Popular Mechanics:
Russia is reportedly developing a new generation of wing-in-ground-effect vehicles inspired by monster craft developed during the Cold War. The new Orlan craft will be a descendant of the so-called ‘Caspian Sea Monster,’ a now defunct vehicle that flew across wavetops at speeds of up to 400 mph.
Russian State Media reports that the Orlan, currently under development, will be ready by 2027. “The state armament program for 2018-2027 includes the Orlan research and development work, which stipulates the construction of the wing-in-ground-effect craft. The prototype will be created as part of this armament program and it will carry missile armament,” Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov told the TASS news agency.
Wing-in-ground-effect craft are designed to operate above the surface of the water on a cushion of air the provides aerodynamic lift. They function sort of like hovercraft, but generate lift through the use of large, glider-like wings. The large, seagull-like craft can also travel faster, at speeds of up to 250 to 350 miles an hour.
