The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative proposals for the development of low-cost wing-in-ground effect (WIG) vehicles capable of performing strategic and tactical maritime transportation.
The Liberty Lifter program aims to demonstrate a breakthrough in operational logistics by designing, building, and flight testing a long-range, low-cost experimental aircraft (X-Plane) with the following key characteristics:
Fast and flexible strategic transportation of large payloads
Efficient flight in wing-in-ground effect mode, extending range
Sustained flight at medium altitudes (above 10,000 feet)
Seaplane capabilities for reliable on-water operations
Low-cost design and construction philosophy
The program consists of three main phases:
Key objectives, approaches, and requirements of the program:
Extended maritime operations in challenging conditions (up to sea state 5)
Low production costs through material selection and design simplification
Payload capacity of at least 90 tons, including armored vehicles and containers
Application of high-performance computing and multidisciplinary optimization in design
Ensuring airworthiness and seaworthiness of the experimental WIG vehicle
Contractor of the project: Aurora Flight Sciences Corporation
https://t.me/darpaandcia/80