Z
Zathros
The Boeing Pelican proposal stated that it should be able to fly at 20,000 feet even though it's main flight envelope should be in ground effect. The X-114 translated into flight with a significant penalty in fuel consumption as it was not a "good" airplane but a better "wig". I would not be so presumptuous as to think I have seen every flight video of the A-90 Orlyonok. The wing surfaces suggest a greater height due to the massive nature of the tail plane. It would not be a "good" plane but I do not trust disseminated info passed around. While the Russians have been know to exaggerate claims I think the truth lies somewhere in between. (Unless you are an aircraft engineer and have done an extensive evaluation of the A-90 and considered flight using all engines).The IMO standard have come into play long after the standards set up by the old Soviet Union so that part of your statement deals with the semantics of politics. I do not remember ever stating the validity of any standards I only referenced what the old "Soviet" standards were. My statement about "some people" referred to the belief that a WIG could not get out of ground effect, the suggestion that if it can get out of ground effect it no longer is a WIG contradicts the "class C" Wig category. If it flies out of ground effect it has to "compete directly with aircraft" (I am not sure what you mean by "compete") that just makes it a "class C wig". A WIG with a greater flight envelope. I fly real aircraft and built helicopters for a major helicopter manufacturer. I do not get caught up in fanciful ideas about aircraft. "I may not always be right, but I am never wrong ". I find that you are presumptuous to have made yourself the end all for "balanced and realistic views" of anything. I imagine that most people can understand enthusiasm for some thing and can judge for themselves the true nature of these aircraft/flying boats by "gleaning the fields" for information and not relying on you or me. As far as Lizzienwell 's posts I suggest you put on your glasses and read her posts carefully. She has repeatedly sought information and has never presented herself as the end all and the Bastien of information that your apparently are. Any one who has seen Star Wars can understand that "delightful inventiveness" can make big bucks and science fiction has foreshadowed many scientific undertakings. Have a good day "some people."