Mechta
29th Sep 2010, 10:55
I have just come across a BBC video showing a number of Iranian Ekranoplans or wing-in-ground effect craft. These (the Iranian ones) are all new to me.
BBC News - Iran's flying boats go on display at sea (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-11432319)
The questions I have:
How long have they been known about?
Are they totally indiginous, or have they been built with the assitance of previous ekranoplan designers (Russia & Germany spring to mind)?
How are they likely to be used, e.g. close up inspection of passing vessels?
What do they replace e.g. helicopters, RIBs, patrol boats?
How may are they likely to be building, as there seemed quite a number in the video?
What engine do they use?
What is the range/payload?
BBC News - Iran's flying boats go on display at sea (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-11432319)
The questions I have:
How long have they been known about?
Are they totally indiginous, or have they been built with the assitance of previous ekranoplan designers (Russia & Germany spring to mind)?
How are they likely to be used, e.g. close up inspection of passing vessels?
What do they replace e.g. helicopters, RIBs, patrol boats?
How may are they likely to be building, as there seemed quite a number in the video?
What engine do they use?
What is the range/payload?