In the 60s the “Caspian Sea Monster” was shocked when its picture was successfully taken during a reconnaissance mission by the CIA. Aircraft in this ecranoplan category were developed by the Soviet Union to launch missile attacks from the sea with it moving faster than a warship. But the project was stopped because ballistic missile technology was getting better making ekranoplan no longer needed.
Over the past decade there have been plans to redevelop modern ekranoplan for cargo needs. DARPA last week announced the Liberty Lifter project for the strategic cargo needs of the U.S. military.
The three main requirements of the Liberty Lifter are the ability to float low above sea level at even low speeds. With this the issue of damage occurs if the ekranoplan breaks the waves can be avoided. The aircraft should also be able to operate for weeks at sea level without having to undergo maintenance on land. Lastly is that aircraft need to focus on cost reduction as they need to be more affordable than conventional aeronautical technology.
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