The “Caspian Monster” returns. Soviet technology is given a second life

Ekranoplan (Wing-In-Ground, WIG) is a specific combination of an aircraft and a ship. In other words, it is a flying vehicle that can move at a low height above the water, about 5-10 meters. These huge structures began to be built after World War II, mainly in the USSR. Today, other countries are interested in the project – not only the United States, but also Poland.

This Soviet elektroplan had a short history

Ekranoplanes use the near-surface effect, i.e. the lifting effect, which also occurs in helicopters. In aviation, this effect affects the value of lift generated by the wings at the appropriate speed and angle of attack. Aircraft wings of the appropriate length produce greater lift compared to flights at high altitudes.

Thanks to this, the rekrutoplane can move quickly and at the same time carry a much heavier load than typical ships. Low-altitude flights also made detection by radar difficult. Ekranoplans had their drawbacks, of course. Vehicles of this type performed very well when flying over flat surfaces. This means that flying over rough seas would be very risky. The low flight altitude also means problems when avoiding possible obstacles.

An example of such a kuliplanoplane is Bartini Berijew VVA-14. The giant, weighing approximately 23 tons, could reach a maximum speed of 760 kilometers per hour and had a range of 2,450 kilometers. It was designed by Hungarian-born scientist Robert Bartini in cooperation with the design office of Georgy Mikhailovich Beriyev. The Soviet elektroplan made its first flight in 1972. However, two years later Bartini died, which clearly influenced the further course of the project. Ekranoplan VVA-14 was withdrawn from service in 1987.

The “Caspian Monster” was the originator of various versions of Soviet Screen Planes. This experimental machine was created in the 1960s. The Soviet Union introduced it to its Caspian fleet, and its existence caused great surprise and interest in the United States itself. This “monster” was finally destroyed in the Caspian Sea in 1980.

Ekranoplans are back. But Poland wants to go a step further. “Ekranodrone” will be created

After many years, the “fashion” for rekrutoplanes has returned – not only in Russia. Australia, China, South Korea, Japan and the United States, among others, have started designing and building WIG vehicles, but these are much smaller than the former Soviet Bartini Berijew VVA-14.

Meanwhile, Polish scientists from the Military University of Technology are building an unmanned Ekranoplan prototype. This will be the first such machine in the world. “Ekranodrone” is intended to support the operations of special forces in sea areas. The project is implemented by a consortium consisting of: Gdańsk University of Technology, Military University of Technology and Air Force Institute of Technology.

Ultimately, two prototypes are to be created. The construction of the first, smaller one (two meters in size) is scheduled to start in spring this year. And the second, twice as large “screen drone” is to be ready for testing in 2026. The unmanned vehicle is to hover above the water at a height of several meters and weigh a maximum of 400 kilograms. The vehicle will be controlled remotely from the shore, the next stages of work will lead to increasing its autonomy – .

The unit is to carry out designated tasks over water areas near the coastline, take off from the water, fly at a minimum height above the water surface and ditch, carrying loads of a given weight.

– said Dr. Eng. Marek Chodnicki from the Department of Applied Mechanics and Biomechanics, WIMiO, project manager.

The world’s first small, unmanned screening plane is being created at the Gdańsk University of Technology Photo Gdańsk University of Technology

Iran once introduced small screening planes (in 2010) into its navy. However, these machines are manned. HESA Bavar 2 two-person screening planes are intended for patrols. Meanwhile, the Korean company Wing Ship Technology has developed a larger (50-seater) WIG vehicle. But this one is for commercial purposes.

Meanwhile, the American agency DARPA dealing with advanced projects in the field of defense is building a large-sized screen called the Liberty Lifter. The machine is to fly at an altitude of less than 30 meters above the water, but also at an altitude of up to 3 kilometers. Its range is to be up to 12,000. km. The Liberty Lifter is also designed to carry a payload of up to 90 tons. The first flight of the American Tekstoplan is scheduled for 2027-2028.