A HOVERCRAFT WITH IMPROVED MANEUVERABILITY

Abstract: A hovercraft or ground effect craft consisting of a cabin (1) lifted on each side and attached to lifting structures (2, 3) which are surrounded by a flexible skirting (6, 7) and utilizing at least two fans (4, 5). Each lifting structure (2, 3) is equipped with a centrally positioned fan (4, 5) each of which independently rotates around a horizontal axis (8). The axis is perpendicular to the direction of forward thrust and crosses the craft's center of mass (9).

Description: A HOVERCRAFT WITH IMPROVED MANEUVERABILITY In order to maintain access to the freight and passenger cabin sections, including a low threshold, the caushioning is divided into two structures which are attached to the cabin. Every structure has a rotatably arranged fan which partly yields lifting power, partly drives the craft forwards. The fans are arranged perpendicular to the direction of travel and by different turning of the fans, the craft can be brak¬ ed or the direction of travel be changed. The placement of the air cushion allows relative freedom in placement of motor and fuel tanks in relation to the centre of gravity of the craft. The catamaran principle gives a better stability than a con¬ ventional Hovercraft, which in turn leads to the use of the less elaborate and the expensive so-called finger-skirts, without diminished stability. The motor noice can be kept at a very low level as £____0 the motor rooms arranged within the air cushion are soundisolat- ed as well as the cabin itself is soundisolated. The cabin can be raised and lowered at need in order to fit to the different while docking on high above the water for existing piers. Usually the unloading and the loading is made ashore.

Claims: CLAIMS : 1. A craft characterized of the fact, that the driving and lifting fans are placed at the periphery of the craft far away from each other, such as forces applied with long moment arms generates a greater turning moment about. Figure 1. 2. The fans being suspended on and independently rotatably arranged around a horisontal axis perpendicular to the- direction of travel. The airstream is regulated by rotating the fans around this axis, in such a way that it partly charges the skirtings and lifts the craft, partly gives a driving power for the advancing of or the steering of the craft. Figures 2 and 3.

Inventors: SKOELD BJOERN-AOKE, SKOELD, BJOERN-AOKE
Applicants: SKOELD BJOERN AOKE, SKOELD, BJOERN-AOKE
Application year: 1985
Main classification: B60V1
IPC codes: B60V1