[condercet]

Could you build a passenger version of this and run it up and down the west coast? (or trans-pacific?) Sounds like a "speeder" from Star Wars!

NASA (or atleast someone affiliated with NASA) seems to think there's some potential! https://nari.arc.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/attachments/IF...

The last slide shares conclusions: "Commercial ground effect planes will lead to more fuel efficient trans-oceanic flights. • Cheaper flights. • More accessible. • Less pollution. • Revolutionize aviation design."

[condercet]

so that slideshow I linked was probably written by an intern or something - but here's a serious analysis of the tech dated 1999 from DTSO (australian army) that states: "There are no apparent technological barriers to the successful design, manufacture and operation of WIG craft"

"http://www.seaphantom.com/pdf/MILITARY_ANALYSIS_WIG_AIRCRAFT...