DHfan,
Yes, the Ekranoplan was a wonderful thing, wasn't it ! I was comparing it ironically to the similar performance of FED's Valiant tanker on take-off from Bahrein.
As I recall, the principle has been applied to small "sports" type one or two seat light "aircraft", as much less power is required than is needed for real flight. Should do well in the Everglades and in the bayoux of Louisiana, I would have thought.
Danny.