Singapore-based ST Engineering AirX has won orders for its wing-in-ground effect vehicle called AirFish with a Turkish company.
The deal with Eurasia Mobility Solutions was announced this week at the Singapore Airshow for up to 10 wing-in-ground (WIG) AirFish 8s, with an option for another 10.
AirFish 8 is a WIG vehicle that is expected to be certified next year under maritime regulations and will be used to transport passengers and cargo in coastal areas.
A WIG vehicle uses aerodynamic forces and air pressure generated between itself and the water’s surface to reduce induced drag and achieve fuel-efficient, high travel speed.
The AirFish takes off and lands on water, can carry up to 10 passengers or 1,000 kg (2,200 lbs) of cargo at speeds of up to 120 mph (193 km/h). It has a range of 345 miles (555km) while operating at an altitude of between 2 and 23ft and can fly in sea state 3 and in wind speeds of up to 15 knots
The AirFish family also includes the two-seater AirFish 3. AirX has plans to build larger variants with a greater seat capacity. The AirFish has been in development and testing since the 1970s in Germany but none have ever been sold or operate by the military. The IP and prototypes for the aircraft was bought by Singapore-based Wigetworks, which rebranded as Peluca last year, in 2004.
Kubilay Ilgin, founder of Eurasia Mobility Solutions, said, “We are happy to introduce an innovative transportation model using a brand-new technology to Turkey, a country surrounded by the sea on three sides.
“As an alternative mode of transportation, AirFish 8 offers a safe, sustainable and faster solution to conveniently reach places without any port or runway. Faster than existing air and marine travel options, this new technology will change the rules of marine transportation and create new trends in Turkey.”
Jeffrey Lam, president of commercial aerospace at ST Engineering said, “Our new WIG platform has the potential to reinvent marine transportation for Turkey’s maritime sector.
“This is a significant milestone for ST Engineering’s Commercial Aerospace business as we scale up our engineering and original manufacturing capabilities to develop more innovative and sustainable solutions that connect people and goods along some of the earth’s vast coastal areas.”
