China’s ‘Bohai Sea Monster’ Ekranoplan Emerges in Clearest Images Yet
New high-resolution images of China’s experimental ekranoplan, dubbed the 'Bohai Sea Monster,' reveal underwing hardpoints for weapons, indicating a potential strike capability alongside amphibious support roles. The aircraft, observed at an unspecified seaport, appears smaller than initially expected and features four turboprop engines, though its operational status and potential PLA Navy adoption remain unclear.
Newly released images of China’s experimental ekranoplan, nicknamed the 'Bohai Sea Monster,' provide the clearest view yet of the aircraft’s design and capabilities. The photos, shared by military aviation analyst Andreas Rupprecht on X, show the vehicle stationary in water and later lifted by a crane at an unspecified seaport. The ekranoplan, first spotted in July 2025 near the Bohai Sea, now displays four top-mounted turboprop engines with three-blade propellers and visible underwing hardpoints on the starboard side, likely for antiship munitions or torpedoes. Analysts suggest the aircraft may be a technology demonstrator rather than a final operational model, with potential future designs scaling up to the size of the Y-15 turboprop aircraft. The current prototype uses four WJ-10/AEP500 turboprop engines, though larger or additional engines could power later versions. The extended landing gear visible in the images hints at amphibious capabilities, allowing operation from both water and land bases. The ekranoplan’s design includes a square-shaped dish above the cockpit, now confirmed to be surrounded by six slanted blades, likely for HF/VHF/UHF communications. Earlier images from July 2025 showed the aircraft moving on water with an open port entry door. While its operational status is uncertain, the PLA Navy’s existing arsenal—including warships, aircraft carriers, and fighter-bombers—could already meet regional defense needs. The aircraft’s potential role in amphibious operations, particularly in the South China Sea, remains speculative. Its development aligns with China’s broader push in aerospace innovation, though whether it will enter service alongside other experimental platforms is unknown. The AG600 flying boat, used for civilian and military roles like firefighting and resupply, serves as a comparison but operates on a different scale.
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