Ekranoplans

Links courtesy of the Rocket Dungeon.

What the heck is an Ekranoplan? To oversimplify, it's a boat that flies by taking advantage of the wing-in-ground effect. Clear as mud, eh? Ok, how about this:

...when an airplane is about to land, it almost wants to "float" on air, moments before touchdown. The compressed air between the wing and the ground becomes a "cushion" that gives the plane smooth gliding ability. Over the sea surface this effect is even more noticeable.

So it's a vehicle that can travel many time faster than a boat and carry many times more weight than an aircraft. Some designs could even "fly" over dry ground.

No matter what, they usually look weird (click komrade, for glorious Soviet-size).



For lots more hella wicked cool pics, background and links, check out Dark Roasted Blend: Ekranoplans Show, parts 1 and 2.