Patent ID: 6082478
Filing Date: 2000-07-04
Classification: B60V

Abstract:
An augmented ground effect platform comprising:a substantially circular body formed with a downwardly radially curved exterior peripheral surface;a downwardly facing lifting surface formed on the underside of said body;a peripheral restoring surface extending around said lifting surface and angling upwardly and outwardly with respect thereto;an air intake cavity formed in the upper surface of said body;concentric annular nozzle means, including a first air curtain nozzle, a first air cushion nozzle, a second air curtain nozzle and a second air cushion nozzle;first air passageway means connecting said intake cavity with said first air curtain nozzle, first air cushion nozzle and second air curtain nozzle;second air passageway means connecting said intake cavity with said second air cushion nozzle;a detachable vehicle releasably attached to the upper surface of said body;said vehicle including an air drive means such that said air drive means directs an air flow into the air intake cavity of said body and also over the curved exterior peripheral surface of said body; andwherein said body serves as a lifting and landing ground effect lift augmentation system platform for said detachable vehicle.