What is a ground effect vehicle?

Ground effect vehicles are airplanes that use the ground effect to achieve maximum speed while very low to the surface of the earth or water. The ground effect is a natural lift generated by the craft's wings when they are close to a fixed surface, such as the ground.

The major benefit of ground effect vehicles is that they can be larger and carry heavier loads than planes that fly at higher altitudes. They are also more fuel-efficient, because aircraft expends the most fuel in takeoff and landing. Ground effect vehicles are primarily used for military rather than for civilian transport purposes.