Object of the Month – October 2026

23.10.2026 07:55 Uhr

Hydrowing VT 01

Our Object of the Month is the Hydrowing VT 01 ground effect vehicle. Ground effect occurs when a flying object moves at low altitude above the ground or water. Air cannot flow freely around the wings; it becomes compressed and the airflow slows down. Beneath the wings, pressure increases, enhancing lift whilst reducing drag at the wingtips. This creates a cushion of air that moves forward together with the aircraft. At higher altitudes, the effect diminishes.

Ground effect vehicles exploit this physical phenomenon, flying at low altitudes over flat surfaces. Depending on their design, they are classified as either watercraft or aircraft. Ground effect vehicles are faster than conventional ships and possess greater payload capacity than aircraft.

The Hydrowing VT 01 testbed was developed in Rostock by TechnoTrans ®, the Society for the Promotion of Science, Research and Innovation. Following its launch on 12 December 1996, the vehicle achieved speeds of up to 125 km/h at a flying altitude of 1,50 metres. It remained in service until 2001, after which it was transferred almost immediately to the State Museum of Technology in Schwerin.

In the winter of 2026/27, the vehicle is set to be restored by members of the Mobile Youth Heritage Foundation (Mobile Jugendbauhütte). Engineers from the former TechnoTrans organisation, who originally developed the craft, will be on hand to provide expert advice throughout the project.