A Novel Flying and Diving Wig Craft for Electronics Intelligence - a Conceptual Design

Wing in Ground (WIG) effect craft with a higher lift to drag ratio would decrease fuel consumption than conventional maritime vessels and seaplanes. This paper introduces the conceptual design of a submersible seaplane that merges the maturity of the seaplane class with covert underwater insertion, travel and recovery. The reconnaissance design inserts from underwater emplacement, surfaces, can fly in ground effect, keeps station on the sea surface while recharging, travels and wait for collection underwater. The design minimizes doppler and infra-red signatures to evade the surface-wave and backscatter radar systems and cube-satellite arrays typical in contested maritime areas. Five critical enabling technologies are overviewed, showing how they enable the design. The project was conducted in collaboration with two industrial partners, namely: Ron Allum and Thales Australia.