Section 1.1 The Flying Aircraft Carrier

Officially known as Project Zveno and nicknamed the “flying circus” by military personnel, this project aimed to develop flying aircraft carriers. The Soviets successfully operated these carriers during the early phases of World War II against Nazi forces in Romania.

One of the more notable designs combined the heavy Tupolev TB-3 bomber with two Polikarpov I-16 light fighters. Although the Zveno prototypes never saw widespread military adoption, they left a lasting impression on science fiction writers.

Section 1.2 The Flying Tank

To quickly deploy tanks to the battlefield, the Soviets created the Antonov A-40, a tank glider made from the T-60 light tank, equipped with biplane wings and a twin tail. The concept was to have the tank towed into the air by another aircraft, allowing it to glide onto the battlefield.

However, after just a single test flight in 1942, it was clear that the idea was not practical due to the lack of sufficiently powerful aircraft to lift the heavy tank.

Section 1.3 The Screw-Propelled Truck

The ZVM 2901, a Soviet truck from the 1970s, utilized screws for propulsion instead of traditional tires or tracks. While it excelled in muddy and snowy conditions and could even float, it was painfully slow on solid ground.

Despite its innovative design, the Soviet Red Army opted not to adopt these unconventional vehicles.

Section 1.4 The Minesweeper Tank

The T-55 tank was adapted into a minesweeper by attaching a jet engine from a Mig-15, transforming it into what was known as the Progvev-T. The idea was that the jet blast and heat would clear away soil and debris, thereby revealing hidden mines.

This peculiar prototype was employed during the Soviet-Afghan War (1979-1989). While its effectiveness remains unknown, one can only imagine the experience of operating such a beast.

Section 1.5 The Star Wars Airplane

In 1972, Soviet engineer Robert Bartini designed the VVA-14, a vertical take-off amphibious aircraft. Capable of taking off from both land and water, it could fly at various altitudes and speeds. However, the prototype struggled with vertical take-offs, leading to the project's cancellation shortly after Bartini's passing in 1974.

Section 1.6 The Caterpillar Truck

The MAZ-7907, a colossal truck built to transport SS-24 intercontinental ballistic missiles, was a behemoth with twenty-four wheels resembling a giant caterpillar. Constructed in 1985, it could carry an impressive 150 tonnes and was powered by two T-80 tank engines, providing it with significant power.

Despite its size and capabilities, it could only reach speeds of 25 km/h (15 mph).

Section 1.7 The Ekranoplan

Ekranoplans are neither aircraft nor ships; they are unique, low-flying heavy vehicles that utilize the ground effect phenomenon. By flying just four meters above the ground, they experience significantly less drag, allowing for greater speed and efficiency.

The KM model, famously dubbed the “Caspian Sea Monster” by Americans, was the largest aircraft ever built until surpassed by the Antonov AN-225 Mriya. The MD-160, its successor, boasted rocket launchers and was retired from service in the late 1990s.

The ingenuity of Soviet engineers and scientists cannot be overstated. Even though some of their creations may have seemed bizarre, they were responsible for many successful innovations, including the MiG-25 Foxbat, the AK-47 assault rifle, and the T-34 tank.

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Discover some of the most unusual yet remarkable military weapons ever created.