[Jiggly]

New "flying ferries" could be a real future in the English Channel (the bit of water between England and France),

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Brittany Ferries said its proposed craft "foils like a hydrofoil, hovers like a hovercraft and flies like a plane... with the comfort and convenience of a ferry". The all-electric, sea-skimming gliders are set to travel from Portsmouth to Cherbourg in 40 minutes. The 150-capacity craft could be ready for commercial passengers by 2025. The zero-emission vehicles, developed in the United States by Boston-based start-up Regional Electric Ground Effect Naval Transport (Regent), are expected to travel at speeds of up to 180 mph (290 kph). They will be about six times faster than conventional ferries, with a battery range of about 180 miles (290 km).

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[Oni]

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Portsmouth to Cherbourg in 40 minutes.

Unless I'm mistaken, the tunnel would be about the same travel time. For sea, this is pretty good.

[Skullmeat]

It's a ground effect vehicle. Really interesting and cool technology. Its also quite old, the soviets have experimented with the technology since the 1970s, with Bartini Beriev VVA-14, and the Lun class mentioned in the article.

[Jiggly]

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Portsmouth to Cherbourg in 40 minutes.

Unless I'm mistaken, the tunnel would be about the same travel time. For sea, this is pretty good.

I think you're spot on actually, not that I've tried the tunnel.

It's a ground effect vehicle. Really interesting and cool technology. Its also quite old, the soviets have experimented with the technology since the 1970s, with Bartini Beriev VVA-14, and the Lun class mentioned in the article.

The pictures of the Russian ones were really cool!

[Accident Man]

A modern version of the Soviet 1960s Ekranoplan, which flew in ground effect to maximize lift.

[Jiggly]

A modern version of the Soviet 1960s Ekranoplan, which flew in ground effect to maximize lift.

Yeah, they mention that in the full article. It's pretty clever, and I had no idea so many places are looking into the tech. Apparently, this stuff is really gaining traction.

[Caesal]

Just wondering how it would perform in different weather conditions. It looks like an age old idea in a new form.

[Jiggly]

Just wondering how it would perform in different weather conditions. It looks like an age old idea in a new form.

I'm sure they would have thought of this, but I haven't the first clue how it works or adjusts to various weather patterns. It wouldn't be a particularly viable venture if it can only be used during good weather.

[mothered]

Just wondering how it would perform in different weather conditions. 

Safety In all aspects, Is first and foremost.

No doubt they would've taken every condition Into account prior to Its construction.

[Oni]

Just wondering how it would perform in different weather conditions. It looks like an age old idea in a new form.

Without a doubt they'll only operate in favorable conditions. It will likely be similar to how air traffic is controlled/suspended during risky weather.