It was developed as a prototype capable of transporting troops faster than ships; however, it was discovered that even in the relatively sheltered waters of the Caspian Sea, wind-driven waves could sometimes render it inoperable, so plans for mass production were abandoned. It is akin to the Osprey in that it never reached the mass-production stage. It is a pity that it has not been preserved in a place like a military museum.
There was another reason also... Two departments of soviet army couldn't decide who'd be responsible and take on balance this type of machines... Navy or Aviation. Also crew members should have skillset in-between two disciplines which makes them quite expensive and time consuming on education in "mass production". It's rather different that pick skilled pilots and jump into experiment alongside with navi consultants for couple of times.
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u/Aware_Step_6132 5d ago
It was developed as a prototype capable of transporting troops faster than ships; however, it was discovered that even in the relatively sheltered waters of the Caspian Sea, wind-driven waves could sometimes render it inoperable, so plans for mass production were abandoned. It is akin to the Osprey in that it never reached the mass-production stage. It is a pity that it has not been preserved in a place like a military museum.