Collins X-112

The Collins X-112 was an experimental two-seat ground-effect vehicle, designed by Alexander Lippisch in the United States in the early 1960s to test his thick reverse delta wing concept.

Lippisch's development of his Aerofoil Boat, a ground-effect vehicle for use over water, began whilst he was working in the aviation division of the Collins Radio Company in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, US.

This contrasts with the lower-aspect-ratio square wing of the ekranoplans, which leaves ground effect at only 10% of span, limiting them to the calmer waters of lakes and rivers.

Its thick airfoil wings were low-mounted, each with a tip float or "pontoon", which in combination with the strong anhedral kept the fuselage well clear of the water surface.

A retractable water-rudder, fuselage-mounted at the point at which the lower fuselage rose upwards, provided directional control on the water surface.