After the Solviet Union's failed attempt to put a man on the moon, the moon landing program they had been working on (ahead of the US) was covered up and ultimately forgotten. Check out some of these cool shots taken from the Moscow Aviation Institute of some rarely seen lunar landing equipment.
(http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/12/2010/10/500x_russian_space_lander_1.jpg)
(http://cache-03.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/12/2010/10/landing_module_1.jpg)
(http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/12/2010/10/mai_visit_01.jpg)
(http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/12/2010/10/mai_visit_05.jpg)
(http://cache-01.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/12/2010/10/mai_visit_09.jpg)
Cool stuff!
Very steam punk looking... explains why they never made it to the moon... steam power... [laugh]
Neato. [thumbsup]
They really didn't have to put their emblem on things. You can always tell by the design and paint choices who made it. [laugh]
that lander looks HEAVY
^^^weight doesn't mean much in space ;D
Quote from: Porsche Monkey on October 07, 2010, 05:34:32 AM
^^^weight doesn't mean much in space ;D
Certainly does when you're trying to get it there. ;)
That's why the Russians had to launch their space craft on a sled. They started horizontally and shot the thing off a ramp. They hadn't figured out how to build a booster with enough power.
Quote from: humorless dp on October 07, 2010, 06:20:03 AM
Certainly does when you're trying to get it there. ;)
That's why the Russians had to launch their space craft on a sled. They started horizontally and shot the thing off a ramp. They hadn't figured out how to build a booster with enough power.
Always hear that Nasa figure of 1 mill $ per lb to get something into space
...I think the weight matters ;D
Quote from: Porsche Monkey on October 07, 2010, 05:34:32 AM
^^^weight doesn't mean much in space ;D
It does matter a little bit since you have to first get that off the earth and then get the lander off the moon once you are done exploring. Anyway, I was at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum earlier this month. Saw the space shuttle (the test flight one) and other stuff. It's mind blowing
Quote from: Goat_Herder on October 07, 2010, 07:15:19 AM
It does matter a little bit since you have to first get that off the earth and then get the lander off the moon once you are done exploring. Anyway, I was at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum earlier this month. Saw the space shuttle (the test flight one) and other stuff. It's mind blowing
You got to see the Buran? Very cool!
(http://www.aerospaceweb.org/question/spacecraft/buran/ok-gli-germany1.jpg)
(http://www.aerospaceweb.org/question/spacecraft/buran/ok-gli-move-bahrain.jpg)
(http://www.aerospaceweb.org/question/spacecraft/buran/buran-pad2.jpg)
Check out the carrier for the fuel tank:
(http://englishrussia.com/images/soviet_space_program_vm-t_atlant/1.jpg)
Here's a cool link to check out more info:
http://www.aerospaceweb.org/question/spacecraft/q0241.shtml (http://www.aerospaceweb.org/question/spacecraft/q0241.shtml)
I've always admired russian industrial design. It's impressive the amount of truly gigantic shit they've made
More picture goodness! (http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=ru&tl=en&u=http://russos.livejournal.com/742445.html%23cutid1)
Quote from: Paper5tr3et7 on October 06, 2010, 08:24:32 PM
that lander looks HEAVY
Russia sits on a large percentage of the worlds titanium deposits. So a lot of it is propably titanium, very light and very strong.
[thumbsup] Here ya go:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2383/2027755067_d976f65295_o.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2258/2028222513_758d005409.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2341/2029030664_382d6a5154.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2286/2030508792_2f6dc4db74.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2107/2030510206_4fa7f6ad49.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2369/2029788501_f0fcd062ab.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2115/2030589774_00a8ad4e86.jpg)
i'm going to watch james bond movies this weekend now.
Quote from: a m on October 19, 2010, 08:01:36 AM
i'm going to watch james bond movies this weekend now.
[laugh]
(http://www.cultflicks.net/wp-content/uploads/from_russia_with_love.jpg)
Cool! I had not seen pictures of their lander design before. Shows similarity in design to the Vostok craft...spherical compartment for the crew.
Look up their launch platform for the moon program, the N1: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N1_%28rocket%29 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N1_%28rocket%29)
The first stage consisted of 30 (yes 30!!!) liquid fueled motors. No wonder they had problems getting this monster off the ground.
As for the comment above about using ramps????
Good God, talk about a monkey make the beast with two backsing a football... looks like the football is doing the monkey!
How much fuel is that???
Quote from: Monster Dave on October 07, 2010, 08:27:29 AM
Check out the carrier for the fuel tank:
(http://englishrussia.com/images/soviet_space_program_vm-t_atlant/1.jpg)
A lot!!
(http://englishrussia.com/images/soviet_space_program_vm-t_atlant/2.jpg)
Quote from: Monster Dave on October 20, 2010, 07:05:27 AM
A lot!!
(http://englishrussia.com/images/soviet_space_program_vm-t_atlant/2.jpg)
holy shit.
wheels only on the fuselage, no wing wheels. that must be a pregnant dog to land.
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2107/2030510206_4fa7f6ad49.jpg)
it had wing wheels
I bet it was still a freak to land!!
Quote from: Paper5tr3et7 on October 20, 2010, 08:05:51 AM
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2107/2030510206_4fa7f6ad49.jpg)
it had wing wheels
the russians called it "quasimodo"
Interestingly enough, it was 35 years ago today that mankind first got a look at an alien planet 25 million miles away thanks to the Russian Venera 9 probe.
Greetings Venus:
(http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/gizmodo/2010/10/venera2.png)
(http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/gizmodo/2010/10/venera9.jpeg)
Venera 9:
(http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/gizmodo/2010/10/venera9o.jpeg)
(http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/gizmodo/2010/10/veneralander.jpeg)
I had forgotten how much pressure there was that fueled the space race. I hate that we (the USA) are going to loose our bragging rights when they retire the shuttle next year.
Nah, once we put that orbiting laser up, no one will be ahead!!!
True, plus we'll have the words first Space Port.
(http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/12/2010/10/500x_spaceport_america_final.jpg)
Currently being built just outside of Las Cruces:
(http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/12/2010/10/500x_spaceport_america_top.jpg)
(http://cache-03.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/12/2010/10/spaceport_america_01.jpg)
(http://cache-01.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/12/2010/10/spaceport_america_04.jpg)
this is fascinating. Any other pics of neato Russian stuff from yesteryear?
Cool stuff indeed Monster Dave!
BGB
Quote from: Monster Dave on October 22, 2010, 12:27:24 PM
True, plus we'll have the words first Space Port.
I was intimately involved in the design of the curved hangar doors for that building at the former workplace.
Having seen the full blueprints for the entire building, I can say that it will be something to behold when complete.
8)
^ That's really cool Speed!
So since the Soviets were big into...big things, lets expand this thread to include other interesting things that they've built.
Check this out - introducing the Ekranoplan Caspian Sea Monster
(http://blog.uncovering.org/archives/uploads/2009/09070802_blog.uncovering.org_ekranoplano.jpg)
(http://cdn.mqstatic.com/files/gunslot/imagecache/page/images/58005.jpg)
Over 300 feet long, and over 130 feet high!!!
Caspian Sea Monster Ekranoplan Flight Video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8Nu94khHoo#normal)
This thing flew over 300 miles an hour at just over 20 feet about the surface of the water!! :o
I swear they build some of the craziest machines!!!
(http://images.gizmag.com/hero/russian-k-7-flying-fortress.jpg)
K-7 flying fortress
designed in the 30's
432' long
20 prop engines
destroyed in a crash in 33' no other prototypes were built
the pic is a computer rendering of the proposed K-7 upgrade which was essentially 2.5 time larger than the original specs
Wow, here's what the original looked like:
(http://www.internetmodeler.com/artman/uploads/1/Kalinin_ussr_kalinin-k7_1933.jpg)
Quote from: Paper5tr3et7 on October 25, 2010, 01:01:04 PM
(http://images.gizmag.com/hero/russian-k-7-flying-fortress.jpg)
K-7 flying fortress
designed in the 30's
432' long
20 prop engines
destroyed in a crash in 33' no other prototypes were built
the pic is a computer rendering of the proposed K-7 upgrade which was essentially 2.5 time larger than the original specs
:o
Quote from: Monster Dave on October 25, 2010, 01:07:14 PM
Wow, here's what the original looked like:
(http://www.internetmodeler.com/artman/uploads/1/Kalinin_ussr_kalinin-k7_1933.jpg)
wtf does it have for wheels?????
Quote from: ducatiz on October 25, 2010, 04:07:37 PM
wtf does it have for wheels?????
normal sized planes ;D
Quote from: Paper5tr3et7 on October 25, 2010, 04:47:28 PM
normal sized planes ;D
looking at some of these designs, i would not be surprised if they were all T50 tanks
Check out this tank/gun:
(http://26.media.tumblr.com/PL8xUi8OEqodvklmUkliLBkbo1_400.jpg)
holy shit, metal gear was an actual thing
Quote from: Paper5tr3et7 on October 26, 2010, 01:44:05 PM
holy shit, metal gear was an actual thing
[laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh]
Quote from: Monster Dave on October 26, 2010, 09:49:33 AM
Check out this tank/gun:
(http://26.media.tumblr.com/PL8xUi8OEqodvklmUkliLBkbo1_400.jpg)
"i vant to bvild beeg make the beast with two backseeng gun.. so beeg, that just SEEEEEING it vill make enemy shit pants"
Reminds me of the Paris gun.
(http://warandgame.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/berthasd.jpg)
The german school of design is much more stylistic, albeit a lot less imposing.
Actually, I'm pretty sure that the one above is the Schwerer Gustav. Which is also German. Someone must have photoshopped it to look cooler.
I was wondering why it seemed so illogical from an engineering standpoint.
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uRactd0sQqo/SJHYd-gz7jI/AAAAAAAAC-A/PR2u29vz7wk/s400/retyeryetrer.jpg)
(http://www.aviastar.org/foto/gallery/mil/v-12_19.jpg)
The V-12 by far the largest helicopter ever built
there were plans a year ago that a company was going to make one into a flying hotel
(http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kKsWTdjnXiw/0.jpg)
it's like a 747 with rotors
I don't know what teh hell this is. ???
(http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad320/Super_TIB/0788490.jpg)
Must be missing something?
Quote from: Stinky Wizzleteats on October 26, 2010, 09:36:10 PM
I don't know what teh hell this is. ???
I hear it'll do the Kessel run in less than three parsecs.
Seriously, looks like a one of those early 70s hydroplane designs. The Russians built them for fast anti-submarine warfare (impossible/hard to torpedo a hydroplane)
After some googling - More here: http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?regsearch=CCCP-19172&distinct_entry=true (http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?regsearch=CCCP-19172&distinct_entry=true)
Quote from: Stinky Wizzleteats on October 26, 2010, 09:36:10 PM
I don't know what teh hell this is. ???
(http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad320/Super_TIB/0788490.jpg)
Must be missing something?
has to be
many older planes wingers are removable
flying wing from Indiana Jones?? lol
Quote from: ducatiz on October 27, 2010, 07:12:29 AM
(http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad320/Super_TIB/0788490.jpg)
Actually that thing looked a lot different when assembled!
(http://www.testpilot.ru/russia/bartini/vva/img/vva.jpg)
Interestingly enough, look what was posted up today on the net:
UGMâ€"27 Polaris
(http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/12/2010/10/500x_beriev_1.jpg)
(http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/jalopnik/2010/10/beriev_2.jpg)
Here's how it was designed to operate (audio is not in English):
Bartini VVA-14 and 14M1P (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6Fb8bWhCKw#normal)
Here's something that's a bit scary from the US - The Atomic Bomber
The Atomic Bomber p.3(5) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsCw0s0BJKY#normal)
It seems like the Russians never run out of interesting things for us to marvel upon.
I present the heart of the Soviet missle defenses: The Don-2N Anti-Ballistic Missile and Space Vehicle Tracking Radar Center
(http://englishrussia.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/DON-2N_russian_radar_10.jpg)
Situated near Moscow, the 426 x 426-foot DON-2N pyramid is the centerpiece of the former Soviet missile defense system, still active and upgraded today. Experts estimate that it required 50,000 tons of concrete, 20,000 kilometers of cable and 32,000 tons of metal work, including 10,000 iron valves that regulate the 60,000 radiators needed to cool down the radar equipment.
It's considered the most powerful ABM radar and the most precise orbital tracking instrument in the world. In fact, when Discovery put six metal balls into orbit in December 1992, DON-2N was the only system capable of detecting the two that measured 1.9 inches in diameter.
The DON-2N pyramid is capable of functioning independently. In case of attack, the base is hermetically closed using giant steel doors. From the inside, the command center can control 68 short-range Gazelle interceptors.
(http://blog.modernmechanix.com/mags/qf/c/PopularScience/7-1940/sml_cover.jpg)
Popular Science: July 1940
(http://blog.modernmechanix.com/mags/qf/c/PopularScience/7-1940/lrg_russian_bomb.jpg)
Quote from: Monster Dave on November 09, 2010, 09:59:05 AM
(http://englishrussia.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/DON-2N_russian_radar_10.jpg)
My fortress of solitude. The zombies could never get me.
Quote from: Speedbag on November 10, 2010, 03:58:37 PM
My fortress of solitude. The zombies could never get me.
Nor could Papa John's.
total deal breaker.
Quote from: Monster Dave on October 29, 2010, 11:51:53 AM
Interestingly enough, look what was posted up today on the net:
UGMâ€"27 Polaris
(http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/12/2010/10/500x_beriev_1.jpg)
i just realized that wild shit like this is what really bankrupted the CCCP. they spent so much on stuff like this -- stuff that >I< would want to ride and play with -- that they didn't spend enough on building the country.
HEY VLADIMIR? WHAT SAY WE BUILD A make the beast with two backsING BOAT THAT IS REALLY A JET PLANE?
YOU MEAN IT SKIS ON VATER? HOLY SHIT THAT'S GREAT!!
and then in typical government fashion they spend a trillion dollars developing it and playing with it only to mothball the project when they get bored and move on to the next thing...
^ [laugh]
Looks like NASA finally found the "lost for 40 years" 1st Soviet lunar lander.
(http://images.gizmag.com/hero/lunokhod.jpg)
Where is it? Yep, still sitting on the moon. How did the verify that they found it? They bounced a laser off of it. Pretty cool.
On other horizons, it's a pretty unique time at NASA because after 33 years, Voyager 1 is about to leave our known solar system and cross into interstellar space.
(http://images.gizmag.com/hero/voyager1.jpg)
Here's a cool write up about it: http://www.gizmag.com/voyager-1-spacecraft-edge-of-solar-system/17285/ (http://www.gizmag.com/voyager-1-spacecraft-edge-of-solar-system/17285/)
Quote from: Monster Dave on December 16, 2010, 11:53:50 AM
On other horizons, it's a pretty unique time at NASA because after 33 years, Voyager 1 is about to leave our known solar system and cross into interstellar space.
Here's a cool write up about it: http://www.gizmag.com/voyager-1-spacecraft-edge-of-solar-system/17285/ (http://www.gizmag.com/voyager-1-spacecraft-edge-of-solar-system/17285/)
Very cool! [thumbsup]
It's cool that we'll still be able to receive data from Voyager 1 until 2025 provided the equipment continues to operate. This is where things will really start to get interesting.
Here's something cool for those of you interested in the moon landings:
http://www.google.com/moon/ (http://www.google.com/moon/)
Quote from: Monster Dave on December 16, 2010, 11:53:50 AM
On other horizons, it's a pretty unique time at NASA because after 33 years, Voyager 1 is about to leave our known solar system and cross into interstellar space.
(http://images.gizmag.com/hero/voyager1.jpg)
Here's a cool write up about it: http://www.gizmag.com/voyager-1-spacecraft-edge-of-solar-system/17285/ (http://www.gizmag.com/voyager-1-spacecraft-edge-of-solar-system/17285/)
I'm not happy about that. We all know how it ends up.
(http://pics.livejournal.com/flw/pic/0009zwps)
[laugh]
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5lx-rdYFjfY/TPulNdQbkeI/AAAAAAAACEU/O9gvT-VUg4A/s1600/34.jpg)
Inside the Buran Shuttle:
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5lx-rdYFjfY/TPulIiZjQlI/AAAAAAAACEI/YWInL4HCgi8/s1600/31.jpg)
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5lx-rdYFjfY/TPulJxN82iI/AAAAAAAACEM/N_Ci419fcNo/s1600/32.jpg)
The launching/transportation platform:
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5lx-rdYFjfY/TPulQvpl-KI/AAAAAAAACEc/hq9X9iy9qB8/s1600/2.jpg)
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5lx-rdYFjfY/TPulTwEI8UI/AAAAAAAACEk/HJxagFAu7EI/s1600/4.jpg)
The main launching structure:
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5lx-rdYFjfY/TPuk0t-0AdI/AAAAAAAACDc/_U64ElFpYj0/s1600/20.jpg)
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5lx-rdYFjfY/TPuksluszrI/AAAAAAAACDM/mR9lMoDll7E/s1600/16.jpg)
that shuttle looks really spacious, i've been in a lifesize mockup of our shuttles and there is barely enough room to turn around.
....is it weird i have an urge to live in the launching platform?
Quote from: Turf on January 19, 2011, 02:09:33 PM
that shuttle looks really spacious, i've been in a lifesize mockup of our shuttles and there is barely enough room to turn around.
....is it weird i have an urge to live in the launching platform?
Aside from the instrumentation, the cockpit has been really stripped down. I wonder how much of a difference in space that made?
Here's the cockpit of Atlantis:
(http://www.nasa.gov/centers/langley/images/content/70412main_KSC-99PP-0412.JPG)
that atlantis shot looks like it's shot with a wide angle lens to make it look bigger :P
good thing the russian ones are bigger anyway because we'll be cramming americans in them now.
Quote from: Turf on January 19, 2011, 06:06:54 PM
good thing the russian ones are bigger anyway because we'll be cramming americans in them now.
not in the Buran - that was a failed program.
News:
(http://tomsastroblog.com/images/2010/10/assembly.jpg)
NASA has reported that its Messenger spacecraft is now in orbit around the planet Mercury â€" the first ever mission to achieve this feat!
More than 40 years on from the first moon landing in the age of the Mars rovers and space tourism, it's easy to overlook just what a remarkable a feat this is. Before reaching orbit on Thursday at approximately 9 pm EDT, Messenger traveled for six and a half years and covered 4.9-billion-miles in which it went through three flybys of Mercury, one of Earth and two of Venus.
After firing its main thruster for 15 minutes the spacecraft slowed by 1,929 mph (leaving around 10 percent of fuel in the tank for orbit correction maneuvers) and it is now in a 12 hour elliptical orbit around the innermost planet some 96.35 million miles from Earth.
[thumbsup]
Quote from: ducatiz on November 12, 2010, 06:42:56 AM
i just realized that wild $#!t like this is what really bankrupted the CCCP. they spent so much on stuff like this -- stuff that >I< would want to ride and play with -- that they didn't spend enough on building the country.
HEY VLADIMIR? WHAT SAY WE BUILD A F---ING BOAT THAT IS REALLY A JET PLANE?
YOU MEAN IT SKIS ON VATER? HOLY $#!T THAT'S GREAT!!
and then in typical government fashion they spend a trillion dollars developing it and playing with it only to mothball the project when they get bored and move on to the next thing...
Kind of like the F-22. Or maybe the F-35?
Quote from: spolic on March 18, 2011, 04:11:03 PM
Kind of like the F-22. Or maybe the F-35?
Both of which are being built? The 35 is being built for like 3 countries and 5 different military services. Neither of which float on water, though one does have VTOL which is really cool.
I'm understand see the point of your comparison.
Quote from: Turf on March 18, 2011, 04:31:16 PM
Both of which are being built? The 35 is being built for like 3 countries and 5 different military services.
The F-22 has been discontinued (all will supposedly be built by the end of 2011) because it cost too much. Very cool and high tech...but too expensive to actually deploy in combat in sufficient numbers.
The Pentagon has a long history of building expensive POS planes which don't perform their mission well...F-111, B-1, F-4, F-14 (despite what Top Gun would have you believe), etc.
Jury is still out on the F-35. My bet is it will be a marginal performer, which is what happens when you try to make one tool do everything. Time will tell.
Excellent book on the subject:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51dU1i1%2BAiL._SS500_.jpg)
Quote from: Triple J on March 18, 2011, 04:37:16 PM
The F-22 has been discontinued because it cost too much. Very cool and high tech...but too expensive to actually deploy in combat in sufficient numbers.
The Pentagon has a long history of building expensive POS planes which don't perform their mission well...F-111, B-1, F-4, F-14 (despite what Top Gun would have you believe), etc.
Jury is still out on the F-35. My bet is it will be a marginal performer, which is what happens when you try to make one tool do everything. Time will tell.
Excellent book on the subject:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51dU1i1%2BAiL._SS500_.jpg)
I find it interesting that you comment on planes based on the info in your sig line. ;D
Quote from: ducpainter on March 18, 2011, 04:48:03 PM
I find it interesting that you comment on planes based on the info in your sig line. ;D
[laugh] I didn't even think of that. I just think it's a funny quote, not necessarily true.
Quote from: Triple J on March 18, 2011, 04:51:53 PM
[laugh] I didn't even think of that. I just think it's a funny quote, not necessarily true.
couldn't resist...
pointing out the obvious. :P
Space suits that never were:
(http://cdn.gajitz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/spherical-spacesuit.jpg)
(http://cdn.gajitz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/x-15-program-spacesuit.jpg)
(http://cdn.gajitz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/strange-spacesuit-concepts.jpg)
he seems to have grown an additional joint in his right arm in fig.2
(http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/images/soviet_shuttle.jpg)
For Red rover
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2495/4223503911_3dab9be6a7.jpg)