title: Nikitin PSN-1
text: # Nikitin PSN-1
  
  The Nikitin PSN-1 was a piloted glider anti-shipping missile produced in the USSR from 1937.
  
  ## Development
  
  From 1933 a series of special projects was initiated under the PSN banner (Planer Spetsial'nogo Naznachenaya - Glider for Special Purposes). A proposal was made by S.F. Valk for a glider anti-shipping bomb with Infra-Red guidance, which was expanded to include DPT (long-range glider torpedo), LTDD (Long-range flying torpedo) and BMP (towed mine glider). To evaluate the Kvant Infra-Red guidance a piloted version was produced as the Nikitin PSN-1. Nikitin and Mikhelson designed a small single-seat monoplane flying boat glider with floats at approx 1/2 span, carrying a torpedo underneath. The PSN-1 was carried aloft by either Tupolev TB-3 or Tupolev TB-7 motherships and released at the appropriate height.
  
  At least 10 were built and many of these were flown during trials of the autopilot and the Kvant (Quantum) guidance system.
  
  ## Specifications (PSN-1)
  
  Data from Encyclopedia of Russian Aircraft 1875-1995
  
  General characteristics
  
  * Crew: 1
  * Wingspan: 18 m (26 ft 3 in)
  * Empty weight: 970 kg (2,138 lb)
  * Gross weight: 2,000 kg (4,409 lb)
  * Powerplant: 1 × MG-11F
  
  Performance
  
  * Maximum speed: 168 km/h (104 mph, 90 kn)
  