In 1972 the Beriev design bureau rolled out Bartini’s outlandish M62.
The M62 wasn’t a true Ekranoplan because it only used ground effect on takeoff.
Bartini’s design was unusual.
Two big pods were connected to the fuselage by large airfoils.
The two engines at the front created a cushion of air by directing the exhaust into narrow channels between the fuselage and the pods. Two more engines above the fuselage were used for cruise, letting pilots fly it at higher altitudes than standard ekranoplans.
Bartini’s creation was built to house 12 lift engines for vertical takeoff and landing, but the engines were never installed and eventually, the M62 went the way of many other exotic Russian designs.
