Flying low, wing in ground effect, modeled after gulls and other

[HysteryDiagnosis]

low flying birds.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSeZ1eQzDvI

[slackmaster]

1. It's a skunk AND a bogie!

K&R

[HysteryDiagnosis]

6. Another shot, a beautiful one at that

[Nuclear Unicorn]

2. Weaponization to commence in 3...2...1...

But it is a beautiful aircraft.

[Dennis Donovan]

3. Howard Hughes did it in '47:

;-)

Rec'd because it's a cool concept.

[HysteryDiagnosis]

5. They say it's hugely fuel efficient. Not sure how much but it's

supposed to be better than cutting through the water.

[baldguy]

4. Ekranoplans have been around for almost 50 yrs.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ground_effect_vehicle

[ChimpersMcSmirkers]

7. The Soviets went bonkers on this stuff.

The idea may be coming back. A Boeing design:

This is a turboprop-driven military transport with a 500 ft wingspan and is designed to carry 1300 tons of cargo over a distance of up to 10,000 nautical miles.