The Ekranoplan project was in a sense comparable to the F-35B or airborne nuclear power or the P6M in that, even if it worked, it was hard to see what critical strategic capability it brought to the party. The Sovs already had ships, subs and Backfires targeting carriers. Of course you could argue that it's hard to torpedo a WIG, or hit it at great range with a Phoenix or SM, and that it may be too fast for a Harpoon's tracking logic, but a Maverick could be bodged to take it on quite easily. Then add the range and sea state limits... Eventually the Orlyonok was designed as an amphib warfare transport, but it was hard to see what it did that the Soviet ACVs couldn't.
The Pelican was fun. Completely barking, but fun.
http://www.popsci.com/military-aviat.../monster-20-ft