[2][3] It flew using lift generated by the ground effect acting on its large wings when within about four metres (13 ft) above the surface of the water.

[4][11] As of 2021, the uncompleted Spasatel is stored adjacent to the Volga river in an old industrial complex within the central Russian city of Nizhny Novgorod.

[14][10] The towing operation involved the use of rubber pontoons, three tugboats and two escort vessels, and would have covered approximately 100 km (62 miles) had it been completed.

The team managing the towing operation was unable to free the massive vehicle, so the ekranoplan was secured and remained beached in the surf zone while plans were drawn up on how to continue the move to Patriot Park.

In the meantime, the unusual craft began attracting attention from the media, onlookers, and trespassing "urban explorers", even before the park was built.

[16] Moving the craft to dry land beyond the surf zone would eliminate the possibility that increased wave action during storms could damage the hull further.

In December 2020 a successful recovery operation resulted in the ekranoplan being hauled out of the water, nose-first, with the tail ending up about 20–30 m (65–100 ft) from the sea, as seen from satellite imagery.