Central Design Bureau named after R.E. Alexeev (TsKB) is developing an ocean-based ground-effect vehicle with a takeoff weight of 500 tons, RIA Novosti reports with reference of Morinformsystem - Agat Concern CEO and General Designer Georgi Antsev.

Ground-effect vehicle (GEV) is the high-speed transport; it is a cross between a heavy aircraft and a light vessel. The vehicle is flying within the limits of active aerodynamic shield, at an altitude of several meters above the water or other surface. “Ocean-based ground-effect vehicles with a takeoff weight of 500 tons or more are required. Such vehicles are being developed by the TsKB named after Alexeev… Today we are in the process of reloading the Soviet era, the company is looking for customers, carrying out research and development work, simulation and mocking-up,” Antsev said.

A project for development of GEV designed for coastal area with a takeoff weight of 60 tons has already been presented at “Marine Industry of Russia” forum.

“It has a very good flexibility – it may be used for passenger transportation, carrying out work in the Arctic Region as well as protecting the state borders. It may use infrastructure of airfields and it may be used as an aircraft in some situations,” the source added.

According to Antsev, the concern should get a universal platform (GEV) developed by the design bureau, and then it will integrate the platform into one or another system — Rosribolovstvo (Russian Federal Fisheries Agency), State Border Service, Ministry of Defense, etc.”

Morinformsystem - Agat Concern is developing some instruments for the TsKB, including components related to hydro acoustics, radio detection and ranging, control system, etc.