Technology developments for wing in ground effect craft

It has long been recognised that flight close to a boundary surface is more aerodynamically efficient than flight in the free stream. This has led to the design and construction of craft specifically intended to operate close to the ground and fly in ground effect. Wing in Ground (WIG) effect crafts are unique vehicles that operate at speeds in excess of 100knots and at altitudes of several metres above the sea surface to take advantage of favourable aerodynamic interactions between the wing and ground.The purpose of this paper is primarily to discuss the technology and economics of Wing in Ground Effect Craft (WIG effect craft). The paper will also inform the reader of the Lloyd’s Register approach for the Classification of WIG effect craft. The paper has been arranged in two parts. The first part explains the origins of ground effect travel and its associated phenomenon and details the current and emerging technology associated with WIGs. The economic and environmental potentials of the WIG effect craft innovation are also discussed and it is suggested that such advanced marine vehicles could be a viable mode of marine transport in the calmer waters of the world.The second part of the paper explains the role of the IMO in the regulation of these craft. It also describes the approach that Lloyd’s Register, as a leading ship Classification Society, has adopted in order to develop a stand alone set of Rules and Regulations for the Classification of WIG effect craft.