Very interesting stuff. I've been interested in wing in ground effect vehicles (WIG's) for quite some time as a viable means of coastal and inter-island transportation in the Caribbean.
The limitations of the original hulled configurations such as surface drag and the inability to operate safely over all but the flattest ground are negated in the hovercraft based configuration; and because the air cushion breaks surface drag, the craft can now take off in a (moderate) tail or cross wind as well as safely operate, land and takeoff on solid surfaces.
The potential as a recreational vehicle is obvious, but I am really interested in the viability of a larger design for commercial inter-island ferry duty. I need to learn more about payload/size/efficiency characteristics, but my instincts tell me it just may come in as a legitimate competitor for short-hop island flights (cheaper, safer, more versatile) and traditional sea ferries (faster, more versatile).
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Tropical Buzz
Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the strength to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. -(wasn't me)
... but I am really interested in the viability of a larger design for commercial inter-island ferry duty. I need to learn more about payload/size/efficiency characteristics, but my instincts tell me it just may come in as a legitimate competitor for short-hop island flights (cheaper, safer, more versatile) and traditional sea ferries (faster, more versatile).
Tom, that behemoth sure answers any questions about size, doesn't it? That beast was designed to carry Soviet military payloads, but it suffered from the same design limitations as some of the smaller WIG's. The eight forward mounted engines were located that way to provide additional lift to the wings needed to overcome the problem of surface drag on takeoff - particularly in the absence of a strong oncoming wind. Once the monster was airborne, some of them could be shut down for cruising in ground effect mode. Significant power (and consequently fuel) is required to break free from the water.
The WIG/hovercraft hybrid, however, offsets this big power requirement by breaking surface friction in normal hover mode, allowing the craft to ease into ground effect flight with far less effort. That and the ability to skim up onto a ramp or a beach makes for some interesting possibilities.
Even as a pleasurecraft - can you imagine safely skimming 10 feet or so above the surface of the water or desert with a few friends at 60, 75 or 100 plus mph?
__________________
Tropical Buzz
Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the strength to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. -(wasn't me)
Lol! No, Buddy - I even had to look it up to see why you asked. Didn't even know the dude was dead. He crashed straight down into the water from 500 feet though - apparently trying to switch from his empty fuel tank to his auxiliary tank, which incidentally was also empty. Tragic accident. The article I read said he was a plane down to earth kinda guy...
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Tropical Buzz
Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the strength to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. -(wasn't me)
Hey - with all the groaning goin' on, sounds like you fellas could use some Assiphex. I wonder if Mikey Bomelia has any left?
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Tropical Buzz
Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the strength to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. -(wasn't me)
And speaking of interesting alternatives to conventional transportation...
Check this out: http://www.aeroscraft.com/
Forget about the military or cargo applications - this could become the ultimate in luxury cruising.
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Tropical Buzz
Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the strength to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. -(wasn't me)
That ought to be a blast in one of them there hurricane-thingies you folks tend to get.
Hurricane weather is thankfully quite rare down here and pretty predictable once it does materialize. At 174 mph flight speed, the Aeroscraft should be be able to steer well clear of any approaching storms. With its ballast management system, it's actually heavier than air when not in flight and could be made reasonably secure in less severe weather. It has amphibious landing capability too, and without the need for dedicated airfields, it would be great for Caribbean (or anywhere, really) cruising. Did you see that observation deck?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jamo
Why not buy some of them big-assed subs the Russkies have mothballed...put a movie theater where the missles would've been sitting.
Hmmm - I was thinking I could keep the missile tubes active, but disguised as shower stalls and elevators for the in-law suites.
A few years ago, someone actually did bring down an old Russian sub converted for underwater sightseeing tours. Unfortunately he couldn't keep the business afloat and after he went under, the sub was sold to another company in Martinique.
__________________
Tropical Buzz
Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the strength to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. -(wasn't me)
Flying Hovercraft
That beast was designed to carry Soviet military payloads, but it suffered from the same design limitations as some of the smaller WIG's. The eight forward mounted engines were located that way to provide additional lift to the wings needed to overcome the problem of surface drag on takeoff - particularly in the absence of a strong oncoming wind. Once the monster was airborne, some of them could be shut down for cruising in ground effect mode. Significant power (and consequently fuel) is required to break free from the water.
Linear Mode
