A ground effect craft having height stability and pitch stability

摘要

A ground effect vehicle 10 comprises a first wing 20, a second wing 30 connected to said first wing, and propulsion means 50, wherein the first wing 20 is configured to exhibit a rearward travelling centre of pressure with increasing height of the vehicle and a forward travelling centre of pressure with descent of the vehicle, and wherein the second wing 20 is configured to generate a moment which balances a lifting force generated by the first wing in cruise condition, which in combination with the travelling centre of pressure causes the vehicle 10 to be returned to the cruise condition when the vehicle deviates therefrom. The ground effect vehicle therefore possesses height stability and pitch stability. The first wing is preferably a flat plate or of symmetrical profile. An independent claim relates a ground effect craft wherein a first wing has a symmetrical cross-sectioned profile, while a second wing is located above and aft of said first wing.