Wing-In-Ground effect vehicles

[pixeldixel]

Have been rather intrigued by Wing-in-Ground effect (WIG) vehicles after watching some of the videos on youtube. They look rather similar to seaplanes with relatively shorter wingspans - very much like the pod racers we see in Star-Wars.

With regard to the principle of lift, can anyone explain the difference between low flying airplanes and these WIG vehicles? As mentioned in one of the videos, the air trapped under the wing bounces back and fourth between the underside of the wing and the ground surface creating this cushion of air that induces lift. Since this principle defers from the bernoulli principle, is this lift sustainable at higher altitudes?

Looks like an interesting project to work on.

[Super-Hornet]

This "Wing in Ground" effect already being used in real aircraft by Soviets



"When the aircraft is close to the surface, the almost cylindrical vortex-induced circulation around the wing outside ground effect is modified by coming into contact with the surface. This flattens the cylindrical circulation pattern as well as reducing the downflow angle of the airflow behind the wing. The flattening on the circulation pattern spreads the pattern outwards below the wing, thus increasing both the effective span of the wing and its aerodynamic aspect ratio. "

Can read more in:

http://www.aviation-history.com/theory/ground_effect.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ground_effect_%28aircraft%29

[VinCopter]

Saw a single seater craft parked in Science center carpark 2 years ago. Something like this http://www.aerospaceweb.org/question...craft-l325.jpg

This will make a good project http://www.c74.net/xplane/AADxSEAWIN...071013_640.jpg

[pixeldixel]

Some of them even modified their hovercraft to achieve the WIG effect. Cool stuff!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRThDxlqMVg

[foxkilo]

Yup, but the big problem with WIG craft, life-size or RC model, is that the ground/water must be mostly flat with few obstacles. Not sure how a WIG would perform in rough weather and tall waves??

[Blackite207]

Gentlemen,
The ground effect is explained here.....
Happy viewing
Now we know that scientist do when they are bored!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9sHtVzdW8Q

[Sunstorm]

wow, bots really are getting smarter, eh?

Looks interesting, these things.

But, but, if we overpower them, won't they just end up flying like any other weird shaped aircraft that we see?

I think the key thing is for them to be propelled, for them to utilize ground effect but not enough for them to actually fly....

I mean, even toilet bowl can fly nowadays....

[pixeldixel]

This "Wing in Ground" effect already being used in real aircraft by Soviets



"When the aircraft is close to the surface, the almost cylindrical vortex-induced circulation around the wing outside ground effect is modified by coming into contact with the surface. This flattens the cylindrical circulation pattern as well as reducing the downflow angle of the airflow behind the wing. The flattening on the circulation pattern spreads the pattern outwards below the wing, thus increasing both the effective span of the wing and its aerodynamic aspect ratio. "

Can read more in:

http://www.aviation-history.com/theory/ground_effect.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ground_...%28aircraft%29

theres more info on the Ekranoplan here

http://www.gamellama.net/amazing/machines/ekranoplan-caspian-sea-monster.html

[Leo]

Spore science center has one but never display to the public. You can see it between science center and omni theatre. It is a small one for 2-3 seater.

[pixeldixel]

Gentlemen,
The ground effect is explained here.....
Happy viewing
Now we know that scientist do when they are bored!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9sHtVzdW8Q

Very nice. Thanks for sharing this video. understand the concept a little better now. Prolly can try building one such models and add a pusher motor up on top. May be quite a fun project to work on. Wonder how to balance the model though. Do we still use the same principle of 1/3 wing from LE?

[yongsinchee]

John, you may want to look at RCgroups website, under the RC Hovercraft section. They have some posting on WIG (also known as Ekranoplan). You may find them interesting.

I could be wrong here but I was told that SAF Yacht Club, in Tanah Merah, has a WIG. A working one, not RC model. Can someone correct me, if I am wrong.

Hope this helps.

[pixeldixel]

John, you may want to look at RCgroups website, under the RC Hovercraft section. They have some posting on WIG (also known as Ekranoplan). You may find them interesting.

I could be wrong here but I was told that SAF Yacht Club, in Tanah Merah, has a WIG. A working one, not RC model. Can someone correct me, if I am wrong.

Hope this helps.

Thanks mate!

[jasonqxx]

Yup, there is a working full size prototype at SAF Yacht club, changi. It's in a tarpaulin covered hanger at the slipway area between the club and the naval base mess. U can just walk in and take a look. The company undertaking the project is called WigetWorks.