China: September 25, 1999

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China is building a Wing-In-Ground aircraft able to carry 100 light infantry on amphibious missions. The Russians pioneered this type of craft, and the Chinese design is clearly based on previous Russian prototypes. Wing-In-Ground aircraft fly very low (just a few feet over the water), using the cushion of air under their wings to allow them to carry much heavier loads than aircraft which fly at normal altitudes. If China can get WIGs working, they could pose a formidable surprise attack threat.--Stephen V Cole