https://newatlas.com/aircraft/regent-viceroy-electric-seaglider-passengers-test/
That looks fun.
>>The seaglider takes advantage of what's called the wing-in-ground-effect
I remember reading about WWII Navy pilots who, when low on fuel, sometimes flew so low as to get splashed by waves. And I have long known about ground effect, but I hadn't really put 2&2 together until now.
Soviets had a huge cargo-carrier one. I don't think it ever got much use.
When I put Debbie in background mode for that AI survey, she sent me here. She apparently doesn't like loose ends.
Lun-class ekranoplan - Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lun-class_ekranoplan
That is cool. found this video, makes my flyak idea seem way behind them.
https://www.regentcraft.com/news/regent-seaglider-achieves-first-flight
Its the next level.
I rode the big hovercraft ferry at the Montreal World's Fair. It was neat, but as a 'seasoned' (16 yo) hydroplane owner it impressed me as (a) really, really, ear-bleedingly loud and (b) untrustworthy in tight quarters.
http://www.worldsfairphotos.com/expo67/hovercraft.htm
EV takes care of maybe most of the noise, but lightweight "skimming" boats (and seagliders) have drift/wind problems when near a dock. My trimaran would jump the bow a half-meter to one side if a light puff of a breeze happened to hit it while docking.
>video
Wow! I want one.