The Lun (pronounced “loon,” confusingly a Russian word not for a loon, but for a hen harrier) was a vehicle built for war. Massive though it was, its eight turbofans and use of the ground-effect phenomenon allowed it to achieve speeds of up to 340 mph. Because it flew mere feet above the water, it would have been incredibly difficult for radar sensors to detect it. But because it didn’t touch the water itself, it could also avoid countermeasures such as sea mines or torpedoes.
Its purpose driven design was squarely focused on attacking submarines and aircraft carriers — namely those belonging to NATO countries, such as the United States. Among its most prominent features are the six giant guided missile launchers that look almost haphazardly attached to its back. Their payloads? Nuclear warheads, of course.
While additional Lun-class ships were slated for production, funding disappeared with the Soviet Union’s collapse. The vehicle now waits on the beach at Derbent for a museum to be built around it, though it’s unclear if or when that might happen.
In the meantime, ekranoplans are making something of a comeback, with private companies in several countries planning to combine the high efficiency of the ground-effect with electric battery technology to move passengers and cargo. But it wouldn’t be a party if DARPA wasn’t involved — the Liberty Lifter program is looking pretty monstrous itself.
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