DARPA Will Develop Ground-Effect Vehicles for Enhanced Military Operations

DARPA Will Develop Ground-Effect Vehicles-- On August 18, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (US-DARPA) announced an intent to create extraordinarily innovative ground-effect vehicles (GEVs). This is aimed at revolutionizing military transport by using new technology that would allow vehicles to glide over land and water surfaces by utilizing aerodynamic support from the atmosphere.

Wigetworks' Airfish-8 is a ground-effect vehicle that hopes to achieve commercial success.

What is the Ground-Effect Vehicles?

GEVs, also called wing-in-ground effect (WIG) vehicles, wing ships, or ekranoplans, utilize lift generated by flying close to the ground. This gives GEVs the advantage of flying faster than traditional ships, while allowing them to also carry more cargo than VTOL aircraft.

The Vision for the GEVs

The aim of DARPA is to design a class of vehicles that surpasses the existing limitations of air and sea lift platforms. The agency is actively soliciting applications for innovative GEV concepts promising higher aerodynamic efficiency that also would address generally recognized operational challenges over maritime environments.

Key Features of DARPA GEV Development

1. Very High Payloads: New GEV would be able to carry a payload greater than 100 tons hence allowing the transport of several amphibious vehicles.
2. Extended Flight: These vehicles would have extended flight capability out of ground effect for obstacle avoidance, while optimizing the ground effect flight profile to increase range.
3. Versatile Operations: Their multiple possible operations include Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO), Distributed Maritime Operations (DMO), and Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR).

Applications of Ground-Effect Vehicles

Wigetworks Airfish-8: speeds over the water and takes off.

DARPA WIGs will find applications in several military operations, including:

1. Amphibious Ops: Transport of troops and equipment across difficult terrain.
2. Logistics under Threat: Supply chain resilience in hostile environments.
3. Long-Duration Arctic Patrols: Performing operations in unfavorable conditions for a long duration and with little-to-no payload.

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However, the GEV development working in this way aims to give military operations improved functionality and effectiveness to contend in maritime theaters.

FAQs about DARPA's Development of Ground-Effect Vehicles

What is the ground-effect vehicle (GEV)?

Ground-effect vehicles (GEVs) are specialized vessels that utilize aerodynamic lift by flying or floating close to the ground, either on land or water. They can travel faster than traditional ships while carrying greater payloads than VTOLs.

Why is DARPA developing GEVs?

DARPA aims to enhance military transport capabilities by developing GEVs that overcome the limitations of current air and sea lift platforms. The goal is to build fast, efficient vehicles that can provide long-range service while carrying very large payloads in maritime environments.

What are the other special features of DARPA's GEVs?

The other special features include:

1. High payload capacity (over 100 tons)
2. Extended flight capabilities outside the ground effect for maneuvering over obstacles
3. Optimization of ground effect flight time for maximum range
4. Versatile application for various military operations

What military operations will benefit from GEVs?

Ground-effect vehicles will support various types of military operations, including:

1. Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO)
2. Distributed Maritime Operations (DMO)
3. Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR)
4. Amphibious operations and logistics conducted under threat

How do ground-effect vehicles differ from traditional aircraft and ships?

Unlike traditional aircraft that rely on altitude for lift, GEVs utilize ground effect to fly just above the surface. This allows them to be faster than ships and more efficient while carrying larger loads than most VTOL aircraft.

What are the possible applications of GEVs outside military uses?

These GEVs, originally designed for military use, could be adapted for commercial applications such as cargo transport, emergency response, and search and rescue in challenging terrains like coastal areas and waterways.