Russian Engineers Work to Create Multipurpose WIG Craft

A team of Russian developers has been working to create a multipurpose seagoing ekranoplan, which they say could contribute significantly to the speed of seaborne traffic. The project will be presented by MariNet, the National Technological Initiative (NTI) working group, on the sidelines of the International Exhibition NEVA-2017 in St Petersburg, September 19-21.

Specialists of RDC Aqualines will provide a concept, basic and production design, engineering, construction and commissioning of the multipurpose seagong wing-in-effect (WIG) vessel, the EP-15 series ekranoplan with the following general characteristics: length: 16.5 m; displacement: 5.5 metric tons; capacity: 15 people.

The EP-15 will be designed for high-speed cargo and passenger transport, search and rescue duties at operational speed of up to 200 km / h, on 50 - 300-km-long sea routes for safe operations in wind force 7 to 10 knots conditions.

The ekranoplan does not require any dedicated infrastructure availability and certification is carried out according to the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping rules.

Besides, RDC Aqualines in conjunction with Promavia LLC will present a hydrofoil of Project A-902 (LOA: 18 m, displacement: 15 metric tons; capacity: 25 passengers).