creation of a global rescue system calls for international cooperation on a larger scale than the development of, say, the COSPAS-SARSAT communications and navigation system required. It is expedient to join efforts in the development and operation of a heavy-class ekranoplan and on the creation of a global rescue system within the framework of an international consortium of the leading shipbuilding and aircraft companies and with the financial support of the project by all countries interested in such a system. 

The Central Krylov Research Institute is now working out ways to organize such a consortium and is studying proposals for cooperation in the development of a heavy-class ekranoplan and in regional and worldwide efforts to create a global rescue system.