A Ground Effect Vehicle (GEV) is one that
attains level flight near the surface of the earth, making use of the
aerodynamic interaction between the wings and the surface known as ground effect. Most known are the Soviet ekranoplanes, but
names like wing-in-ground-effect (WIG) vehicle, flarecraft, sea skimmer,
SkimMachine, or wing-in-surface-effect ship (WISE) occur. In recent years a
large number of different GEV types have been developed for both civilian and
military use. However, these craft are yet to be put in general use.
This WIG
is of a Filipino design, made and solely funded by Capt. Art Velasquez, an aeronautical
engineer. It is made up of composite materials and will be the first of its
kind in the Philippines if put into completion and gains operational status. As
of this date it is already 80% near completion. The plane is currently
assembled in Aviation Technology Innovators (ATI) hangar in Domestic Airport,
Pasay City. As per the post of Mr. Manny Dela Cruz in his facebook page, WIG is
not classified as aircraft and not covered by Civil Aviation Authority of the
Philippines (CAAP) hence it will be covered by Maritime Industry Authority
(MARINA). To quote, he said in his post “…best option to go direct to Boracay
right at the doorstep of the resort of your choice… come to think of it 7000
plus islands, I wonder how many mmore islands like Boracay can be made
accessible by this kind of craft that does not need a runway floats like a boat
with a speef of an aircraft when in ground effect…”.
There's a big difference between an Invention and Imitation . . . Innovation maybe ... innovated design as they said ...
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ReplyDeleteCongratulations Capt. Art finally some people are making their dreams a reality. At this point I can only fly paper WIG. I am really interested in seeing a Filipino made W-I-G vehicle "fly", ground effect that is. I hope your design gets approved be the president himself as alternate means of patrolling the Philippine seas!
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