Free Republic

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...

Autumn in the State Duma will discuss prospects for the revival of production of high-speed vessels, the so-called WIG. In the long term fleet they can be used not only in the Russian army, but also to address communications to the Crimea. Technology WIG - ships on dynamic air cushions - was developed over half a century ago. Court, more similar to passenger planes, moved over the sea at a certain height due to the effect of the aerodynamic screen, allowing marine vessel to reach speeds of hundreds of kilometers per hour - write "Izvestia". "WIG - this ingenious development....