Patent ID: 7347154

Claim:
An amphibious vehicle, comprising: a single planing hull of fixed geometry; a skirt system attached to the planing hull; the skirt system comprising first and second side wings each pivotally connected at a first end to the planing hull, and a plurality of skirt segments; and the skirt system being alternatively operable in a planing mode wherein the skirt system at the sides of the planing hull, when the vehicle is in the water, is located clear of the water and in a fully amphibious mode wherein the skirt system provides a cushion of air which supports the entire weight of the vehicle by cushion pressure; wherein the skirt system further comprises at least one collar connected to a second end of each of the first and second side wings, and a plurality of skirt segments supported from the at least one collar and a lift duct; and wherein the lift duct at the sides of the vehicle is defined between the wing, the at least one collar and a flexible membrane extending between the at least one collar and the planing hull.