Piloting: wing-in-ground-effect

Not · 11-08-2014, 01:38 PM

For the purpose of defaulting, are Wing-in-ground-effect vessels aircraft or sea vessels?

johndallman · 11-08-2014, 01:54 PM

Aircraft: they do actually fly, and a land-based one could conceivably exist.

GURPS Vehicles for 3e calls them Flarecraft, but doesn't mention what skill you need for them.

vierasmarius · 11-08-2014, 02:00 PM

I'm pretty sure they'd be classified as Hovercraft (a Driving specialization). From B188: "Hovercraft: Any kind of air-cushion vehicle. Default: other Driving at -5." That said, I can see arguments for them using Piloting instead. They may need a unique specialization, with defaults to both Hovercraft and some brand of Piloting (probably Light Airplane).

Flyndaran · 11-10-2014, 03:26 AM

They seem quite clearly aircraft just with a very low ceiling. Every plane has a maximum flight height. Theirs just happens to be obscenely low.

When birds use that effect to reduce effort, do they stop being flying birds?

Philosopher Rogue · 11-13-2014, 08:28 AM

I have a quirk level obsession with erkanoplans. For all intents and purposes they are aircraft - they require forward motion to get lift in order to use the ground effect. In game terms, Piloting should cover it.

However, both the International Maritime Organization and the FAA have classifications for them. The IMO uses three degrees, ground effect, up to 150m elevation and capable of exceeding 150m. The rules are based off the regulations for hydroplanes and hydrofoils. So an argument could be made for using a default off of a watercraft skill, but I'd increase the difficulty.

11-08-2014, 01:38 PM	#1
Not Join Date: Feb 2013	Piloting: wing-in-ground-effect For the purpose of defaulting, are Wing-in-ground-effect vessels aircraft or sea vessels? __________________ Leave this space blank.

11-08-2014, 01:54 PM	#2
johndallman Night Watchman Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Cambridge, UK	Re: Piloting: wing-in-ground-effect Aircraft: they do actually fly, and a land-based one could conceivably exist. GURPS Vehicles for 3e calls them Flarecraft, but doesn't mention what skill you need for them.

11-08-2014, 02:00 PM	#3
vierasmarius Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Oregon	Re: Piloting: wing-in-ground-effect I'm pretty sure they'd be classified as Hovercraft (a Driving specialization). From B188: "Hovercraft: Any kind of air-cushion vehicle. Default: other Driving at -5." That said, I can see arguments for them using Piloting instead. They may need a unique specialization, with defaults to both Hovercraft and some brand of Piloting (probably Light Airplane).

11-10-2014, 03:26 AM	#4
Flyndaran Untagged Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Forest Grove, Beaverton, Oregon	Re: Piloting: wing-in-ground-effect They seem quite clearly aircraft just with a very low ceiling. Every plane has a maximum flight height. Theirs just happens to be obscenely low. When birds use that effect to reduce effort, do they stop being flying birds? __________________ Beware, poor communication skills. No offense intended. If offended, it just means that I failed my writing skill check.

11-13-2014, 08:28 AM	#5
Philosopher Rogue Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Lexington, KY	Re: Piloting: wing-in-ground-effect I have a quirk level obsession with erkanoplans. For all intents and purposes they are aircraft - they require forward motion to get lift in order to use the ground effect. In game terms, Piloting should cover it. However, both the International Maritime Organization and the FAA have classifications for them. The IMO uses three degrees, ground effect, up to 150m elevation and capable of exceeding 150m. The rules are based off the regulations for hydroplanes and hydrofoils. So an argument could be made for using a default off of a watercraft skill, but I'd increase the difficulty.