vva-14

The Bartini Beriev VVA-14 (Vertikal`no-Vzletayuschaya Amphibia or "Vertical Take-Off Amphibious Aircraft") is an experimental jet airplane that was developed in the Soviet Union during the early 70s.

Designed to be able to take-off from the water and fly at high speed over long distances, it was to make true flights at high altitude, but also have the capability of 'flying' efficiently just above the sea surface, using ground effect.

The VVA-14 was designed by Robert Bartini in answer to a perceived requirement to destroy United States Navy Polaris nuclear missile submarines.

After extensive research the first VVA-14 prototype was completed in 1972. Its first official flight was from a conventional runway on 4 September 1972.

After Bartini's death in 1974, the project slowed down and eventually drew to a close, with the last remaining prototype being sent to a Russian air museum in 1987.