SOVIET WING-IN-GROUND EFFECT AIRCRAFT
by Brian W. McMullin, 1988
During the 1980s, the Soviets continued testing various wing-in-ground effect vehicles for use in coastal defense and amphibious operations. The ORLAN-Class, seen here, takes advantage of the increased aerodynamic lift that occurs when a wing operates near the surface. This greatly increases the craft's ability to carry heavy loads over long distances, especially over water, making it well-suited for amphibious warfare.
Part of the work by DIA artists on Military Art Collection!