Russo-Brazilian JV to build Ekranoplans

A joint venture between the Sao Paulo boat builder Companhia C?mara Constru?ões Navais and the Russian company ATTK, is going to manufacture WIG (wing in ground effect) craft known as Ekranoplans or Aquaglide. These aircraft-like boats were developed in Russia and fly just above the surface of the water. The initial investment will be approximately $35 million, but may rise as high as $80 million.

The new company, called Aquaglide, will be created in Gua?ba, in the metropolitan region of state capital Porto Alegre where a factory will be built on a 60-hectare area.

It is estimated that 100 direct jobs may be generated at the start of the project and the number of employees may rise as high as 600 in three years.

The first model to be produced in Brazil, called A-5, will have a capacity to carry five passengers, skim 20 cm above the water surface and reach a speed of 170 km/h . According to F?bio Mar?al, an administrative assistant working for Geraldo C?mara, it should cost around $600,000 in Brazil and, due to the price, will be mainly for “corporate” and “government” use. The company claims it already has an order portfolio of 15 crafts. The first two units are scheduled for delivery in eight months time when production starts. The forecast is that 15 units should be produced per year and Aquaglide hopes to develop a 60-passenger model currently undergoing tests in Russia.