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Could you build a passenger version of this and run it up and down the west coast? (or trans-pacific?) Sounds like a "speeder" from Star Wars! NASA (or atleast
by condercet 6y ago
Could you build a passenger version of this and run it up and down the west coast? (or trans-pacific?) Sounds like a "speeder" from Star Wars!
NASA (or atleast someone affiliated with NASA) seems to think there's some potential!
https://nari.arc.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/attachments/IFAR_AeroAcademy_2014.pdf https://nari.arc.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/attachments/IF...
The last slide shares conclusions:
"Commercial ground effect planes will lead to more fuel efficient trans-oceanic flights.
• Cheaper flights.
• More accessible.
• Less pollution.
• Revolutionize aviation design."
- condercet 6y agoso that slideshow I linked was probably written by an intern or something - but here's a serious analysis of the tech dated 1999 from DTSO (australian army) that states: "There are no apparent technological barriers to the successful design, manufacture and operation of WIG craft" "http://www.seaphantom.com/pdf/MILITARY_ANALYSIS_WIG_AIRCRAFT_AU_GetTRDoc.pdf http://www.seaphantom.com/pdf/MILITARY_ANALYSIS_WIG_AIRCRAFT...