ST Engineering eyes military applications for Airfish 8 WIG craft
ST Engineering and Wigetworks started a joint venture to develop and market the Airfish WIG in July 2023. (Photo: AirX/Widgetworks)
AirX’s Airfish WIG craft, which has been studied by the US Marine Corps in recent years, has been positioned to support a variety of missions in the littorals.
AirX, a joint venture between Singapore-based ST Engineering and Wigetworks, has been developing the Airfish 8 wing-in-ground (WIG) effect craft with military applications in mind.
Potential missions the craft could support include amphibious operations, the insertion of special forces operators and sensor payload deployments.
WIG craft, like the Airfish 8, utilise air pressure generated between it and the water surface to fly in a pocket of air above the water, thereby avoiding rough sea states or obstacles.
Leon Tan, general manager of AirX, told Shephard during Indo Pacific 2023 in November that the Airfish 8 operates at about 90
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![South Korea advances next-gen naval concepts for future force needs]()
South Korea advances next-gen naval concepts for future force needs
HHI and Hanwha Ocean outline highly autonomous and unmanned-enabled designs as the ROKN explores force structure for the 2030s and beyond.
-
![South Korean shipbuilders showcase export ambitions amid ongoing KDDX delays]()
South Korean shipbuilders showcase export ambitions amid ongoing KDDX delays
Hyundai and Hanwha recently unveiled advanced frigate and submarine designs while South Korea eyes new export markets and resolves internal rivalries
-
![US representatives plan to invest $1.6 billion in US Coast Guard inventory in FY2026]()
US representatives plan to invest $1.6 billion in US Coast Guard inventory in FY2026
The FY26 Homeland Security Bill Markup of the House Committee on Appropriations included resources for the procurement of ships, aircraft and unmanned systems.
-
![US Navy seeks industry partners to address pressing research needs]()
US Navy seeks industry partners to address pressing research needs
The Office of Naval Research will host an Industry Engagement Day in August aiming at building new partnerships and advancing its science and technology initiatives in multiple areas.
-
![Raytheon awarded $1.2 billion in contracts for AN/SPY-6(V) radars for the US Navy]()
Raytheon awarded $1.2 billion in contracts for AN/SPY-6(V) radars for the US Navy
Under the most recent contract, the US Navy will receive four additional AN/SPY-6(V) radars, increasing the number of radars under contract to 42. The radars are considered key for expanding the navy’s capability for air defence.
-
![Royal Canadian Navy’s final Harry DeWolf-class vessel to be delivered this summer]()
Royal Canadian Navy’s final Harry DeWolf-class vessel to be delivered this summer
The sixth Canada’s Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship is currently at the final stages of construction within Irving Shipbuilding.
