From Wikipedia--The A-90 uses ground effect to fly a few meters above the surface. The Russians classify it as Ekranoplan Class B - it can achieve an altitude of 3,000 m (9,800 ft), placing it between Class A - which is limited to ground effect, and Class C, which exploits the ground effect only during take-offs and landings and otherwise functions as a typical airplane. Make sure to take off from the water. Landing Gear to raise hydrofoils on wings.