Surface-effect ships can also be referred to as Wing-in-ground-effect (WIG) craft, or Ekranoplanes. These types of vessels use a combination of ground effect and aerodynamic lift to partially fly above the water's surface. They are unique in their ability to achieve higher speeds with reduced drag, making them an attractive option for military applications and high-speed transportation. Other synonyms for surface-effect ships include winged ships, ground skimmers, surface-skimmers, and surface-effect-vehicles (SEVs). These terms all describe the same type of vessel that operates in ground effect and can reach high speeds while remaining close to the water's surface.