During the Cold War, both the United States and the Soviet Union devised extreme strategies to gain an advantage in the geopolitical conflict.
At the end of World War II, which concluded with the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, a fierce arms race commenced between the two former allies.
By 1967, the United States had built an arsenal of more than 31,000 nuclear warheads, while by 1987, the Soviet Union stockpiled over 40,000.
Amidst this arms build-up, the Soviet engineers developed the Lun-class ekranoplan, often referred to by its nickname, the ‘Caspian Sea Monster’.
This vast 283-tonne, 63-foot vehicle was conceptualized in 1975 and deployed 12 years later, featuring in the arsenal of Soviet and Russian naval forces during the closing years of the Cold War. It was armed with six fixed-elevation anti-ship missile launchers and two twin turrets.
The ekranoplan was part of the Soviet’s wing-in-ground-effect (WIG) program. Although its futuristic appearance suggests it could be a prop straight out of a Star Wars film, it took years to construct and was designed for the Caspian Sea—often described as the largest lake in the world.
Despite its aircraft-like appearance, the ekranoplan actually falls under the ‘ground effect’ classification, technically categorizing it as a maritime vessel rather than an aircraft.
While it may resemble a conventional aircraft, ekranoplans like the Lun are unique and should not be confused with hovercrafts.
This particular vessel, which was taken out of service in the late 1990s, floated above the water surface thanks to its eight powerful jet engines.
It achieved flight by utilizing a cushion of air created by the ground effect as its broad wings flew approximately 13 feet above the water’s surface.
The International Maritime Organization classifies the MD-160 as a maritime vessel, designed to traverse the world’s oceans.
Operating just 13 feet above the water, it was incredibly difficult to detect on radar systems, offering a level of stealth.
CIA officials described the ekranoplan program, using the term ‘Utka’, meaning duck in Russian: “The Utka class WIG is a tactical strike and coastal defence vehicle for the Soviet Navy. It carries six supersonic SS-N-22 anti-ship cruise missiles.”
“The Utka can engage enemy ships beyond its immediate radar horizon, approximately 35 kilometers (22 miles), but can fire the SS-N-22 to its full 100-kilometer (62-mile) range using over-the-horizon targeting data.”
“The Utka is larger than a US Boeing 747 jet airplane and flies at about 250 knots [287 mph]. One Utka has been built.”
They further noted, “We believe that an Utka strike force or coastal defense force could provide the Soviets with a rapid-response capability against surface combatants.”
“However, unless the Utka can ascend beyond the ground effect to extend its radar horizon, it will need external targeting information.”
Today, it rests inactive on the coast of Derbent, a city in southern Russia. Fortunately, for the nearby residents of Samurçay, a small village near the Russian-Azerbaijan border, this once heavily armed craft has been transformed into a museum.