[longtermmemmory]

Some american inventor marketed the same "ground effect phenomenon" craft.

The russian was the "autophlan" or something like that.

[Army Air Corps]

Yes, the Ekranoplan. This one was designed to carry and fire anti-ship missiles.

[longtermmemmory]

196?
WIG
Russian
Orlyonok A.90
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Orlenok A.90.150
Built by TGKB & Sukhoi
100 - 150 Passengers at 400 km/h over range of 2,000 km


see also

http://www.msacomputer.com/FlyingBoats-old/WIG/Russian-Amphistar-Article.html

[MD_Willington_1976]

Ekranoplan

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=Ekranoplan&btnG=Search

[pepsionice]

Salt water will ruin that “vessel” very quickly. It’ll be retired within three years.