NPO Molniya-1000 « Gerakl » ("Heracles") giant twin-fuselage transport

[Triton]

Model of Molniya-1000 Heracles from USSR-Russian Aviation & Space Collectibles (Alex Panchenko).

Description:

Gerakl (Heracles) project of Molniya for giant triplane freighter, hanging payload or pod under arched centreline between twin slim fuselages carrying lifting foreplane and tail.Designer of aircraft Lozino-Lozinskiy mentioned that On same engines we could carry 1.5 x payload of An-225. Original aircraft dimensions-Span 295 ft (90.4 m), length over 240 ft (73.4 m). This custom made resin model has wing span 15 inches.

Source:
http://www.ussr-airspace.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=28_39_38_108&products_id=1654

 

[Archibald]

How do you say "stratolaunch" in russian ?

 

[Stargazer]

How do you say "stratolaunch" in russian ?

Except this was designed about 20 years BEFORE the Stratolaunch Roc!

A few more pics of the "Heracles", actually called Gerakl in Russian:

 

[Spook]

Model of Molniya-1000 at 1994 Farnborough International Airshow.

(c) Paul Theobald.

 

[Cy-27]

I have been reviewing some of my old folders of company brochures. I came across this two-page paper handout for the Molniya Heracles from a 1990s Farnborough Show which I hope is of some interest.

 

[Archibald]

Stratolaunchev

 

[Sabrejet]

You can certainly see where Stratolaunch got their idea. Clearly very little new under the sun.

 

[publiusr]

I seem to remember this also had a dedicated spaceplane…I seem to remember it pictured with something else back in the 90’s…..

 

[TheKutKu]

Higher resolution of a picture above, scanned by galopujacy_jez