In the last 40 years there has been  increasing attention focused on high-speed marine vehicles. Shipping companies, cruise ship owners, and military commanders have always looked for greater speed - and extended range. As a result there are numerous opportunities for  fast ships or swift boats - generally defined as any vessel traveling over 30-35 knots.  Hydrofoils raise the majority of a vehicle above the surface - and are able to tolerate sea-states (wave heights) that many conventional surface vessels cannot. Hovercraft travel above the water by using air-filled flexible skirts. Both hovercraft and hydrofoils may have difficulty in inclement weather and are best suited for inland waters.  Wing-in-Surface Effect vehicles gather lift aerodynamically and fly entirely out of the water in surface-effect. These craft have been in limited operation for over twenty years in Germany and the former Soviet Union.  By flying, these craft provide safe smooth transport without the vibration and pounding often associated with high-speed travel over water.

Surface Effect Travel  has combined the best of existing WIG vehicles to create a twin-hulled bi-plane with outstanding visibility for pilots and observers - much greater than found in most fixed-wing aircraft. Smooth and stable speeds (85 - 200 knots) are ideal for aerial photo, mapping, and recon - as well as for light parcel delivery, passenger service, dinner cruises, etc. The company's series of  catamaran  Wing-in-Surface Effect Craft are designed to operate on rivers, lakes, coastal waterways & open ocean - wherever there is water. As with hovercraft, these vehicles are designed to remain close to the water to take advantage of surface effect. As long as flights are flown within 150 meters above sea level the SEV's are entitled to operate as a boat or vessel under US Coat Guard rules (more)..

Surface Effect Travel is developing two Vehicles:  The first will be an 'air-courier' 6-seat version. Think of an interior similar to a Lexus - with great CD-quality sound throughout the cabin. The craft will carry 5 passengers + pilot on centerline in a cockpit above the main wing. This vehicle, with a 36 foot span, will fly about 10 to 12 feet above the water at 80 knots (approx 90 mph). This may become the ultimate SUV - with access to many great recreation spots in many areas - often minutes from town. It can go anywhere - for under 50 cents per mile with a range of 250 to 300 miles. Other applications include traffic assessment, air taxi, and light parcel delivery [especially: same day, dock-to-dock]. Draft: one-half meter (1.58 feet or 19 inches).

The 48 foot vehicle will carry up to 12 passengers and 2 crew members. The crew and passengers will sit in a centerline cabin mounted between the leading airfoil and the main wing. This vehicle features an upscale interior with CD sound throughout. Think Danish Yacht combined with Lexus or Honda seating and the best of electronics.  This will be one of  the Company's lead products for sales and licensing. We will offer estimated fuel costs of less than 10 cents per passenger mile (based on $4.99 USD / gallon). Commercial applications include: emergency medical services (EMS), film platform, traffic assessment, search-and-rescue (SAR),  as well as light parcel delivery.  This vehicle is designed to carry up to 2,200 pounds (1,000 kg) of cargo - or any mix of cargo and passengers - and float in about one meter ( 2.5 feet or 30 inches). 

The illustration above represent an artist's rendering of what our craft was going to look like based upon data available earlier. After reviewing the structure and other features of the design, I have developed a more efficient layout that keeps the crew, passengers, and most hardware on centerline and closer to the center of lift and the center of gravity (total mass). This translates to better sea-keeping and flying ability. New artwork has been prepared based upon these improvements.

We are reviewing hybrid electric drive trains in smaller (3 to 6 passenger) models using selected versions of automobile hybrid engines. These provide efficient use of fuel as well as the ability to taxi on water using electric motors only - thus allowing the craft to enter and depart marinas and harbors in light air almost silently, with no smoke, vibration or noise signature. Fuels may include methanol, propane, natural gas or bio-diesel. In contrast to the smaller version, larger models are likely to be powered by gas turbines, providing 160 to 200 knot speeds.

The vehicles developed by Surface Effect Travel also have the unique ability to sail on the water down-wind by engaging a pair of horizontal-axis wind-turbines built into the frame. Installed aft of the main wing, they produce thrust in a strong breeze - enough to sail the vessel up to 15 knots downwind in open water. The craft can also be steered while sailing, up to 20 or so degrees off the wind using the rudders and by selecting either the starboard or port turbine.

 

Recent examples of WISE craft: The Weber vehicle (top row) was built in Wisconsin, USA; while the X-114 (second row) was assembled in Germany in the late 1970's. Flarecraft started a short production run on the East coast US in the mid-1990's, but is no longer in production.
1-pass Weber Vehicle at rest - 1999	1-pass Weber Vehicle over water - 1999
5-passenger Flarecraft in flight - 1996	6-pass X-114 over the North Sea - 1970's

 - 2 pass single-rudder Wing In Surface Effect vehicle -

 - 6 pass twin-rudder Wing In Surface Effect vehicle -

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How Surface Effect Ships Work

When a wing is at low altitude, close to the surface, the tip induced drag is reflected back from the surface, effectively canceling a large portion of the drag and making the effective wingspan considerably larger than the actual wingspan. This creates a very stable and beneficial air-cushion that every aircraft passes through twice per flight - at takeoff and landing. WIG vessels optimize this benefit by staying in ground effect during the majority of their flight. They have enough momentum to fly briefly out of ground-effect to clear ships, bridges and other obstacles. WIG vessels remain, however, under U.S.C.G. certification, using marine navigation procedures and Coast Guard certified crew. This marine classification can save save more than fifty percent of the normal cost to certify and operate a private or corporate aircraft under FAA rulings.  

WIG-vehicles and other RAM wing type craft have been operating in Germany, Japan, the former Soviet Union, and the United States for the last 30 years. Some of the Russian craft are the largest flying vehicles ever built (over 500,000 kg or 1,100,000 lbs). Most of the designs developed to date have been for military applications or have been small 2-seat craft. In North America only one or two WIG vehicles have been scheduled for production. None are flying with 6 or more seats as of  June, 2008.
 
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