50 Strangest Aircraft Ever Made

The Orlyonok

Alan Wilson

The A-90 Orlyonok was a Soviet ground effect vehicle that was designed by Rostislav Evgenievich Alexeyev of the Central Hydrofoil Design Bureau. Its first flight was in 1972. It was retired in 1993. Despite its odd look, this plane was quite effective in various roles and became a beloved aircraft for the Soviets.