wing-in-surface effect ship

The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea | 2006 | 700+ words | Copyright

wing-in-surface effect ship (WISES), also called a wing-in-ground effect ship, wingship (USA), Aerodynamic Ground Effect Craft (Germany), or ekranoplan (Russia). This hybrid works on the same principle as the hovercraft. Most types take off and land on water and while travelling move just above the surface, progressing on a cushion of air. This cushion is created by ground effect, the aerodynamic interaction between the surface and the wing. WISE ships could be the next generation of cargo or passenger vessel and they also have military applications. They can be larger than conventional aircraft—the Russians have built one of 540 tonnes. So they can transport more cargo or passengers than a conventional aircraft, can do so more economically, and they travel much faster than any other surface vessel such as a hydrofoil or Seacat. They have been around for decades and come in all shapes and sizes, but so far none has reached commercial production.

See also surface effect ship.

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