Duck!

[Twister_Ken]

Boeing considers giant ocean skimmer plane
The concept for a colossal cargo aircraft designed to skim a few metres above the surface of the ocean has been revealed by researchers at the aerospace company Boeing.

Full story at: http://www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp?id=ns99992799

 

[jimi]

I recall a few years ago in the cold war era that the Russians had developed such a beast. Its objective was to deliver several thousand troops.

Jim

 

[Mirelle]

Yes, this is quite an old technology, and the Russians have made practical use of it.

This is another of a series of rather curious announcements by Boeing, ever since they dropped their super-Jumbo and allowed Airbus to "capture" that market (if there is one!) with their A3XX. Boeing have released stories about supersonic transports, fast subsonic transports, and now this. They have one thing in common - they are all "technically do-able" if, big if, there is a market for them.

I am sure there is a good reason for all this, but I don't understand it yet.

 

[Guest]

Hi,

Question. If this thing was going one way and Club Med was coming in the opposite direction....

Which skipper would have the brownest trousers?

Regards


Fred

Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they aren't out to get you.

 

[jimi]

The skipper of this thing, Club Med would'nt notice it!

Jim

 

[Guest]

Not much room to manouver if there is an engine failure! At least at 39,000 ft you have a few minutes to sort things out.

 

[Mirelle]

Actually not; the surface effect craft just settles back down onto the water and floats on it. Picture a giant flying boat which does not actually "take off" more than a couple of feet.