Why wing-in-ground vessel more fuel efficient?

Why wing-in-ground vessel more fuel efficient? Well, it’s simple really. A wing-in-ground vessel is a type of aircraft that flies very close to the surface of the water. It doesn’t have to deal with the drag of the air or the water. Instead, it flies just above the surface of the water, using a phenomenon called ground effect. Ground effect is when the air pressure under the wings increases as they get closer to the ground, creating more lift and reducing the induced drag. This means that it needs less thrust and less fuel to maintain a stable flight. It’s like a bird that skims the water, but with a big engine and a lot of passengers. A wing-in-ground vessel is so fuel efficient that it can travel from New York to London on a single tank of gas. OK, maybe not that efficient :-) but you get the idea. It’s a very clever way to fly, and also very fun. Imagine looking out the window and seeing dolphins and whales swimming by. Or maybe sharks and pirates, depending on where you are. Either way, it’s an adventure! :-)

A wing-in-ground vessel can fly faster and farther with less fuel than a plane or a boat. It’s like having your cake and eating it too, except the cake is a giant metal bird that skims over the water like a skipping stone. Isn’t that awesome? One the drivers to enable this is the design of it’s Fuel Tank and it is also an important aspect of the overall performance and safety of the vehicle. Wing-in-ground vessels are a type of aircraft that fly close to the surface of water, using the aerodynamic effect of ground effect to reduce drag and increase lift. The fuel tank is usually located in the fuselage or the wing, depending on the configuration and size of the vessel. The fuel tank should be designed to withstand the high pressure and temperature variations that occur during flight, as well as the impact and corrosion from water and salt. The fuel tank should also be able to store enough fuel for the intended range and mission of the vessel, while minimizing the weight and volume of the tank.

Some of the factors that affect the design of wing-in-ground vessel fuel tank are:

- The shape and size of the tank, which determine the fuel capacity, weight distribution, center of gravity, and aerodynamic characteristics of the vessel.

- The material and structure of the tank, which determine the strength, durability, and reliability of the tank. The material should be resistant to fatigue, cracking, deformation, and corrosion. The structure should be able to absorb and dissipate energy in case of impact or explosion.

- The fuel system and components, which include the pumps, valves, pipes, filters, sensors, and gauges that deliver fuel from the tank to the engine. The fuel system should be designed to prevent leaks, blockages, contamination, and fire hazards. The components should be compatible with the type and quality of fuel used by the vessel.

- The safety features and regulations, which include the venting, sealing, grounding, fire suppression, and emergency release mechanisms that prevent or mitigate fuel-related accidents. The safety features should comply with the relevant standards and regulations for wing-in-ground vessels.

One possible design is to use external tanks mounted on the wings or pylons of the vessel, similar to drop tanks used by aircraft. These tanks can be filled or emptied as needed to adjust the weight and balance of the vessel, and can also be jettisoned in case of emergency. The tanks should be equipped with an inerting system to reduce the risk of fire or explosion due to flammable vapors in the tank. The inerting system can use nitrogen gas or exhaust gas from the engine to displace oxygen in the tank. The tanks should also have vents, valves, pumps, strainers, and sensors to control and monitor the fuel flow and pressure in the system.

The design of a wing-in-ground vessel fuel tank run by hydrogen requires careful consideration of several factors:

- First, the fuel tank must be able to withstand the high pressure and temperature of hydrogen gas, as well as the potential impact of water and air during the vessel’s operation.

- Second, the fuel tank must be compatible with the wing-in-ground effect, which is the phenomenon that allows the vessel to fly close to the water surface by using the aerodynamic lift generated by the air cushion between the wing and the water.

- Third, the fuel tank must be safe and reliable, minimizing the risk of leakage, explosion, or fire caused by hydrogen or other external factors.

A possible design for such a fuel tank is a cylindrical shape with a spherical dome at each end, made of lightweight and durable materials such as carbon fiber or titanium. The fuel tank would be located at the center of the vessel, below the wing, and connected to the engine and the fuel cell system by pipes and valves. The fuel tank would also have sensors and controllers to monitor and regulate the pressure, temperature, and flow of hydrogen gas.

The design of a wing-in-ground vessel fuel tank run by hydrogen is a challenging but feasible task that could offer significant benefits for maritime transportation in terms of speed, efficiency, and environmental impact.

For overview of wing-in-ground (WIG) craft/ vessel — read: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-would-happen-you-crossed-boat-plane-ravinder-ravi-singh-m2lgc