Aurora Flight Sciences and General Atomics have been chosen to compete to design and possibly build the gigantic Liberty Lifter X-plane:
The Liberty Lifter X-plane project aims to deliver a long-range, low-cost X-plane using a wing-in-ground-effect (WIG) ekranoplan-like concept. Artwork released by DARPA shows that the Aurora Flight Sciences concept, which has not been seen before, resembles a more traditional flying boat. The concept features a single hull, high wing and eight turboprops for propulsion. It also looks somewhat similar to Boeing Phantom Works’ Pelican WIG concept from two decades ago.
General Atomics, on the other hand, has selected a twin-hull, mid-wing design – some concept images of which have previously been released by DARPA.
The planned Liberty Lifter X-plane will be similar in capacity, at least, to the C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft. The vehicle will also include the ability to takeoff and land in Sea State 4 – characterized by wind speeds of 11-16 knots with wave heights ranging from 3-5 feet – as well as perform “sustained on-water operation” up to Sea State 5. The vehicle will also need to be able to fly close to the water in ground effect, with the ability to fly out of ground effect at altitudes up to 10,000 feet above sea level at speeds faster than current sea lift platforms.
[…]
Having a strategic airlift capability that can service virtually any spot in the vast stretches of the Pacific could be a boon for U.S. and allied forces. Its low-altitude flight profile could also provide better survivability in a combat environment that can go from uncontested to contested without warning. In addition, it would not be vulnerable to submarine or traditional anti-ship missile attacks like normal logistics ships.
So now we have re-invented the “Spruce Goose” (USA 1940′s), or at best the Ekranoplane (USSR 1970′s). The march of progress is truly unstoppable!
It’s exceedingly impractical, but it’s inestimably cool. If only they could build it.
“In addition, it would not be vulnerable to submarine or traditional anti-ship missile attacks like normal logistics ships.”
A missile really doesn’t care if the target is logistically normal. Don’t name it the Titanic.
The Soviet Union had the Ekranoplan. I wonder why they abandoned it? Maybe because it’s not practical?
At least this one will have the option to get airborne when the sea gets rough.
Oh, well, at least the failing empire will get super-bills for another superweapon.