Wing in Ground Effect Craft Review

It has long been recognised that flight close to a boundary surface is more aerodynamically efficient than flight in the freestream. This has led to the design and construction of craft specifically intended to operate close to the ground and fly 'in ground effect'. A great range of Wing in Ground effect craft (WIGs) have been manufactured ranging from 2 seat recreational vehicles to 500 tonne warcraft. Despite this WIGs have never enjoyed great commercial or military success. The Maritime Platform Division of DSTO commissioned The Sir Lawrence Wackett Centre for Aerospace Design Technology to conduct a design review of WIG craft. This review considers all elements of WIG design and operation, including performance, limitations, control, stability, operational requirements, regulation, manufacture and technological risk. The review highlights the research required to overcome the weaknesses of WIG craft, the advantages that they may offer and the possible uses of WIG craft in the Australian military.