Is the Ekranoplan back? China might be reviving a Soviet-era legend

Leaked images suggest that China is developing a modern version of the Soviet-era Ekranoplan, a wing-in-ground effect (WIG) vehicle designed to fly just above the water’s surface by using a cushion of compressed air for efficient low-altitude flight. Nicknamed the “Bohai Sea Monster,” this craft was spotted near the Bohai Sea and appears similar in size to China’s AG600 flying boat. The original Soviet Ekranoplans were high-speed amphibious vehicles used for troop transport, anti-ship warfare, and could reach speeds up to 310 mph. The Chinese version may employ composite materials for stealth and weight advantages and could serve roles such as search and rescue, personnel recovery, light cargo transport, anti-submarine operations, and sea control in coastal zones. The U.S. is reportedly developing a comparable WIG aircraft called the “Liberty Lifter,” aimed at rapid logistics across the Pacific while remaining below radar detection. Although details about China’s WIG