Brigadier Arvind Dhananjayan (Retd) has outlined a compelling vision for the future of maritime transportation and rescue operations, highlighting the potential of hydrofoil craft and Ground Effect Marine Vehicles (GEMVs) to revolutionize how personnel and supplies are moved across vast distances.
These technologies, known for their speed, efficiency, and unique tactical advantages, represent a significant leap forward in both military and commercial maritime transport.
Hydrofoil technology offers a transformative approach to maritime mobility. As a hydrofoil craft gains speed, the hydrofoils beneath the hull lift the vessel out of the water, dramatically reducing drag and allowing for significantly higher speeds compared to traditional vessels.
The strategic benefits of such speed and efficiency are particularly valuable in military applications where rapid deployment of personnel, equipment, or aid is critical.
One of the most striking examples of hydrofoil-inspired innovation is the Ekranoplan, a Ground Effect Vehicle (GEV) designed for rapid over-water transit.
Capable of speeds up to 500 km/h and a range of 1,500 km, the Ekranoplan operates at altitudes between 4 and 14 meters above the water, leveraging the "ground effect" to maintain lift and stability. This design enables it to navigate sea conditions up to Sea State 3, handling swells of up to 1.2 meters effectively.
Such capabilities make the Ekranoplan ideal for calm to mildly turbulent waters, positioning it as a unique tool for both strategic transport and maritime rescue missions.
Beyond its speed and operational range, the Ekranoplan's low-altitude flight profile makes it largely immune to radar detection, a crucial advantage in military and covert operations.
This stealth capability stems from the vehicle flying below the minimum detection altitude of most radar systems, enabling it to traverse contested or surveillance-heavy zones with relative ease.
In the context of modern military and maritime strategy, Brigadier Dhananjayan's advocacy for GEMVs underscores their potential as game-changing tools. These vehicles could provide a compelling alternative to conventional naval transport systems, offering unmatched speed, stealth, and efficiency.
With advancements in technology, the renewed focus on GEMVs could address challenges in fast, high-capacity overseas transportation, fulfilling the strategic needs of nations seeking dominance in the maritime domain.
In an era where transportation technologies are constantly evolving, hydrofoils and GEMVs represent a promising avenue for innovation. Their resurgence could usher in a new chapter in maritime operations, blending speed, stealth, and strategic capacity to redefine the possibilities for military and commercial maritime transport.
