New Benchmarks in Ground-Effect Flight Energy Efficiency

Abstract

Digital prototypes of a new ground-effect aircraft platform were evaluated to compare respective energy efficiencies to established alternatives. The platform uses a lower cavity similar to a hovercraft, but with design features to better utilize air’s dynamic pressure to sustain flight. Strategic technologies include lower-cavity fences to block lateral losses of lift pressures and a leading section stagnation point that splits air flow both to generate pressure in the cavity and to create induced thrust on the vehicle’s forward section. Three-dimensional (3D) computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulation of digital prototypes achieved lift-drag ratios (L/D) in excess of 60 for vehicles with aspect ratios less than 1.0. This paper details the technology and methods; thereby, establishing benchmark performances that provide a foundation for potentially advancing ground-effect flight technology.