초록 ▼

In the embodiments described in the specification, a SWATH vessel has a superstructure supported by strut members from a pair of pontoons and each pontoon has a propulsion module removably attached to the rear end of the pontoon. The propulsion module has a self contained propulsion system including

In the embodiments described in the specification, a SWATH vessel has a superstructure supported by strut members from a pair of pontoons and each pontoon has a propulsion module removably attached to the rear end of the pontoon. The propulsion module has a self contained propulsion system including a module body with a longitudinal water passage, a rim drive electric motor, a row of rotatable blades, and an inlet opening at the forward end of he cowl member which is arranged to draw in the boundary layer of water flowing along the pontoon to which the propulsion module is attached. Spaced vanes are provided at the inlet opening to block objects from being drawn into the longitudinal passage.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A propulsion module for a SWATH vessel comprising:a module body arranged to be removably attached to the aft end of a pontoon for a SWATH vessel and having a longitudinal passage for water;a rim drive electric motor in the module body;a cowl member surrounding the module body;a row

[ We claim:] [1.] A propulsion module for a SWATH vessel comprising:a module body arranged to be removably attached to the aft end of a pontoon for a SWATH vessel and having a longitudinal passage for water;a rim drive electric motor in the module body;a cowl member surrounding the module body;a row of rotatable blades within the longitudinal passage which are driven by the electric motor;a row of stationary blades within the longitudinal passage and positioned aft of the rotatable blades; andan inlet opening at the forward end of the cowl member arranged to draw into the longitudinal passage a boundary layer of water extending along a surface of a pontoon to which the propulsion module is attached.