By Vicky Falcón
NAVAIR Public Affairs

The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) and a Russian company, Saratov Aviation, signed an agreement in September to jointly pursue a new flying vehicle concept.

Not only could this new technology revolutionize aviation, but the cooperation between the two countries could also transform their respective traditional research and development methodologies.

Scientists at Saratov have developed a new concept that allows efficient flight of odd-shaped objects using vortex oscillating propulsion systems.

Dr. John Fischer is director of NAVAIR’s Research & Engineering Sciences Department. “(The technology) could allow for development and design of a whole new class of aircraft we’ve never even considered before - a whole new range of aerodynamic shapes,” he said.

As a provider of advanced warfare technologies for the Department of Defense, as well as the Navy, NAVAIR is in a unique position to take on the Russian partnership.

“One of our jobs at NAVAIR is to constantly be on the lookout for new ideas that could revolutionize aviation,” said Fischer, who believes this initiative has the potential to do just that. “But,” he added, “Research is always a risk. It could go nowhere at all. Research requires patience to see what will develop.”

The preliminary testing was impressive enough, though, to bring NAVAIR and Saratov to a letter of intent to jointly pursue the technology, and Fischer sees that cooperation as a win-win situation for all parties involved.

“This program will connect our scientists and engineers with Russia’s scientists and engineers, exposing everyone to technological enrichment,” he said.

“If this new technology proves viable, not only will new aircraft types be possible, but, a commercial market may develop.” he said. “And we will perform the flight test program here at Webster Field (part of Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md.).”

The plan initially is to develop a small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) that will validate new aircraft concepts and propulsion systems. Following successful tests of the vehicle at Webster Field in three to five years, a larger variant could be pursued.

Saratov Aviation has produced the Yakolev (YAK) series of military aircraft, including the YAK38, the Soviet version of the Harrier Jump Jet, as well as various components for MIG fighter jets. Since the founding of the Russian Federation, Saratov Aviation has moved into aerospace research and development as well as commercial aircraft.

According to Fischer, the opportunity to develop a relationship with a world-class aerospace company that has non-traditional perspectives provides strong motivation to form a strategic partnership.

“This kind of technology has the potential to be utilized in the development of new aircraft types which supports the NAVAIR strategic goals of providing next generation technology to the Navy” said Fischer. NAVAIR’s technology focus includes aircraft, communications, launch and recovery, sensors, training and weapons.

Fischer is excited about this technology and the potential for more joint research and development with the Russians. “I’ve always admired what they could do – and here’s an opportunity for us to see something developed first hand.”

NAVAIR provides advanced warfare technologies through the efforts of a seamless, integrated, worldwide network of aviation technology experts. From aircraft and weapons development to carrier launch and recovery; from sensors to real-time communications to precision targeting; from aircraft and weapons sustainment to state-of-the-art training; NAVAIR provides dominant combat effects and matchless capabilities to American and allied warfighters.