Albatros 1 view Credit - © Mark Wade

Unique Russian space shuttle design of 1974. Hydrofoil-launched, winged recoverable first and second stages.

Hydrofoil would have been propelled to launch speed by the launch vehicles rocket engines, using a 200 metric ton fuel store in the hydrofoil. Advantages: launch from the Caspian Sea into a variety of orbital inclinations, variations in launch track possible to meet range safety requirements. Proposal of Alexeyev/Sukhoi OKBs.

Crew Size: 2. Length: 49.00 m (160.00 ft). Maximum Diameter: 7.00 m (22.90 ft). Span: 25.00 m (82.00 ft). Mass: 320,000 kg (700,000 lb). Main Engine Thrust: 1,960.000 kN (440,620 lbf).