1:144 Zvezda 7016 Ekranoplan A-90 Orlyonok - Troop Carrier Ekranoplan - Propeller Aircraft Plastic Model kit

Bring Cold War Soviet innovation to life with the 1:144 Zvezda 7016 Ekranoplan A-90 Orlyonok. This extraordinary kit represents one of the most ambitious and unconventional projects in Soviet military engineering. Designed by Rostislav Alekseyev, the A-90 Orlyonok was neither a conventional aircraft nor a ship, but a hybrid "ground effect vehicle" capable of skimming just above the water’s surface at high speed.

The Orlyonok could carry up to 200 fully armed marines or two armored vehicles across vast distances, reaching speeds of 500 km/h with a maximum range of 1,500 km. Unlike traditional landing craft, it could launch amphibious assaults quickly and unexpectedly, making it a formidable tool for Soviet naval strategy. Its innovative nose-loading ramp allowed vehicles and troops to disembark directly onto beaches, swamps, or even soft terrain, ensuring rapid deployment under challenging conditions.

First flown in 1972 and entering limited production in 1979, the A-90 Orlyonok became a symbol of Soviet ingenuity and daring military experimentation. Only five units were ever built, making it one of the rarest and most iconic machines of the Cold War era. Though its service was relatively short, the ekranoplan left a lasting legacy, inspiring fascination among aviation and naval enthusiasts alike.

Whether displayed as part of a Cold War collection or built into a larger diorama, this detailed Zvezda kit allows modelers to recreate one of the most unique and ambitious designs in 20th-century military history.

Features:
– Scale: 1:144
– Model number: 7016
– Detailed model of the Soviet A-90 Orlyonok ekranoplan
– Capacity: up to 200 troops or two armored vehicles
– Armament included: twin 12.7 mm machine guns
– Highly detailed plastic parts for sharp and accurate construction
– Includes decals and assembly instructions
– Requires glue and paint (not included)

Add the 1:144 Zvezda 7016 A-90 Orlyonok to your collection and capture the spirit of Soviet Cold War experimentation with this rare and fascinating ekranoplan.