ST Engineering is partnering with Wigetworks Private Limited to create several variants of the Airfish 8 wing-in-ground (WIG) aircraft. (ST Engineering)

ST Engineering and Wigetworks have started a joint venture (JV) to develop multiple versions of the Airfish 8 wing-in-ground (WIG) effect aircraft.

Wigetworks Private Limited, a Singapore-based company, is developing the Airfish 8 for commercial and “parapublic” applications. The “Airfish 8 will be the baseline product. Variants can be developed based on [the] Airfish 8”, an ST Engineering spokesperson told Janes.

Janes understands that derivatives will be developed for roles such as search and rescue (SAR), ambulance, civil protection, firefighting, and disaster management. Other applications include public transit and as a potential luxury transport aircraft.

According to Janes data, the Airfish 8 is a 17 m-class WIG craft. In its standard configuration, the Airfish 8 has a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 5,550 kg. It can accommodate a two-person flight crew and up to eight passengers, or a payload of 1,200 kg.