Wingship Investigation. Volume 3. Technology Roadmap.
Abstract
The Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) has completed an investigation of Wingship concepts and technologies to examine their relevance and utility in future defense applications. A select team of technical experts from U.S. Government and industry was formed by ARPA to assess Wingship-related technologies and mission applications. The diverse group was comprised of Western experts in Wingship-unique and related technologies, including flight controls, aerodynamics, hydrodynamics, propulsion, and advanced structures. Transportation specialists and other mission analysts also participated. The Wingship Investigation concluded that vehicles approaching the efficiency and capacity required for strategic heavy lift are about 10 times larger (in gross weight) than any existing Wingship or other flying water-based craft, and about five-times larger than most experienced Russian or American experts recommend building using current technology. The study concluded that, while the cost and technical risks of developing these very large Wingships are currently unacceptable, there may be some promising military applications for Wingships in the 400- to 1000-ton range. Experience with these relatively smaller vehicles could also permit a growth path for the technology. (AN)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA294980
Entities
Organizations
- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency