ekranoplan
nounUK /ɪˈkrænəplæn/
US /ɪˈkrænəplæn/
A fast vehicle that flies just above the water on a cushion of air.
The ekranoplan skimmed across the sea faster than most boats.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A Soviet-era military transport designed to fly low over water using ground effect.
The Caspian Sea Monster was a famous giant ekranoplan.
3. Any craft that exploits ground effect to travel efficiently just above a surface.
Engineers are testing a new ekranoplan for coastal patrols.
4. A type of high-speed marine vehicle that combines features of boats and airplanes.
The ekranoplan carried passengers across the lake in minutes.