Aviation
Commercial /
Russia
Meet Slon
The new Russian super-heavy freighter could become the biggest freighter in the world
Slon projection
Image: TsAGI
Rafael Ramos
3/24/2022
“Slon” (Elephant) is the project nickname of the new Russian superheavy aircraft presented in 2019 by the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute of Russia (TsAGI).
According to an official statement, the aerodynamic model presented, with a length of 1.63 meters and a wingspan of 1.75 meters, was made to be tested in a wind tunnel of variable density.
Weighing in at 120 kilograms, the model has removable wing tips, a removable horizontal stabilizer and a vertical stabilizer with elevator and rudder sections, so you can test the plane in different configurations of tail, winglets or landing gear.
The superheavy freighter will eventually replace the Antonov An 124, but with 60 tons more payload (180 tons, compared to 120 for the An-124). After the Antonov An-225 was destroyed, the Slon could become the largest operating freighter in the world.
Range is estimated at 7000 km at a speed of 850 km/h when loaded with 150 tonnes.
Antonov An-124 Ruslan
Md Shaifuzzaman Ayon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
On the outside, the model is very reminiscent of the An-124, but is more ambitious. It will use 4 more powerful and economical Aviadvigatel PD-35 turbofans, which are being developed under contract with the Russian Ministry of Industry and Commerce.
“The results obtained confirm the declared characteristics of the project”, says the junior researcher of aerodynamics of transport aircraft Alexander Krutov, about the test.
The next efforts should be to improve the aerodynamics of the aircraft and to develop the mechanisms of flaps and slats.
Slon model
Image: TsAGI
Windtunnel tests on Slon
Image: TsAGI
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Rafael Ramos
Aviation enthusiast from an early age, he had his first contacts with the area developing that good old habit of spending dozens of hours in front of the screens of Micrsoft Flight Simulator and other simulators. With a solid background in various technological areas, including engineering and chemistry, Rafael has rejoined aviation as editor and author of articles and materials on our portal, providing invaluable help to the dynamics and expansion of the website and the aeronautical community, bringing us the news and updates so indispensable for us to remain current in our area of operation.
   
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