Computational aerodynamics and flight stability of Wing-In-Ground (WIG) craft

Abstract

A Wing-In-Ground (WIG) craft is a marine craft equipped with wings which enables it to remain airborne just above the water surface. A WIG-craft utilizes ground proximity effects to improve aerodynamic loading and efficiency. It fills the technological gap between conventional aircraft and ships. A WIG-craft operates at much higher speeds than ships and more efficiently than aircraft. Another distinct advantage of a WIG-craft is its ability to take off anywhere from the sea surface without the need for a runway. Due to its superb and unique features, WIG-crafts serve as a promising choice of fast, safe and efficient platform for the next generation of marine transportation systems. The objective of this work is to investigate the aerodynamic characteristics, as well as the longitudinal flight dynamics and stability of WIG-craft for the purpose of achieving improved WIG-craft designs. © 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.