Ground Effect Vehicle - History - GEVs Since The 1980s

GEVs Since The 1980s

GEV developed since the 1980s have been primarily smaller craft designed for the recreational and civilian ferry markets. Germany, Russia, and the United States have provided most of the momentum with some development in Australia, China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan. In these countries, small craft up to ten seats have been designed and built. Other larger designs as ferries and heavy transports have been proposed, but have not been carried to fruition.

Besides the development of appropriate design and structural configuration, special automatic control systems and navigation systems are also being developed. These include special altimeters with high accuracy for small altitude measurements and also lesser dependence on weather conditions. After extensive research and experimentation, it has been shown that "phase radio-altimeters" are most suitable for such applications as compared to laser, isotropic or ultrasonic altimeters.

Universal Hovercraft developed a flying hovercraft, a prototype of which first took flight in 1996. Since 1999, the company has offered plans, parts, kits, and manufactured GEV hovercraft called the Hoverwing.

In Singapore, Wigetworks has continued development and obtained certification from Lloyd's Register for entry into class. On 31 March 2011 AirFish 8-001 became one of the first WIG to be flagged with the Singapore Registry of Ships, one of the largest ship registries. Wigetworks has also partnered with National University of Singapore's Engineering Department to develop higher capacity WIG craft.

Iran deployed three squadrons of Bavar-2 two-seat GEVs in September, 2010. This GEV carries one machine gun and surveillance gear, and reportedly incorporates stealth technology.