Ground effect machines, also known as ground effect vehicles, are aircraft that utilize the cushion of air created between their wings and the ground to increase lift and decrease drag. The phonetic transcription of this word is /ɡraʊnd ɪˈfɛkt məˈʃinz/. The spelling of "ground" is just as it sounds, but "effect" is spelled with an "e" before the "c" to indicate a short vowel sound. "Machines" is spelled with a long "e" sound and a "ch" sound, rather than a "sh" sound, due to the use of the letter "a".
Ground effect machines, also known as Wing-in-Ground (WIG) effect vehicles, refer to a type of aircraft that operates within close proximity to the ground, utilizing the aerodynamic principle known as ground effect. Essentially, ground effect refers to the increase in lift and decrease in drag experienced by an aircraft when flying at very low altitudes, just above the surface of the ground or water. This effect results from the reduction in wingtip vortices, the turbulent air flow generated at the edges of the wings, which is a major cause of drag on conventional aircraft during flight.
Ground effect machines typically feature a configuration that combines the features of a traditional aircraft and a high-speed boat. They are characterized by a flat or nearly flat wing and a relatively short wingspan, enabling them to harness the increased lift provided by the ground effect phenomenon. These vehicles are primarily designed for operation above water bodies, although they can also be utilized on land. Ground effect machines can vary in size from small personal crafts to larger passenger or cargo vehicles. They are propelled by engines that are positioned either above or within the main body of the vehicle, and they are typically equipped with retractable landing gear to facilitate takeoff and landing.
Overall, ground effect machines derive their lift and efficiency from the ground effect, allowing them to achieve faster speeds and increased fuel efficiency compared to traditional aircraft when flying at low altitudes. This makes them suitable for various applications, including transportation, offshore operations, search and rescue missions, and military operations.