AirX’s AirFish Wing-in-Ground (WIG) craft preparing for certification

Photo credit: Matt Hardy

Kimberly Hudin April 22, 2024

ST Engineering AirX and Bureau Veritas are partnering to focus on classification and certification of AirX’s AirFish Wing-in-Ground (WIG) aircraft.

Wing-in-ground (WIG) combines marine and aeronautical design to utilize ground effects (GE). Ground effect (GE) is an energy-saving aerodynamic phenomenon due to the increased lift and decreased induced drag that occurs when flying close to a flat surface, such as an aircraft wing. ground or water. The lift coefficient creates a floating effect.

The structure of AirX’s AirFish 8, a 10-passenger WIG vessel, is made from carbon fiber reinforced composite materials to reduce weight and increase strength. The V8, 500 HP engine runs on 95-octane automotive-grade unleaded gasoline, and the GE-generated aerodynamics saves fuel at high speeds and provides a range of approximately 300 nautical miles. AirFish 8 will fly at a height of up to 7 meters, with a maximum speed of 106 knots and a cruising speed of approximately 80 knots.

AirX and Bureau Veritas have partnered on AirFish 8 classification and certification.

Jeffrey Lamb, president of commercial aerospace at ST Engineering, said: “In our pioneering effort to commercialize the world’s first WIG aircraft, we have chosen to partner with Bureau Veritas to classify and certify the AirFish ground wing solution. , an important milestone in realizing the huge potential of Wing-in-Ground technology in areas such as the provision of semi-public services and logistics services. Together with Bureau Veritas, we are revolutionizing maritime transport. We look forward to using our innovative technology to set new standards for innovation and safety.”

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