The big brother to the smaller version I posted.

This is based on the Russian Ekranoplan, but it is smaller -- only about 1/2 the size of the real one..

The whole concept is based around what is called 'Ground Effect' which is what happens when a wing is very close to the ground. The wing traps air underneath itself, building up a 'cushion' of air which lifts it off the ground.

The real one could fly about 100 meters above the water before the 'ground effect' stopped working and it came back down.

For more info, Gooogle "The Caspian Sea Monster" or click the LINK to watch an informative YouTube video.

This was in the works while I was waiting to upload the small Ekranoplan.

Yes, that is landing gear you see there, because I know darn well people are going to try and run it up on land.

Important notes!!

It WILL take off and FLY from a proper runway, but I would be hitting 'autopilot' and getting it on the water.
Use throttle control to control height while on autopilot.

The engines have been carefully tweaked so that it will go as fast as possible on water without taking off.
Boosting the engines may lead to flying. :P

It is fully steerable, even at speed, although it will lose some speed while turning.

The elevators and flaps etc are there for the computer to use mostly, it is flyable manually, if you get it off the water.

The Ekranoplan will fly properly on very little power and can fly as slow as 180 mph once in the air.

Attempts to do 'normal aircraft things' with this craft have led to catastrophic and silly crashes. It is surprisingly tough though.

EDIT: too many edits to mention.

Begging bit: Anyone know how to change the color on the beacons, because I have no idea and RED and GREEN lights on either side would be nice on this instead of the basic beacons.
I have looked for the info, but I canna find it, I'm a mechanic, not a miracle worker Captain! /scotty off