German Slider studies ground-effect vehicle and airship hybrid concept
German company German Slider is examining a hybrid design that combines ground-effect vehicle technology with airship principles. The concept remains at the study stage, with feasibility work under way alongside airship specialists.
German Slider is studying a hybrid concept that links ground-effect vehicle technology with airship technology, according to the company. Extra buoyancy from helium or hydrogen would let the vehicles reach greater heights for limited periods, for example to clear icebergs.
The design calls for deeply cooled liquid gas to be warmed and turned into its gaseous state when needed, then liquefied again. A self-stabilising tandem-wing structure based on work by Günther W. Jörg is the foundation of the concept.
German Slider says it is now assessing the technical and economic feasibility together with specialists from the airship sector. So far the project exists only as a concept.
Sources
- aerotelegraph.comGerman Slider prüft Kombination aus Bodeneffektfahrzeug und Luftschiff