Ekranoplan Gallery
Ekranoplan, or Wing-In-Ground, is a vehicle flying at very low altitudes using the ground effect to increase its lift and lift-drag ratio. These vehicles have a potential to become much more economical and high-payload-capable than airplanes. Wing-in-Grounds may fill the niche in fast transportation market between aircraft and fast ships.
Volga-2 is named in the honor of the hydrofoil boat Volga. This is a small and convenient craft that can substitute a pleasure boat or a small fast ferry. Displacement 2.7 tons, speed 67 knots, passengers 8.
Orlyonok is designed for passenger and cargo transportation, including heavy military vehicles. Full-load displacement 140 tons, speed 220 knots, range 830 n.m.
Orlyonok coming on shore.
Lun is a combat missile craft. Seaworthiness: in-flight, without restriction; at take-off and landing, wave height up to 2.5 m. Displacement 390 tons, speed 300 knots, range 1660 n.m.
KM, or "Caspian Monster", was the heaviest vehicle ever flown. Its displacement exceeded 500 tons. KM served as an experimental WIG platform that provided a lot of test data and led to new technical solutions.
Strizh is a training ekranoplan. Take-off weight 1.8 tons, max/cruising speed 113/97 knots, range 400 km.
