Meteor ship on hydrofoils. Boat Meteor: specifications
"Meteor-193" was built at the Zelenodolsk plant named after. A.M. Gorky in 1984. Export version built for sale in Brazil. It was equipped with Czechoslovak aviation seats. He worked in Kazan until 1997, belonged to the Volga United River Shipping Company, and later to the Tatflot company, and in 2004 it was installed as a monument in front of the Mikhail Devyatayev Kazan River Technical School in honor of the centenary of this educational institution.
Address and coordinates of the object: Kazan, st. Nesmelova, 7, Kazan River College (now - the Kazan branch of the Volga State University water transport"). Monument on Wikimapia.
Photos of the monument are dated August 2011.
Nose view: 
View of the bow saloon: 
Stern: 
Nose wing device: 
Stern wing device: 
Wheelhouse: 
History of creation
Hydrofoil "Meteor" - the second winged passenger ship, designed by designer Rostislav Alekseev in 1959. The history of the creation of these ships dates back to the early 1940s, when Alekseev became interested in the topic as a student and defended his graduation project on the topic “Hydrofoil glider”. In those years, the design did not attract the attention of the senior leadership of the navy, but interested the chief designer of the Krasnoye Sormovo plant, where Alekseev worked as a tank test master during the war. Alekseev was allocated a small room, designated as a "hydrolaboratory", and was allowed to devote three hours a day to his favorite topic. The development and testing of models of hydrofoil boats, the search for the optimal design, began. In 1945, on the A-5 boat of his own design, Alekseev reached Moscow under his own power, which finally attracted the attention of the military and received the task of equipping the 123K torpedo boat with hydrofoils, which he successfully completed (having worked out the next modernization of his know-how on the A-7 boat and, along the way, familiarizing himself with the design of the captured German SPK TS-6) and received for him in 1951 the Stalin premium.
Rostislav Alekseev: 
In parallel, the designer developed a project for the first river hydrofoil passenger vessel "Rocket". But with the implementation of the project, everything turned out to be not so simple: the engineer had to knock on the thresholds of ministries for years, fight bureaucratic inertia, conservatism, skepticism, beat out funding ... Real work on the Rocket began only in the winter of 1956, and the ship was launched in 1957. Demonstration was a great success World Festival young people and students, then during the year there was a trial operation of the "Rocket" on the Gorky-Kazan line, and since 1959 the ship went into series. There was a revolution in the transportation of passengers on the river: a winged ship was almost five times faster than a conventional displacement one.
The first "Rocket" on the Volga, 1958 (photo from the collection of the University of Denver): 
Following the successful "Rocket", the "Meteor" appeared - a vessel larger, twice as spacious and faster than the first-born, and even capable of coping with a larger wave. It took on board up to 120 passengers and could reach speeds of up to 100 km / h (the actual operating speed was still lower - 60-70 km / h). The first "Meteor" in the fall of 1959 went on a test flight from Gorky to Feodosia, and in 1960 it was presented in Moscow to the country's leadership and the public as an exhibit of the river fleet exhibition.
Sketches by R. Alekseev (from the book "From Concept to Implementation"): 
The lead ship of the series (photo from the archive of E.K. Sidorov): 
Two fragments of Soviet newsreel of those times, in which we are talking about a new outlandish ship:
Since 1961, "Meteor" went into series. "Meteor-2" was launched in September 1961, and on May 7, 1962, on the eve of Victory Day, led by the legendary pilot, Hero of the Soviet Union Mikhail Petrovich Devyatayev, left the water area of the Zelenodolsk shipbuilding plant named after. A.M. Gorky, where these ships were built. He was assigned to the Kazan river port. The next "Meteor" went to Moscow, the next - to Leningrad, Volgograd, Rostov-on-Don ... For several years, the ships of the series spread along the rivers and reservoirs of the entire Soviet Union.
"Meteor-47" on the channel them. Moscow (photo from the Moscow Canal prospectus): 
"Meteor-59" on the Volga (photo from the archive of V.I. Polyakov). 
Dry cargo ship "Partisan Glory" delivers "Meteor-103" to Komsomolsk-on-Amur from the Black Sea (photo from the magazine "Marine Fleet": 
In total, almost 400 ships were built from 1961 to 1991, and they spread not only throughout the USSR, but also around the world: Meteors worked in Yugoslavia, Poland, Bulgaria, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, the Netherlands, Germany.
With the decline of the Union's economy and the advent of the era of the market, high-speed passenger transportation along the rivers began to be massively reduced and closed: unprofitable. State subsidies have come to naught, fuel, oil, spare parts have become expensive, and passenger traffic has become poorer: many passengers have acquired personal vehicles, villages that were connected by cruise ships with cities have become empty, competition from outside has appeared. bus routes. As a result, in a few years, many hydrofoils were cut into scrap metal. Some Soviet "Meteors" were more fortunate, they did not go under the knife, but were sold abroad, and now they are working in China, Vietnam, Greece, and Romania.
Greek "Falcon I" Greece - former Ukrainian "Meteor-19": 
Vietnamese "Greenlines 9", former Ukrainian "Meteor-27": 
Chang Xiang 1, China: 
"Meteor-43" went to Romania and was renamed "Amiral-1": 
In Russia, only a few dozen Meteors are now working: the main part is on tourist routes in St. Petersburg and Karelia, a few still carry passengers along the Volga (in Kazan, Yaroslavl and Rybinsk), a dozen and a half will be typed in total on the northern rivers.
"Meteor-282" on the Ob (photo by Anatoly K): 
Yaroslavl "Meteor-159" arrives in Tutaev (photo by Dmitry Makarov): 
Kazan "Meteor-249" (photo by Meteor216): 
"Meteor-188" on the Lena (photo by Vladimir Kunitsyn): 
"Meteor-242" in the Kizhi Skerries (photo by Dmitry Makarov): 
"Meteor-189" on Malaya Neva (photo by Seven_balls): 
The serial production of Meteors ceased in 1991, but several more motor ships left the slipways of the Zelenodolsk shipbuilding plant. In particular, in 2001 and 2006, two Meteors were built for OJSC Severrechflot. In addition, the Nizhny Novgorod design bureau for hydrofoils named after Rostislav Alekseev developed a Meteor-2000 modification with German Deutz engines and air conditioners, and several of these ships were sold to China. By 2007, the Meteor production line was finally dismantled, and they were replaced by planing vessels of the A145 project.
Chinese "Chang Jiang 1" project "Meteor-2000": 
But the fate of the Krasnoyarsk "Meteor-235" was unusual: from 1994 to 2005, he served in the Yenisei River Shipping Company, after which he was sold, and a few years later, having changed owners again, he was modernized at the Krasnoyarsk Shipyard according to project 342E / 310, turned into a luxury yacht and was rebaptized into "Verny"; according to rumors, it was the personal "Meteor" of the governor Krasnoyarsk Territory. It is easily recognizable by its futuristic appearance and dubious aesthetic value of the interior decoration with an abundance of leopard-like skins.
Construction and specifications
"Meteor-193" - a project 342E ship developed by the Central Design Bureau for the SPK (chief designer - Rostislav Alekseev) in 1959 and released by the Zelenodolsk Shipbuilding Plant named after. A.M. Gorky. Type - twin-screw passenger ship on hydrofoils. The length of the hull is 34.6 meters, the width (according to the span of the hydrofoil structure) is 9.5 meters. Draft afloat - 2.35 meters, with the course on the wings - about 1.2 meters. Displacement with a full load - 53.4 tons. Operating speed - 65 km / h (record - 108 km / h). Cruising range (without replenishment of fuel) - 600 km.
The Meteor has three passenger compartments: in the bow, middle and stern parts of the vessel. The total passenger capacity is 124 people.
Nasal saloon (photo by Dmitry Schukin): 
Average interior (photo by Vladimir Burakshaev): 
Between the middle and aft saloon there is a small half-covered (promenade) deck.
Promenade deck (photo by Vladimir Burakshaev): 
Vessel control posts are located in the wheelhouse recessed into the semi-superstructure in the bow of the ship.
The wheelhouse (photo by Alexei Petrov): 
As the main engines, two V-shaped 12-cylinder turbodiesels of the M-400 type (a version of the M-40 aviation diesel converted into a marine one) with a capacity of 1000 hp are installed. every. They rotate two five-bladed propellers with a diameter of 710 mm, which set the ship in motion.
Engine room (photo by Alexei Petrov): 
Under the hull of the Meteor there is a wing device - bow and stern carrier wings and two hydroplaning fender liner mounted on the nose wing struts. The fender liner helps the vessel to “go to the wing”, and on the move do not allow it to return to the displacement mode, sliding on the surface of the water.
The principle of their operation of the wings of the Meteor is the same as that of the wing of an aircraft: the lifting force arises due to the occurrence of excess pressure under the wing profile and the rarefaction zone above it. With an increase in speed, the pressure difference “pushes” the ship up, the hull moves from the displacement position to the surface position, which significantly reduces the area of contact with water and its resistance, which allows it to develop greater speed.
The Meteor's wing device uses the effect of a low-submerged hydrofoil, also known as the "Alekseev effect". Alekseev, as a result of his research, obtained such hydrodynamic characteristics of the hydrofoil, in which, rising to the surface of the water, it gradually loses lift due to the braking of fluid particles in the zone close to the boundary of the media. Due to the fact that at a certain depth the lift of the wing approaches zero, it does not jump out of the water.
P.S. If dear participants find any inaccuracies, please report it.
"Meteor", project 342E- a series of river hydrofoil passenger ships developed by Rostislav Alekseev.
Story
M/v "Meteor"
Produced from 1961 to 1991 at Zelenodolsk shipyard them. A. M. Gorky. In total, more than 400 ships of this series were built. In the Nizhny Novgorod design bureau for hydrofoils named after Rostislav Alekseev, a Meteor-2000 modification was developed with imported engines and air conditioners, which was also supplied to China. By 2007, the line for the production of "Meteors" at the plant was dismantled, and motor ships of the new A45-1 project were laid down.
Description
Motor ship Meteor project 342E - duralumin, diesel, single-deck, twin-shaft hydrofoil motor ship, designed for high-speed transportation of passengers during daylight hours along navigable rivers, freshwater reservoirs and lakes in areas with a temperate climate. The remote control and monitoring system provides control of the ship directly from the wheelhouse.
Passengers are accommodated in three cabins equipped with soft seats: bow, middle and stern - for 26, 44 and 44 seats, respectively. The transition of passengers from the middle to the aft saloon is carried out along a roofed deck (visible in the photographs as a "hump"), from the deck the doors lead to the toilet, engine room and utility room. There is a buffet in the middle salon.
Wing device consists of bow and stern carrier wings and two flaps mounted on side and bottom struts of the bow wing.
As the main engines on the ship, two diesel engines of the M-400 type (12ChNS18/20) of right and left rotation, twelve-cylinder, four-stroke, turbocharged, water-cooled, reversible clutch, with a rated power of 1000 hp are installed. each at 1700 rpm, converted from aviation M-40s. Propulsion - two five-blade fixed-pitch propellers ø 710 mm. A combined diesel-generator-compressor-pump unit was installed to service the power plant and ship needs. The unit consists of a 12 hp diesel engine. at 1500 rpm with starter and manual start, a 5.6 kW generator, a compressor and a vortex self-priming pump. The mechanical installation of the ship is controlled from posts in the wheelhouse and in the engine room.
Sources of electricity
The main source of electricity in running mode are two running DC generators with a power of 1 kW each at a normal voltage of 27.5 V, installed on the main engines. There is an automatic generator and batteries parallel operation. An auxiliary DC generator with a power of 5.6 kW and a rated voltage of 28 V is installed in the parking lot to supply electricity consumers.
"Meteor-236" on the Lena
- The first captain of the SPK "Meteor" was the famous pilot Hero of the Soviet Union Mikhail Devyatayev, who during the years of the Great Patriotic War was able to escape captivity by hijacking an enemy bomber.
- In the center of Sormovsky district Nizhny Novgorod a model of the Meteor was installed on Burevestnik Square. IN given time the model was moved to the square in front of the Polytechnic College near Sormovsky Park.
- A Meteor model was installed near the Kazan River Technical School.
Motor ship Meteor-86
VIP-class ship!
In 2011, the interior of the vessel was completely renovated, the decoration and layout of the premises were changed (the bow and middle compartments were combined). Equipped with leather seats with folding wooden tables, there is a wardrobe and separate tables for negotiations.
Passenger capacity = 86 people
There is a bar on the ship, you can also organize meals on board by delivering snacks using special carts (like on an airplane). In addition, a well-equipped closet is available.
The windows are tinted, there is a built-in air conditioning system.
The hold of the ship was also given due attention: new rivets, straightened floors, fresh paintwork. The ship's hull also received the necessary care.
The ship is equipped with the latest radio navigation equipment class O2.0. A separate cabin is equipped for conducting special communications when escorting VIP flights.
In addition, the diesel power plant was updated: the company overhauled two M419 engines (2200 hp in total). Additionally, a Westerbeke 220 V generator is installed.
In contact with
The most beautiful and famous hydrofoil ship "Meteor", built in 1959 by the Gorky shipbuilding plant "Krasnoye Sormovo", is still used on the rivers of our country. "Meteor" is a high-speed ship carrying passengers along freshwater lakes and reservoirs and navigable rivers during daylight hours.
The history of the development of hydrofoils
For the first time, a small hydrofoil vessel (SPK) was tested in France on the Seine River in 1897 by a Russian subject, Charles de Lambert. However, the power of the steam engine used was not enough to lift ship hull above the water. At the same time, the Italian inventor E. Forlanini accelerated an experimental vessel on multi-tiered wings to 68 km / h. At the beginning of the last century, SPK models were tested by inventors from the USA, Britain, Germany, Switzerland, Canada, and Italy. In 1919, Frederick Baldwin's HD-4, approved by the US Navy, set a world record on two engines, reaching a speed of 114 km / h in water. The single-winged models of the British shipbuilder D. I. Thornycroft had a length of about 7 meters and a speed of about 64 km / h.
In the 1940s, the German design bureau, under the direction of Hans von Schertel, built a winged vessel that could reach speeds of up to 74 km / h with a load of 20 tons on board. In the 1950s, Shertel, having founded the Supramar company in Switzerland, built a wooden ship with partially submerged wings, which was the first in the world to carry out commercial transportation of 32 passengers between the cities of Italy and Switzerland. In 1956, under the license of Supramara, the Rodriguez company began mass production of RT-20 hydrofoil ships for use at sea. RT-20, having a displacement of 32 tons, carried 72 passengers through the Strait of Messina, developing a speed of about 62 km/h. Over 20 years, Supramar has developed a series of partially submerged hydrofoil models and over 200 ships have been built under its license in Italy and Japan.
In the United States in the 60s, the Boeing company participated in the development of military patrol and missile-carrying boats. The Pegasus-class fast armed ships were part of the US Navy from 1977 until 1993. Since 1974, Boeing has produced about 20 Jetfoil civilian offshore vessels carrying from 167 to 400 passengers on board. Today, Jetfoils are built under license by the Japanese company Kawasaki.
In the 60-70s of the last century, the Canadian and Italian navies were armed with high-speed armed hydrofoil boats.
The appearance of "Meteor"
In the USSR, most of the SPK was designed under the guidance of a talented engineer Rostislav Evgenievich Alekseev. In 1941, in his thesis work "Hydrofoil glider" Alekseev R.E. described the principle of operation of a lightly submerged hydrofoil. The examination committee of the Gorky Polytechnic Institute learned about a ship that has no analogues in the history of shipbuilding.
In the early 1950s, military torpedo boats with forward hydrofoils were built in the Soviet Union. During 1963-1967, 16 patrol and 12 border hydrofoil boats were built according to the Antares project and 2 Sokol anti-submarine ships.
In the 60s, several single experimental SPK Strela-1,2 and 3, Chaika, Burevestnik, Sputnik, Whirlwind, and Typhoon were built. In the service of ship supervision and at rescue stations, hydrofoil boats "Volga" were used. The Soviet Union exported passenger SPKs to dozens of countries around the world.
The experimental ship "Meteor" during the tests in November 1959 passed its first journey - from Gorky to Feodosia. After wintering in May 1960, the Meteor returned to Gorky. A successful test voyage of the ship made it possible to put the Meteor passenger ship on display at the river fleet exhibition in Moscow for presentation to the leadership of the Soviet Union. Demonstration of the first ship "Meteor" to the head of the USSR N.S. Khrushchev was held under the joint control of R.E. Alekseev and the famous aircraft designer A.N. Tupolev.
Serial production of the ship "Meteor"
The river fleet of the Soviet Union had the largest fleet of cruise ships. More than 1000 high-speed boats and hydrofoils were used on the rivers and lakes of our Motherland. Raised on the wing river boats increased speed and became an attractive transport for local passenger traffic and fast travel between cities. River travel attracted Soviet residents with comfort, speed and economy.
Since September 1961, the serial production of the Meteor motor ships has been carried out in Tatarstan by the Zelenodolsk shipbuilding plant named after A. M. Gorky. For 30 years, more than 400 ships of the Meteor series have been launched. The increase in passenger traffic required new, more spacious and comfortable ships. And in May 1962, Meteor-2 left the water area of the plant, bringing 115 people on board with a bar and a cafe.
Nizhny Novgorod Design Bureau for SPK them. R.E. Alekseeva developed a modification of the Metor-2000 motor ship, equipped with imported engines and a comfortable cabin with air conditioning. Since 2007, the line that produced the Meteors has been reconstructed for the production of new motor ships of the A45-1 series.
Description of SPK "Meteor"
The single-deck duralumin hydrofoil river boat "Meteor" is equipped with a diesel engine. In autonomous mode, without refueling, the ship delivers passengers to a distance of no more than 600 km along the navigable rivers and freshwater lakes of Russia. Tourist excursions or business long-distance trips on the ship "Meteor" are carried out only during daylight hours. Remote control of the movement of the vessel from the wheelhouse is carried out by a team of 3 people.
Three passenger compartments for 124 people, located in the bow, stern and middle parts of the ship, are equipped with soft comfortable seats and a single audio system for transmitting information to passengers. In the middle saloon there is a bar, and in the bow saloon the picturesque surroundings float through the huge panoramic windows. Through the deck of the vessel there is a passage between the passenger compartments, to the toilet, to the utility room and the engine room.
Technical characteristics of the ship "Meteor"
The ship "Meteor" is operated at a speed of 60-65 km / h, although it can accelerate in the open up to 77 km / h. With a vessel length of 34.6 m and a width with a wingspan of 9.5 m, an empty ship has a displacement of 36.4 tons, and when fully loaded - 53.4 tons. While moored, the height of the vessel is 5.63 m, and the draft is 2.35 m. During the movement on the wings, it “grows” to 6.78 m and settles by 1.2 m.
The high fuel consumption of the motor ship "Meteor" is a significant disadvantage of a winged vessel. The first models of the ship consumed approximately 225 liters of diesel fuel per hour. The use of new modern motors reduces this figure to 50 liters per hour.
Meteor engine
The main engines on the ship are 2 twelve-cylinder four-stroke diesel engines of the M-400 type, which have a turbocharger, a reversible clutch and water cooling. The rated power of each engine at 1700 rpm is 1000 horsepower. Auxiliary propulsion is a pair of five-blade propellers 710 mm in diameter. Ship needs are handled by a unit consisting of:
- Diesel engine with a capacity of 12 horsepower at 1500 rpm.
- Generator (5.6 kW).
- compressor.
- Self-priming vortex pump.
The design of the wings includes load-bearing (bow and aft) steel wings and two flaps made of magnesium-aluminum alloy mounted on the nose wing struts.
Electricity in running mode is supplied by two DC generators installed on the main engines with a power of 1 kW each. During parking, an auxiliary generator is used, and the ship is also equipped with an automatic generator parallel operation with batteries.
Safety on board
All devices and mechanisms of the ship are controlled by the ship's control system. Smooth movement and reliable operation of the engines are guaranteed by regular thorough maintenance of passenger ships. The deck and salons for passengers are protected from bad weather by a strong roof. Comfortable chairs and safety on the ship "Meteor" are conducive to exciting travel And river walks with family or among friends.
Weekdays "Meteor" today
Despite the fact that Meteor hydrofoil ships are no longer produced, these ships are still used for passenger transportation in Russia, the CIS countries and far abroad. In the difficult 90s, many river shipping companies, left without work, were forced to sell the Meteors to travel companies Greece, China and Vietnam. In Italy, Hungary, Romania, Czechoslovakia, the Meteor motor ships and other hydrofoils produced in the USSR are still used today.
In Russia, regular flights operate during the navigation period along the routes Irkutsk - Bratsk along the Angara, from Petrozavodsk to Shala, Kizhi and Velikaya Guba along Onega lake, along Ladoga to Valaam from Sortavala. Between the cities of the navigable rivers of the Volga, Don, Lena, Amur and Kama, passengers are happy to use motor ships, rather than electric trains and trains.
The boat "Meteor" is a river passenger ship. It is a hydrofoil vessel. It was developed by the domestic shipbuilder Rostislav Alekseev.
History of "Meteor"
The Meteor boat dates back to 1959. It was then that the first such experimental ship was launched. Sea trials took place for almost three weeks. Within their framework, the very first boat "Meteor" covered the distance from Gorky to Feodosia. The ship was built at a factory called "Krasnoye Sormovo".
In Feodosia "Meteor" wintered. He set off on his return journey only in the spring of 1960. This time it took him five days to sail from Feodosia to Gorky. The tests were considered successful by all participants.
Mass production
Everyone was satisfied, so already in 1961 it was put into mass production. It was established in the name of Gorky, who was located in Zelenodolsk. Over 30 years, more than 400 motor ships from this series have been produced here.
At the same time, the design bureau did not stand still. New, improved versions are constantly being developed. So, the Nizhny Novgorod designers proposed to make the "Meteor" on hydrofoils. In this case, imported engines and air conditioners were used. The history of this ship ended only in 2007, when the line was finally dismantled, rebuilt for a new class of motor ships.
Inventor of Meteor
By right, the shipbuilder Rostislav Alekseev is considered the creator of the Meteor boat. In addition to air-winged ships, his merit is the appearance in our country of ekranoplans (high-speed vehicles flying in the area of the aerodynamic screen) and ekranoplanes (using the screen effect for flights).
Alekseev was born in the Chernigov province back in 1916. In 1933 he moved with his family to Gorky, where he developed a successful working career. He graduated from the Industrial Institute, defended his thesis on hydrofoil gliders. He began working as a shipbuilding engineer.
During the Great Patriotic War, he was given resources and people to create hydrofoil combat boats. The leadership of the Soviet Navy believed in his idea. True, their creation was delayed, so they did not have time to take part directly in hostilities. But the resulting models convinced skeptics of the possibility of implementing this project.
Working on "Meteor"
"Meteor" on hydrofoils a group of scientists began to develop under the leadership of Alekseev. Initially, it received the symbolic name "Rocket".
The world community became aware of this project in 1957. The ship was presented at the International Festival of Youth and Students, which was held in Moscow. After that, active shipbuilding began. In addition to the boat "Meteor", the technical characteristics of which turned out to be impressive, projects were created under the names "Petrel", "Volga", "Voskhod", "Sputnik" and "Comet".
In the 60s, Alekseev created an ekranoplan for the navy and a separate project for the airborne troops. If the flight altitude of the first was only a few meters, then the second could rise to a height comparable to airplanes - up to seven and a half kilometers.
In the 70s, Alekseev received an order for the Orlyonok landing screen aircraft. In 1979, for the first time in the world, an ekranolet ship was adopted by the navy as an official combat unit. Alekseev himself regularly tested his vehicles. In January 1980, while testing a new model of a passenger civil ekranolet, which was supposed to be completed by the Moscow Olympics, it crashed. Alekseev survived, but received numerous injuries. He was urgently hospitalized. Doctors fought for his life, two operations were performed. But on February 9, he still died. He was 63 years old.
Hydrofoils
"Meteor" on hydrofoils is a vivid example of ships of this class. It has hydrofoils under the hull.
Among the advantages of such aircraft are high speed of movement, low resistance when moving on wings, insensitivity to rolling and high cross-country ability.
However, they also have significant drawbacks. Their main disadvantage is low efficiency, especially compared to low-speed displacement ships, while they start having problems when the water is rough. In addition, they are not adapted to unequipped parking lots, and for movement they need powerful and compact engines at the same time.
Description of Meteor
"Meteor" is a hydrofoil ship designed for high-speed transportation of passengers. He runs on diesel, he is single-deck. Used exclusively during daylight hours on navigable rivers. It is also possible to move through freshwater reservoirs and lakes, but only in areas with a predominantly temperate climate. It is controlled remotely, its movement is controlled directly from the wheelhouse.
Passengers are in three cabins with comfortable and soft chairs. They are located in the bow, middle and stern parts of the vessel. A total of 114 passengers fit. Movement between parts of the vessel is carried out through the deck, from which doors lead to the toilet, utility rooms and engine room. In the middle salon there is even a buffet for those who want to refresh themselves.
The wing device includes load-bearing wings and flaps. They are fixed on the sides and bottom racks.
The main engines are two diesel ones. At the same time, a combined unit consisting of a diesel engine with a capacity of up to 12 horsepower is required to service the power plant. The mechanical plant is controlled from the wheelhouse and the engine room.
Power supply of the ship
"Meteor" is a ship for which two running DC generators are considered the main source of electricity. Their power is one kilowatt at a stable and normal voltage.
There is also an automatic machine for the simultaneous operation of batteries and a generator. There is also an auxiliary generator that is used directly to power consumers.
Specifications
The passenger ship "Meteor" has enviable technical characteristics. The empty displacement is 36.4 tons, and the total displacement is 53.4 tons.
The length of the vessel is 34.6 meters, the width is nine and a half meters with a hydrofoil span. Parking height - 5.63 meters, while on the wings - 6.78 meters.
Draft also differs when standing and running on the wings. In the first case, 2.35 meters, in the second - 1.2 meters. Power varies from 1,800 to 2,200 horsepower. "Meteor" can reach a maximum of 77 kilometers per hour, as a rule, is operated at a speed of 60-65 kilometers per hour. The vessel can sail autonomously for about 600 kilometers.
One of the disadvantages of the Meteor is fuel consumption. Initially, it was about 225 liters per hour, but thanks to the use of new modern engines, today it can be significantly reduced - by about 50 liters of fuel per hour.
The crew is small - only three people.
Distribution countries "Meteor"
Currently, the mass production of "Meteors" has been discontinued, so new ships of this type no longer appear. But their operation continues today. In particular, they are used by the river fleet of the Russian Federation, they are also common in other countries.
Until now, they can be seen in Hungary, Greece, Vietnam, Italy, Egypt, China, Kazakhstan, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and the Czech Republic.
These river hydrofoils were actively used in Bulgaria until about 1990, in Latvia until 1988, in Ukraine until 2000, in the Netherlands until 2004, and in Germany until 2008. Now in these countries they have been replaced by more modern vehicles.
Safe travel
Fascinating river trips and walks are organized today using the Meteor. Safety on the ship for passengers is guaranteed by a special control system and regular thorough maintenance of all devices and mechanisms. Therefore, we can say with confidence that, going on a voyage on the Meteor, you do not risk anything.
You can ride this river boat in different parts of the country. For example, excursions from St. Petersburg to Peterhof and back are very popular today. The ship is on its way to picturesque places Neva, tourists can enjoy the amazing beauty of Northern Palmyra. Moreover, everything is done for the convenience of people, it is not even necessary to waste time in line at the box office, it is enough to purchase a ticket online.
This high-speed river boat will delight you with a smooth ride, which is provided by powerful and reliable modern engines. On board each ship there are systems of radio navigation control, communications and necessarily air conditioning.
In three comfortable cabins, passengers are protected from any vagaries of nature. In soft armchairs that take the form of a tourist, they can fully relax, have a bite to eat, using the folding wooden tables hidden in the armrests.
Between the chairs there are also round tables made of natural wood, which are much larger. They will come in handy if you are traveling in a friendly company on the way.
Service for tourists
It should be noted that today these vehicles are mainly used for tourist purposes. Therefore, they organize the most comfortable pastime. Service is given great attention.
Companies that organize river cruises, provide a full range of services, providing for everything that a vacationer may need. For example, tourist services, which include not only the transportation and accommodation of passengers, but also the organization of good nutrition, exciting entertainment programs and educational excursions.
Using a convenient form for ordering tickets for these river boats on the Internet, you will not only save time, but also fully enjoy an unforgettable trip along the great rivers of Russia.
The ship "Meteor" is devoted to many fascinating and useful facts, which will not only expand your horizons, but also make the trip on this ship even more exciting.
Most of them are collected in a book called "Winged, which combines all the most interesting things about this unusual view water transport.
For example, one of the captains of the ship "Meteor", which moved on hydrofoils, was the famous Hero of the Soviet Union, a participant in the Great Patriotic War, Mikhail Devyatayev. Fighting against the Nazi invaders, he was captured, but managed to free himself and even hijack an enemy bomber.
A successful escape was carried out in February 1945 from a concentration camp located in Germany.
And in 1960, the new ship was shown to the head of the Soviet Union, Nikita Sergeevich Khrushchev. The famous aircraft designer Andrei Tupolev, who was present at the same time, was so impressed by what he saw that he even asked the main developer, Alekseev, for permission to jointly manage the vessel.
Today, the Meteor has been replaced by the passenger ship Lena, which is also produced at the shipyard in Zelenodolsk. In the future, this project is being developed at a shipyard located in Khabarovsk. It is capable of covering a distance of 650 kilometers. At the same time, it develops average speed up to 70 kilometers per hour. Can accommodate 100 passengers or 50 with VIP accommodation. And the crew is only 5 people.