New images circulating on Chinese social media appearing to show a previously unseen wing-in-ground-effect aircraft are raising the eyebrows of military analysts. They speculate that Beijing may be reviving Soviet-era ekranoplan technology abandoned during the Cold War.
Such an aircraft flies just above the water’s surface by trapping air between its wings and the sea. It can travel faster and carry heavier loads than conventional planes, and its low-altitude path helps evade radar and missile defenses.
Although the Soviets ultimately abandoned ekranoplans because they performed poorly in rough seas, China appears to have built its model for calmer zones near shores. Analysts, including The War Zone, suggest it may be suited for operations in the South China Sea, one of the busiest trade routes in the world.
What do we know about the aircraft’s design and purpose?
Photos of the aircraft along China’s Bohai Sea that were published by Chinese users and analyzed by The Times of London show a large, boat-like fuselage with four engines mounted above the wings, wingtip floats for stability and a V-tail. Its V-tail and stepped hull are typical of flying boats. According to The War Zone, the aircraft may serve logistical roles such as cargo delivery, search and rescue, or personnel recovery.
The War Zone notes that the aircraft includes a side door large enough for cargo access, possibly using composite materials for efficiency and stealth.
While the propulsion system remains unclear, the design may include jet or hybrid-electric engines. The craft bears some resemblance to China’s AG600 seaplane and the U.S. military’s Liberty Lifter concept, both designed to operate in vast maritime regions with limited infrastructure.
Why does this development matter?
If operational, analysts say, the Bohai Monster could offer China a low-cost, flexible solution for logistics and surveillance near its shores. While not ideal for contested combat zones, such aircraft could enhance China’s reach in nearby waters without relying on conventional ships or runways.
Military analysts say the model may be an early prototype or a technology demonstrator, with more variants potentially in development.
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Author: Ally Heath
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