*KingFisher ~ OPS Ground Effect Vehicle BOXED Version 1

"Created with a Passion"

The KingFisher OPS is a ground effect vehicle. "WIG."

Firstly to the best of my knowledge this is the first of its type in SL

This is a nicely detailed model, built using real life drawings and photographs of the Ekranoplane "Eska". Featuring a very detailed engine and cockpit, with working instruments, navigation lights, spotlight, and internal cabin light, as well as working glove box, canopy and engine cowl. The lights can be turned on when in mouse look using the appropriate buttons on your instrument panel. Simply move your mouse cursor over the button and left click.

*N.B. My partner and I tested this vehicle a number of times at 100% power. This is a VERY FAST vehicle and definitely requires PROPER SIM CROSSING TECHNIQUE. We did several 100% power runs between St Martin & Hollywood Airport, only reducing speed for shape turns. My lag meter recorded ever sim at full red. We made the run successfully a number of times. I use minimap watch for sim boarders and as i approach i do not put in any control inputs. Once through the sim border, you will know when the vehicle will jump slightly, thats when you have control again. Its a challenge and you will requires practice and experience but it is fun.

In your package you will receive ~

1/ Working Model of your KingFisher OPS Ground Effect Vehicle

2/ Static display model for mooring (unscripted)

3/ Display pontoon to place next to your moored KingFisher

4/ Static display model on trailer (unscripted)

5/ A display book for your desktop or library.

6/ Flare Gun (working) ( Mimic Designs Solly13 )

7/ Notecard ~ Sailing your KingFisher OPS

8/ Notecard ~ A very brief history and some technical details abouts WIGs

9/ "KingFisher OPS. Ground Effect Vehicle Boxed."


Even though the KingFisher has a strong resemblance to an aircraft, it is classified as a boat, and, as some are commercial passenger Vessels are considered by Loyds of London (maritime Insurance) to be boats.

The WIG or EKRANOPLAN (Wing-In-Ground-effect) is designed like an aircraft but uses the ground effect over flat terrain. There are many different types, from the Russian monsters to single seaters for different tasks. The wigs are effective over water, swamps, ice and sands but work very different from a hydrofoil. The theories about ground effect were known in the 1920's but it wasn't until the 1960's that the theories were put to practical use by R. Alexeyev in USSR, who build several very large military vessels for the Caspian sea. The Russian test vessels reached a speeds of 740km/h at a service height of 5-20 m above sea surface.

Wigs potential has not been used much outside Russia, however several countries did develop test vessels in the 1970's.

Since 1980 Germany, South Africa, Korea, Japan and Australia have used wigs for; ferry transports, rescue operations, coast guards and OPS service. Several kits for civilian home builders are also on the market today.

The wigs are very effective water craft needing less power than a conventional aircraft or boat, and can carry a greater AUW (All up Weight)

The BCC wig is a model based on Eska a tandem 2 seater, tractor craft being developed by "Ассоциация Экспериментальной Авиации"... (Experimental Aircraft Association). I have taken some liberties in my reconstruction of the "Eska". The original has tandem seating, were as i have made the seating side by side for a better pilot and passenger interaction, and better view in mouse look for the passenger. This has made for a wider fuselage and slightly longer wings. I set the engine to a pusher mode rather than tractor. The reason being my father taught me to regard propellers as always being "alive". I think i would feel more comfortable in RL if the propeller didn't sit so close to the canopy, especially when climbing onto and out of the craft, even if it isn't running.

If you find a problem with my product please send me a note card ... instead of a poor review. After all, it benefits all my customers for me to improve my creations.

Created with a passion ......

Kindest regards

Morphelia Foxclaw ( Hazumi Kaze ) & DrNicolasHel Resident