Longitudinal stability and dynamic motions of a small passenger WIG craft

The longitudinal stability characteristics of a Wing-In-Ground (WIG) effect craft are quite different from those of the conventional airplane due to the existence of force and moment derivatives with regard to height. These stability characteristics play an important role in designing a safe and efficient WIG due to its potential danger in sea surface proximity. The static and dynamic stability criteria are derived from the motion equations of WIG in the framework of small disturbance theory and discussed in this paper. The static and dynamic stability analyses of a 20-passenger WIG are conducted based on wind tunnel test data, and dynamic motion behaviors are investigated for changes in design parameters. Finally, the flying quality of the 20-passenger WIG is analyzed at cruising conditions according to the military regulations. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.