Ekranoplans, special ultra-low flying aircraft, promise to combine features from ships, airplanes, and hovercraft. There are many designs and projects out there, but they have yet to truly realise their promise. Now the discovery of the large 4-jet ‘Bohai Sea Monster’ in China harks back to the mysterious Soviet projects of the Cold War.
Ekranoplans, also known as Wing-in-Ground Effect (WIG), are aircraft designed to fly just above the surface of the water. This can be more efficient and allows them to fly below the radar horizon, while being much faster than ships. Historically, the Soviet Union was the main builder of these, constructing the famous ‘Caspian Sea Monster‘ and missile-armed ‘Lun’ types. While some Soviet types were ginormous, other types globally have always been much smaller. Until now.
An image shared on Chinese social media shows the unique grey-painted aircraft in the background. Enough of it is visible for Naval News to be confident that it is a new and previously unreported type. It’s name, designation and manufacturer has not yet been revealed.
The massive Soviet types were doomed by the collapse of the USSR and the end of the Cold War. Since then many have prophesised the Ekranoplan’s return to prominence. Indeed There have been numerous projects to reintroduce large Ekranoplans. But others have stayed on paper; this Chinese design is the most ambitious Ekranoplan actually built in decades.
Bohai Sea Monster – China’s Ekranoplan
The aircraft features a flying boat hull with a distinctive T-tail arrangement with two vertical stabilizers. This configuration is not found on regular aircraft but has been used on several Ekranoplans including some in China. It appears to have a comparatively short wingspan and large tail, typical of Ekranoplans.
Four jet engines are mounted above the wing. These have slightly flattened nozzles suggesting downward angled thrust. This two is indicative of an Ekranoplan design. The engines may have a second scoop intake above the main intake, the but photo’s angle does not show this fully.
Its low visibly grey paint scheme is indicative of a military role. Ekranoplans are particularly suited to transport, including in the context of amphibious operations. Some Soviet types were designed to quickly deliver troops and an armoured vehicle to an enemy beach. This is a role normally associated with Hovercraft in the Chinese Navy (PLAN). The new type may therefore be an assault transport.
Possible Role
China has a large number of ambitious aircraft projects including the massive AVIC AG600 flying boat. That design is intended for search and rescue (SAR) operations and firefighting. This design may complement that.
It is also reminiscent of the number of uncrewed cargo planes now being tested in China. One theory is that this is a cargo plane or cargo drone designed for rapid resupply of island garrisons, and to support amphibious landings.