Singaporean firm hopes its craft will take wing in China

Cruising at 90 knots, six metres above Qinghai Lake or the Yangtze River as an alternative to a choppy ferry ride could become reality if a Singaporean company realises its ambitions.

WigetWorks, the Singapore-based manufacturer of the Wing-in-Ground effect AirFish 8, is targeting mainland entrepreneurs and ferry operators with its aircraft-like amphibian craft, which is forecast to enter commercial production by the end of this year.

Kenneth Tan Khoon Tuan, general manager of WigetWorks, says the craft rides on an air cushion between two and six metres above the water. High pressure under the wing keeps the craft aloft, while drag is reduced by up to 70 per cent. This means the craft is more economical than a conventional ship or helicopter because it can carry relatively more passengers or cargo for less fuel.

A prototype craft that can carry up to eight passengers was certified by Singaporean maritime authorities about a year ago after well publicised flight trials. United Nations body the International Maritime Organisation approved interim rules for Wing-in-Ground effect craft nine years ago, which govern the design and operation of craft such as the AirFish.

Tan said WigetWorks had 'just stated production of an advanced prototype' to be used as the basis of the commercial craft. 'We are looking at the later part of this year when we start taking orders,' he said.

Tan said that although the external appearance of the craft would remain the same, the aim was to improve the design so commercial craft were lighter, can carry more payload and are easier to maintain.