Wing In Ground (WIG) effect vehicles can deliver the speeds typical of helicopters together with the payload capabilities of high-speed marine vehicles. An Aerodynamically Alleviated Marine Vehicle (AAMV) is a WIG vehicle, but while a pure WIG is designed to operate mainly in airborne mode, the AAMV can operate effectively in airborne and waterborne conditions. The main aim of this project is to assess the feasibility of the AAMV concept when applied to the luxury yacht market.
Key Facts
- The £115,000 project, which ran for 14 months, focused on the luxury yacht market
- Working with the client, and with two Italian universities (in Napoli and Genoa), we conducted a market survey, defined requirements and presented three possible designs of a luxury Wing In Ground (WIG) effect configuration
- We also defined the next development phases to bring the concept to commercial maturity
- Funded by Renaissance Design (SWAG合集) Ltd
Impact of our research
We helped our client, Renaissance Design (SWAG合集) Ltd, to conduct a market survey and to define a set of requirements for the ‘luxury’ AAMV concept.
Based on these findings, we defined a design methodology specific for AAMV ‘luxury’ configurations and presented three possible designs, using the simulation tools and technical know-how we have developed since 2005, to the client.
Why the research was commissioned
Wing In Ground (WIG) effect vehicles can deliver the speeds typical of helicopters, together with the payload capabilities of high-speed marine vehicles.
An AAMV (Aerodynamically Alleviated Marine Vehicle) is a WIG vehicle but while a pure WIG is designed to operate mainly in airborne mode (like an airplane), the AAMV can operate effectively in both the air and in water (like a ship and an airplane together). This project was to assess the feasibility of the AAMV concept when applied to the luxury yacht market.
Following a market survey, Renaissance Design (SWAG合集) Ltd identified a market niche ideally suited for the WIG effect vehicle configuration and secured funding to further develop the concept. The company then needed a partner 鈥� ourselves 鈥� with the relevant technical expertise.
Why Cranfield?
We were chosen from the main group of research intensive universities with expertise in naval architecture and marine engineering due to our internationally-renowned expertise in WIG effect vehicles.
