Caspian Sea Monster

The Caspian Sea Monster, officially «KM» (Korabl Maket, Russian - Корабль-макет Naval Prototype), also known as the "Kaspian Monster", was an experimental ekranoplan, developed at the design bureau of Rostislav Alexeyev.

History
The KM was designed in 1964—1965. It was a unique by size and payload. The first spy photographs from American spy satellites showed a strange aircraft carrying letters "KM" on its fuselage. CIA disambiguated it as "Kaspian Monster", while it actually meant "Korabl maket" - "prototype ship" in Russian. Chief designer for this aircraft was Rostislav Alexeyev, lead engineer — V.Efimov.

The ekranoplan had wingspan of 37.6 m, length - 92 m, maximum take-off weight - 544 tons. Until An-225 it was the largest aircraft in the world.

KM was designed as a special vehicle for the military and rescue teams. However designing such a machine caused serious difficulties. It was documented as a marine vessel and prior to the first flight a bottle of champagne was broken against its nose. It displayed the Soviet Navy Flag and was assigned to the Soviet Navy, since the ground effect is only possible within several meters from the surface. The new vehicle was, however, piloted by air force test pilots.

Testing
KM testing started in 1966 at the Caspian sea near Kaspiysk (Dagestan).

First flight was performed by V. Loginov and Rostislav Alexeyev himself, which was very unusual - most Soviet aircraft designers never piloted their own creations. All works were conducted under patronage of the Ministry of shipbuilding industry.

KM was tested at the Caspian Sea for 15 years until 1980. In 1980, pilot error caused a crash without human casualties. The vehicle was too heavy to be recovered from its watery wrecksite.

In media

 * Microsoft Flight Simulator X features KM in some missions.