Ground effect vehicles
Discussion
Was just wondering why large cargo or even small/large passenger ground effect transport has not 'taken off' (excuse the pun).
It reads on wikki that it was a millitary idea but has not been developed due to lack of millitary funding in the large power countries.
But the effectiveness/efficieny of these vehicles should surely be seen as a worth while alternative to ship/plane transport?
It reads on wikki that it was a millitary idea but has not been developed due to lack of millitary funding in the large power countries.
But the effectiveness/efficieny of these vehicles should surely be seen as a worth while alternative to ship/plane transport?
Project 644 said:
Because they need a relatively smooth surface to move on. They are lake vehicles only really. Any sort of rough sea would stop them working. Very cool idea though.
I thought they'd be able to smash through the tops of waves with a sharp bow.(Although it would be highly uncomfortable as a passenger)
Edited by AJI on Friday 20th November 11:48
AJI said:
Project 644 said:
Because they need a relatively smooth surface to move on. They are lake vehicles only really. Any sort of rough sea would stop them working. Very cool idea though.
I thought they'd be able to smach through the tops of waves with a sharp bow.(Although it would be highly uncomfortable as a passenger)
AJI said:
trickywoo said:
The most obvious draw back is that you can only go from A to B via water. Ships would be much cheaper for that type of movement.
Are you sure ships would be cheaper? Especially when you factor in the length of time they need to get anywhere.google Capian Sea Monster
Poor seas not a problem.
The design of the above-mentioned second-generation heavy-class ekranoplans provides for their high aerodynamic characteristics in flight and good seaworthiness when sailing, i.e. the operation of this marine equipment in two modes. When afloat, ekranoplans can easily maneuver using hydrodynamic rudders, propelling devices and transverse thrust units, and move at low speeds for extended periods. The latter factor enables them in sailing mode to arrive at a safe port from any point of their flight radius if, for some reason, their further flight becomes impossible (because of waves, icing, malfunctioning, and so on). The two-mode operation gives second-generation ekranoplans some new qualities. For example, they demonstrate high operational safety compared with other types of aircraft. The possibility of landing on water at any time and arriving at a port of refuge in the sailing mode guarantees the delivery of passengers and cargo to the point of destination under any circumstances.
The design of the above-mentioned second-generation heavy-class ekranoplans provides for their high aerodynamic characteristics in flight and good seaworthiness when sailing, i.e. the operation of this marine equipment in two modes. When afloat, ekranoplans can easily maneuver using hydrodynamic rudders, propelling devices and transverse thrust units, and move at low speeds for extended periods. The latter factor enables them in sailing mode to arrive at a safe port from any point of their flight radius if, for some reason, their further flight becomes impossible (because of waves, icing, malfunctioning, and so on). The two-mode operation gives second-generation ekranoplans some new qualities. For example, they demonstrate high operational safety compared with other types of aircraft. The possibility of landing on water at any time and arriving at a port of refuge in the sailing mode guarantees the delivery of passengers and cargo to the point of destination under any circumstances.
I think you get the most benefit from the ground effect at about half a wingspan above the ground, but will still be getting an effect up to about 1.5 wingspans. The Lun class pictured by the OP had a wingspan of 44 meters, so it should be able to cope with a reasonably heavy sea, though presumably the ride gets bumpier the heavier the sea gets.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFincX0bjVk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MT7ewylPlAQ&fea...
Cant really understand what there saying but cool to watch
James.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MT7ewylPlAQ&fea...
Cant really understand what there saying but cool to watch
James.
I would have thought that it was obvious. Compare the cost of air cargo with marine cargo.
There is a reason that the oceans are full of container ships carrying hundreds and hundreds of containers each, rather than the skies full of tens of thousands of Antonovs carrying just one or two containers each.
I would imagine that an Ekranoplan is even worse in terms of fuel per ton of cargo.
There is a reason that the oceans are full of container ships carrying hundreds and hundreds of containers each, rather than the skies full of tens of thousands of Antonovs carrying just one or two containers each.
I would imagine that an Ekranoplan is even worse in terms of fuel per ton of cargo.
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