Wing-in-Ground Effect Vehicles Flight Automatic Control Systems Development Problems

Abstract

The Wing-in-Ground Effect vehicles (WIG-craft, Wingships) or Ekranoplanes as they are called in Russia are developing in several countries and the problem of perfect flight control is very important for these vehicles' successful application either for commercial or military. An accident-free flight at very low altitude above the rough underlying surface, mainly above the disturbed sea surface, and also take-off and landing require special systems of motion control that are different from those used on planes. The requirements for such motion control systems and the new criteria for their improvement are offered. The aim of this investigation is to define the way for operational performance improvement of the vehicles of advanced design. The experience and achievements in this field of high technology are described.