Virgin Atlantic
09-01-2004, 04:34
When an aircraft flies in ground effect, the ground interferes with the tip vortex. This reduces the induced drag. If the wing flew right at ground level there would be no vortex at all and therefore a large reduction in induced drag.
A 10% reduction in induced drag requires the aircraft to fly within half a wingspan of the ground. A 50% reduction would require the aircraft to fly within .1 wingspan of the ground.
Virgin's WIG aircraft proposol would reduce fuel costs and yet still be able to fly up to 400 knots, close to the speed of modern airlines. They would be more roomy than competitor airlines such as Boeing's 747 and the A380.
The R&D process is expected to cost some $24 billion for 3 prototypes.
A 10% reduction in induced drag requires the aircraft to fly within half a wingspan of the ground. A 50% reduction would require the aircraft to fly within .1 wingspan of the ground.
Virgin's WIG aircraft proposol would reduce fuel costs and yet still be able to fly up to 400 knots, close to the speed of modern airlines. They would be more roomy than competitor airlines such as Boeing's 747 and the A380.
The R&D process is expected to cost some $24 billion for 3 prototypes.