title: NPO Molniya
text: # NPO Molniya
  
  55°50′28″N 37°26′55″E﻿ / ﻿55.84111°N 37.44861°E﻿ / 55.84111; 37.44861 NPO Molniya (lightning) (Russian: Научно-производственное объединение «Молния») is a Russian scientific and production enterprise, founded on February 26, 1976. Currently part of Rostec.
  
  ## Space systems
  
  At present, NPO Molniya is working on reusable launch systems for space applications.
  
  ## Aircraft
  
  The NPO Molniya Molniya-1 is a three surface design with single pusher propeller and twin tail booms. In the late 1990s, the company proposed a number of larger types based on the three surface configuration.
  
  * Molniya 400 - a proposed jet cargo aircraft or airliner with a high-mounted wing and powered by two PS-90A turbofans. Freighter version would have had a rear fuselage ramp.
  * Molniya-1000 Heracles - a proposed super heavy freighter to replace the VM-T Atlant and An-225 as a space load carrier. Unusual twin open fuselage design with the shuttle or other payload carried between the fuselages. A high mounted wing with six turbofan engines was proposed, it would have been capable of carrying a 450,000 kg load. Displayed as model at the 2003 Paris Air Show
  
  ## Products
  
  ### Aircraft
  
  * NPO Molniya Molniya-1
  
  ### Manned Spacecraft
  
  * Buran spacecraft
  