Combining WIG boats with downforce

Discussion in 'Boat Design' started by Franklin, Jul 11, 2005.

  1. Franklin

    Franklin Guest

    In 1966 Ron Jones designed a jet hydroplane for Craig Breedlove which was to use an aerodynamic concept developed by Boeing engineer Joe Riesback. In Riesback's concept, the stub wings connecting the sponsons to the hull were shaped to produce downforce. Riesback believed the boat would reach a condition where with the sponsons about 12 inches off the water the downforce would be exactly counterbalanced from the lift produced by the air trap formed by the wings and sponsons, thus achieving a stable ride height. Sponsorship was not forthcoming so the idea was never tested in practice.
     
  2. chase687
    Joined: Apr 2005
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    Location: Portland, OR

    chase687 Junior Member

    It sounds like an interesting idea.

    From my understanding of ground effect, it is not necessary to use down force to make a stable vehicle. This to me sounds wasteful. There would be the added induced drag from the wings creating the down force as well as the added parasite drag from just being on the craft, and if going fast is the goal, the added weight of these wings would be a hindrance.

    Does anyone see something positive in this design idea?
     
  3. Franklin

    Franklin Guest

    Swings

    However they're shaped, you need SOMETHING to connect the sponsons to the hull. Wings aren't any heavier than just simple spars.

    http://www.missmadison.com/photos/StClair04/Coming%20In.jpg

    In today's Unlimited hydroplanes, a moving driver-controlled wing is used to counteract blowovers.
     

  4. Franklin

    Franklin Guest

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