WIG Concept for Titan Exploration
Project Overview
This project explored the feasibility of using the Wing In Ground effect of a fixed wing aircraft for planetary exploration on Titan. The fixed-wing concept was developed through aerodynamic, structural, propulsion, and stability analyses, ensuring both performance and mission viability. With defined requirements of a 450 kg dry mass and a >10 km range, the design achieved an estimated 41 km flight capability. The vehicle concept also incorporated a robust scientific payload, including a mass spectrometer, gamma-ray and neutron spectrometer, geophysics and meteorology package, and camera suite, enabling diverse data collection for planetary science.
WIG Aircraft 3D model
Capabilities
Multi flight exploration vehicle that is meant to perform multiple flights above the surface of Saturn’s largest moon, Titan.
Flight Range : 41 km
Cruise Speed : 55 m/s
Flight Altitude : 2m
Duration : 12 minutes
• Recharges Battery Every Titan Night (192 hrs)
• Capable of multiple flights
• Withstand cold temp(94K) and dense atmosphere(4.5kg/m3)
Subsystems
Propulsion
Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (~75W)
• Provides thermal heat to internal systems
High-Density Battery
• 100Wh/kg
• 140kg
• 14kWh
Electric Motor powered Propellers
• 2 small under wing - 10.5kW(each)
• 1 large on nose - 60kW
Data Collection
• Mass Spectrometer
• Gamma-Ray and Neutron Spectrometer
• Geophysics/Meteorology Package
• Camera Suite
Features
Wing In Ground Effect
Flying close to the ground reduces wingtip vortices and increases pressure underneath wings, reducing drag.
Folding Wings
Wings fold inwards to be able to fit in a 4.5m diameter aeroshell.
Wheels
Aluminum Alloy 7075 - high fatigue resistance and maintains mechanical properties at low temperatures.
Tail
V tail design reduces turbulence which is important for WIG effects
Insulation
Multilayer Insulation (MLI) System
WIG Poster
