Chinese Wing-in-Ground Effect Vehicles - Ekranoplans in PLA service

by78

General
A bigger version.

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BoraTas

Major
Registered Member
View attachment 155582
I guess this aircraft is smaller than expected and uses turboprop instead of turbofans
It still appears to have a size similar to the Y-9 if not bigger. The use of turboprops would make sense if the intended max speed is below 600 km/h, going by the first principles. I honestly see potential in these vehicles for CSAR, CASEVAC, MEDEVAC and transport. After all they are faster than helos and are much cheaper for the same payload. Amphibious use is less likely but still plausible. MPA, gunship and missile boat type uses would be obsolete in 2025.
 
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