Historical Review of WIG Vehicles

Abstract

Introduction T feasibility of the development of a vehicle based on wing-in-ground (WIG) effect principles has intrigued military and cargo transportation planners for nearly 20 years. These vehicles could be developed for antisubmarine warfare (ASW) or transportation roles. In the U.S. several studies were conducted in the late 1950's and early 1960's to determine the feasibility of developing large transoceanic cargo transport vehicles. However, the decision to develop the Lockheed C-5A large jet cargo transport curtailed these activities. In the 1970's, interest in the WIG phenomenon was revived primarily in response to the need to identify new modes of transportation that would provide an energyefficient, cost-effective transport vehicle. This requirement was highlighted by the energy crisis of 1973. The Soviet Union has maintained a continuing interest in WIG vehicles since the 1960's. In the early 1960's, the Ministry of Ship Building conducted extensive studies of WIGs as transportation vehicles and several experimental vehicles were built. The most recent Soviet experimental designs have been suggested as search-and-rescue vehicles in river and coastal waters. This paper is an historical review of WIG vehicles. Experimental and proposed designs are described. Some comparisons are made betweeen these vehicles and more conventional transport vehicles. Some conclusions are drawn as to the future of WIG technology and its application to military and civilian vehicle requirements.