The Chinese "Sea Monster": an ekranoplane with propellers instead of jet engines

What is an ekranoplane and how does it fly over water?

Recent images have revealed details of a strange flying vessel that China is testing called the Bohai Sea Monster. This is an ekranoplane — a machine that is not quite an airplane and not quite a ship. It flies at a height of several meters above the water, using the so-called "screen effect": an air cushion between the wing and the surface of the water provides additional lift. Thanks to this, it can carry a large load and fly fast, using almost no fuel.

Such devices have long been of interest to the military — they are fast, elusive to radar and can deliver equipment directly to the shore.

Propellers, not jet engines — why so?

The main thing that catches your eye is that instead of jet engines, there are ordinary propellers. Against the background of hypersonic missiles and fighter jets, it looks like a step back. But in fact, it's a reasonable compromise.

Screw engines are cheaper, easier to maintain, and more economical. Supersonic sound is not necessary for a car that flies low and does not aim at the stratosphere. The main thing is reliability and the ability to work from coastal bases. In addition, propellers make less noise at low altitudes, which is useful for stealth.

Soviet ideas in Chinese execution

China was clearly inspired by the Soviet "Killer Whales" and "Harriers" — giant ekranoplanes that the USSR developed in the 60-80s. Only now have technologies stepped forward: modern materials, electronics, navigation. China can do what Moscow failed to do then — create a really combat-ready and controllable device.

If the ekranoplanes did not go into production in the Soviet Union, China can bring the matter to an end.

Why would China need such a "monster" — a military or amphibious ship-plane

There are two scenarios. The first one is amphibious. Imagine: a car starts from a base on the coast of Bohai Bay, which in a couple of hours will deliver a company of soldiers or an armored personnel carrier directly to the island without entering the port. The second is shock: armed with cruise missiles, it can attack ships in the A2AD zone while remaining under radar.

In any case, this is not just a technology demonstration. This is an attempt to gain an advantage in the Middle Sea, where every kilometer and second is crucial.

Sources

1. SecurityLab — China’s new ekranoplan: features, military use and coastal strategy
2. Rossiyskaya Gazeta — “Bohai Monster”: design details and amphibious potential
3. Radio Azattyk — Comparison with Soviet “Caspian Monster” and expert views on military missions
4. Realnoe Vremya — High-res photos, structural analysis vs. Soviet craft
5. Armiya.az — “Sea Monster of Bohai”: ambitious jet-powered ekranoplan for naval use
6. The War Zone via Naked Science — First full image of China’s ground-effect vehicle
7. InoSMI / SCMP — China’s progress in Soviet-derived ekranoplan technology

Turkey is preparing a surprise: TALAY kamikaze drone in the style of an ekranoplane

 

TALAY

Turkey is preparing to present a rather unusual device, the TALAY kamikaze drone, at the IDEF 2025 international exhibition. This is not just another drone, but a real innovative project from Solid AERO. The main feature of TALAY is its design based on the principle of an ekranoplane.

Ekranoplanes are aircraft that use the "air cushion" effect that occurs when flying at a very low altitude above a flat surface, for example, over the sea. Because of this, they are more economical than conventional aircraft and can carry more payload.

In the case of the TALAY drone, this means that it can fly further, carry a more powerful warhead, and at the same time remain compact. Such a device will be especially effective against ships and objects in ports — here it has practically no equal.

So it's definitely worth keeping an eye on this project at IDEF 2025 — perhaps this is a new stage in the evolution of attack drones.

The USA has completed the Liberty Lifter program: its "Caspian Monster" remained at the demonstrator stage

Liberty Lifter 

The American Office of Advanced Research Projects of the US Department of Defense (DARPA) has officially completed the Liberty Lifter program, which involved the creation of its own analogue of the famous Soviet ekranoplan, the Caspian Monster. The aim of the project was to develop a large seaplane capable of transporting heavy loads over long distances without the need to use airfields or ports.

Christopher Kent, head of the program, noted that experts have proved that such an aircraft can be built. They studied the physics of flying over water, tested technologies that will allow it to take off and land even in conditions of strong sea waves. For this purpose, materials and methods borrowed from marine construction were used.

However, despite the successful tests of the demonstration sample, the Pentagon has no plans to launch full-scale production of such a machine. But the technologies obtained can be used in future projects, for example, to create lighter and more efficient next—generation aircraft.

Aurora Flight Sciences worked on the project, which emphasized that the research results can already be implemented into real developments — and this may happen in the coming years.

What is Liberty Lifter?

It would be a giant seaplane capable of delivering tons of cargo at high speed around the world. Unlike traditional aircraft, it could take off and land on water, making it independent of the airfield infrastructure. The idea was reminiscent of the Soviet Lun ekranoplane, created in the USSR back in the 1980s. Its length was 74 meters, its speed was up to 500 km/h, and its range was up to 2000 km.

Such a vehicle could transport heavy equipment, missiles, or even divisional personnel directly to their destination — without intermediate overloads and logistical difficulties.

Why was the project closed?

Most likely, because it turned out to be too complicated and expensive for practical use. Although the demo showed good results, further development would require huge investments. Instead, DARPA decided to leave the developments for the future, when technologies become more accessible and efficient.

In general, the American "Caspian Monster" remained at the experimental stage. But the idea of creating superheavy seaplanes or ekranoplanes capable of transporting cargo without infrastructure continues to live on. Maybe someday she'll come back in a new guise.

China's mysterious plane and its analogues: new challenges in the aviation industry

AG600

New mysteries are emerging in the world of aviation. One of them is an unknown aircraft, which is supposedly being tested by China. Although there is very little information about it yet, experts have already begun to compare it with other projects in China, especially the amphibious flying boat AG600. This machine is designed to perform a wide range of tasks, from supply to search and rescue operations, especially over the South China Sea.

Apparently, the new mysterious device may also be focused on coastal operations. Some experts suggest that it may be an ekranoplane – an aircraft that uses the shielding effect to move over the water surface. Such devices are ideal for fast cargo delivery, patrols, and even military operations in coastal waters.

Although China has been developing its own aviation technologies for several years, the appearance of the new device has aroused the interest of the international community. Especially if it really has characteristics similar to the AG600. The latter has already proved its effectiveness in test flights and has become a symbol of the country's growing technological potential.

Recall that history knows of many cases of aircraft disappearing without a trace – for example, the missing Boeing 777 Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, the exact location of which became known only a few years later. However, in the case of the new Chinese device, we are not talking about a loss, but about a hidden development, around which many theories are being formed.

Ekranoplanes are expected to be able to become an important element in China's security and logistics system, especially in the strategically important South China Sea. If the information about the testing is confirmed, it could become one of the most significant events in the aviation industry in recent years.

The mysterious Chinese ekranoplane "Bohai Sea Monster" is shown in its entirety for the first time

Bohai Sea Monster

Recently, the first complete image of the mysterious Chinese ekranoplan known as the "Bohai Sea Monster" appeared in open sources. This unique aircraft, capable of gliding above the surface of water on an air pressure cushion, has long been the subject of speculation and speculation among military experts and analysts.

What is known about the "Bohai Sea Monster"

- Vehicle type: Ekranoplane is a hybrid of an airplane and a ship that uses the screen effect to create lift when moving at low altitude above water.

- Dimensions and design: Judging by the image, the device has impressive dimensions and a powerful aerodynamic shape, which suggests a high load capacity and speed.

- Purpose: The ekranoplane is probably intended for transporting troops, equipment, or conducting reconnaissance and strike operations in coastal areas.

Why the "Bohai Sea Monster" raises questions

- Technical specifications remain unknown: China does not disclose details about the range, speed, armament and capabilities of the device.

- Strategic importance: Ekranoplanes can play a key role in controlling sea lanes and ensuring rapid response in coastal regions.

- Stealth and vulnerability: Despite the advantages of low flight, ekranoplanes can be vulnerable to modern air defense and reconnaissance systems.

The appearance of such a device increases attention to China's naval capabilities and raises concerns among neighboring countries and world powers. Ekranoplanes are able to quickly move forces in coastal areas, which can change the balance of power in disputed regions such as the South China Sea.

Development prospects

- China will probably continue to develop ekranoplane technologies, improving their characteristics and integrating them into military doctrine.

- Other countries may follow China's example, considering ekranoplanes as an effective means of rapid delivery and force support in coastal operations.