Tupolev Voron
 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (July 2017) |
| Voron | |
|---|---|
| Role | High-altitude and high speed reconnaissance drone |
| National origin | Soviet Union |
| Design group | Tupolev |
| Status | Development ceased |
| Number built | 0 |
| Developed from | Lockheed D-21 |
The Tupolev Voron (Russian: Ворон; English: Raven) was a planned supersonic unmanned reconnaissance aircraft of the Soviet Union manufactured by the company Tupolev, largely based on or designed to compete with the Lockheed D-21.
History
In the first mission of the
The
The Voron was planned as an reconnaissance platform which, in conjunction with other airborne and ground-based reconnaissance tools, would contribute to overall strategic reconnaissance for the Soviet Union. The
Some sources state the Voron was equipped with an RD-012 engine with 1,350 kgf (13.2 kN; 3,000 lbf) thrust; other sources speak of a 3Ts4 (RD-07K) engine from the OKB-670 of
A ground-based launch of the Voron was also planned, using a trailer with a large booster rocket. This project was soon rejected because the deployment range would have been much shorter than a carrier-aircraft launch. The work on the Voron lasted for several years and the project yielded valuable insights and useful materials for future supersonic missiles. The Voron was not built as the Soviet government came to believe that reconnaissance satellites would be more effective than drones.
Specifications
General characteristics
- Length: 13.07 m (42 ft 11 in)
- Wingspan: 5.8 m (19 ft 0 in)
- Height: 2.08 m (6 ft 10 in)
- Wing area: 37 m2 (400 sq ft)
- Empty weight: 3,900 kg (8,598 lb)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 3,500–3,800 km/h (2,200–2,400 mph, 1,900–2,100 kn)
- Maximum speed: Mach 3.25–3.55
- Range: 4,600 km (2,900 mi, 2,500 nmi)
- Service ceiling: 23,000–26,400 m (75,500–86,600 ft)
See also
References
- ^ Peck, Michael (18 May 2019). "Russia Got Its Hands on This 'Mini SR-71' Mach 3 Spy Drone (To Steal Its Secrets)". The National Interest.
- ^ "D-21 Drone - Tagboard / Senior Bowl". Spyflight.co.uk. Archived from the original on 10 September 2004. Retrieved 19 February 2013.
Further reading
- Gordon, Yefim (2008). US aircraft in the Soviet Union and Russia. Hinckley: Midland. p. 245. ISBN 978-1-85780-308-2.
- Gordon, Yefim; Rigmant, Vladimir (2005). OKB Tupolev: A History of the Design Bureau and its Aircraft. London: Midland Publ. pp. 325–327. OCLC 475344733.