AGORA
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WING IN GROUND EFFECT
A bit of history 

We write 1984: 

 At present, three technologies of revolutionary amphi aircrafts, designed to  skim over the water at low height have been developped. 
 A prototype called "Ekranoplan", designed by the Russians, is being tested  at this moment and will make use of what is called in terms of  aerodynamics the "surface effect". This craft is being operated by two  screws that turn in opposite direction and which are mounted on the upper  side of the vertical tail-plane. In the nose of the craft, there are two  jet-engines, of which the exhaust-stream is blown under the wings to obtain the cushion effect. 
The same technology is used by the Japanese in theire Kawasaki Programme. 
 In the USA, Collins Corporation constructed the X-112 based on Lippish's  technology. This technology was taken over by the German aircraft  industry FOKKER, first with the two-sitter X-113 and later with a second  prototype X-114 of the Fokker-department Rhein Flugzeugbau. This "airfoil-boat", so it was called, was a craft for six persons. Lippish is based on a "driving wing". The air is being compressed by the  forward speed by a special wing to form the air cushion, by which the
vehicle can fly low over the water. There is heard but very little of this  X-114. 
From the end of the seventies in the Agora Department of the Universidad  Libre de Las Colinas, various programmes are being tested, on the basis of  the "Dynamic Stability". The mechanic models and laws have there been  left for a great part, and the Hydrogen-technology is being developped. It  seems that only this technology solves the problems that are inherent to the
 wing-in-ground-effect. Until at present, Western specialists had not really believed that flying on  surface effect could be usefull, but it appears that the Russian prototype is  being followed anxiously by Nato specialists and the different   developments of these surface-effect crafts are being closely observed. 

 We write 1993 

 "Any talk about the future has to include a paragraph on WIGS. To  those of you who have had any exposure to wing in ground effect  crafts, the advantages of these vessels are totally clear. The wig  represents the ultimate fast vessel.  I have absolutely no doubt that by early in the next century they will  be common place. They are able to provide high speed, comfort and,
above all else, efficiency. That cannot be touched by any other form  of high speed transportation. There is no doubt that, whatever else,  the future lies with such crafts." 
(Max Martin, on the 9th High Speed Surface Craft Conference in Singapore.)