Four, Five, and Six Seat
Personal Transportation WIG's: Engineering data accumulated
by Seair in studying small recreational WIG's can be easily "scaled"
to larger sizes for more serious transportation use. Seair has done
conceptual studies of single-engined WIG's of up to eight seats,
based on the same general arrangement as the smaller SC-19. More
detailed preliminary design work has also been done on a four seat
personal WIG called "SC-24". A preliminary CAD definition
of the SC-24 design has been used to create the 3D solids used in
the digital renderings shown on this page.
As with the smaller Seair designs, the wings and tail assembly
of the SC-24 fold to allow road transportation or storage. The overall
dimensions of the SC-24 make it compact enough to stow on large
yachts. With proper lift equipment the 1700lb craft can be unfolded
and lowered into the water for rapid local transportation or sightseeing.
Expected performance of the SC-24 includes a range capability of
140 nautical miles (with 20 minute reserve fuel), and a payload
of nearly 1000 pounds. The maximum still air speed is near 100 miles
per hour (75-80 knots) and the normal cruise speed is estimated
to be about 55 knots. At cruising speed the fuel economy is 18-20
statute miles per gallon. Even higher fuel economies should be achievable
under optimal conditions at slightly slower flying speeds. The normal
cruise height is 2 to 6 feet above the mean wave surface. Based
on model test data, the SC-24 should be capable of operating over
three to four foot waves and in winds of up to 15-18 knots (when
flown by an properly trained experienced skipper).
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