Time Period: Post-WW2
Country of Origin: Soviet Union / Russia
Type: Prototypes and Experimental
Manufacturer: Beriev
Bartini Beriev VVA-14 Aircraft Overview
At first glance, the VVA-14 looks like something from a science fiction movie: part flying boat, part plane, part hovercraft, and completely bonkers. But behind its bizarre appearance was a bold idea — to create a high-speed, amphibious aircraft capable of taking off from water and hunting U.S. submarines. In theory, it would operate over the open ocean, fly fast at low altitudes, and even hover using vertical takeoff jets.
The aircraft was the brainchild of Robert Bartini, an Italian-born Soviet engineer and one of the most imaginative minds in aviation. Working with the Beriev Design Bureau (which specialized in maritime aircraft), Bartini envisioned the VVA-14 as a Vertical Takeoff and Amphibious aircraft — hence the name.
It was designed during the 1970s in response to the growing threat of U.S. Polaris submarines, which the Soviets feared could strike from distant waters. The VVA-14 would be able to fly quickly across long stretches of sea, land on water, and even float like a boat. It was also intended to use ground effect — a phenomenon where aircraft flying just above the surface get extra lift — allowing it to skim just above the waves at high speed.
Wild Features (Most of Which Didn’t Work)
The prototype was built with pontoons for water landings, a massive central fuselage, and twin engines mounted on top. It flew several times from land and performed adequately in test flights. However, one of its key features — a set of vertical lift engines for VTOL capability — was never fully developed or installed.
Bartini died before his vision could be fully realized, and the project lost momentum. The aircraft’s complex systems, ambitious mission profile, and the lack of working VTOL capability ultimately led to its cancellation. Only one prototype was completed, and it was never armed or put into service.
What’s Left Today?
The only VVA-14 ever built now rests in a partially disassembled state at the Central Air Force Museum in Monino, Russia. Though weathered and worn, it still draws attention from aviation fans and historians who recognize it as one of the most imaginative—and strangest—aircraft of the Cold War.
Bartini Beriev VVA-14 Specifications
- Crew: Designed for a team of three
- Length: Approximately 26 meters (85 feet 2 inches)
- Wingspan: Reaches about 30 meters (98 feet 5 inches)
- Height: Stands 6.79 meters tall (22 feet 3 inches)
- Wing Area: Roughly 217.8 square meters (2,344 sq ft)
- Empty Weight: Around 23,236 kg (51,227 pounds)
- Maximum Takeoff Weight: Up to 52,000 kg (114,640 pounds)
- Engines for Cruising: Powered by two Soloviev D-30M turbofan engines, each producing about 67 kN (15,000 lbf) of thrust
- VTOL Capability (Planned but Not Fitted): Intended to include 12 Rybinsk RD-36-35PR lift engines, each rated at 43 kN (9,700 lbf)
Bartini Beriev VVA-14 Performance
- Top Speed: Capable of reaching up to 760 km/h (470 mph or 410 knots)
- Cruising Speed: Flies steadily at around 640 km/h (400 mph or 350 knots)
- Range: Operational range estimated at 2,450 kilometers (1,520 miles or 1,320 nautical miles)
- Service Ceiling: Able to fly at altitudes between 8,000 and 10,000 meters (26,000 to 33,000 feet)
Bartini Beriev VVA-14 Image Gallery
The Bartini Beriev VVA-14 was a wild mix of futuristic vision, Cold War urgency, and experimental risk-taking. It never fulfilled its lofty promise, but it stands as a symbol of an era when aircraft designers were willing to push every limit of what a flying machine could be. From the sky to the sea, and almost back again—the VVA-14 is aviation weirdness at its most wonderful.
