Computational Analysis on the Aerodynamic Characteristics of Combined Wing of WIG Craft

The layout and airfoil play an important role in WIG craft design for their great effect on the performance and effectiveness. Taking into account of the characteristics of the airfoils and configuration layouts of t he wings of WIG craft, the longitudinal aerodynamic characteristics in and out of ground effect of combined and simple wings were calculated based on the lifting-surface solution and the ground effect was simulated wit h a mirror image wing, and the effect of the layout and geometric parameters on the longitudinal aerodynamic characteristics of wings of WIG craft was analyzed. The results show that the lift and drag characteristics o f combined wings are better than simple wings both in and out of ground effect, and that the combined wings are fit for sea-skimming and high-flying WIG craft. The study also provides the basis for the selection of lay out and geometric parameters of wings and the wind tunnel models for WIG craft.