초록 ▼

An improved multi-operational mode marine vessel is proposed that has blower pressurized air cushions that are utilized during high speed operations disposed in one or more secondary supporting hulls wherein said secondary supporting hulls are connected to a main hull by struts in the preferred embo

An improved multi-operational mode marine vessel is proposed that has blower pressurized air cushions that are utilized during high speed operations disposed in one or more secondary supporting hulls wherein said secondary supporting hulls are connected to a main hull by struts in the preferred embodiment of the invention and where, when the air cushions are not utilized, the secondary hulls are at least partially submerged thereby providing an exceptionally stable marine vehicle while stationary or at low speeds. This submergence of the secondary hulls can be enhanced by use of one or more water buoyancy tanks that would generally be disposed in the secondary supporting hulls. In the preferred version of the invention, blower pressurized air is ducted from blowers in the main hull through the struts to the air cushion recesses in the secondary supporting hulls. When more than one secondary supporting hull is used, it is preferable that a duct(s) connects separate air cushion recesses in separate secondary supporting hulls by way of the struts and/or a hollow hydrofoil that connects gas cushions in the secondary supporting hulls. The optional hydrofoil can improve stability and also add to vessel weight carrying capabilities. The gas cushion recesses are defined as being generally boat shaped with more narrow bows than sterns and as having aft seals.

대표청구항 ▼

[What I claim is:] [1.]secondary supporting hulls in mechanical communication with a main hull by means of strut-like members wherein said strut-like members include gas passageways that connect a gas pressurization means with the pressurized gas cushions, said gas pressurization means including a p

[What I claim is:] [1.]secondary supporting hulls in mechanical communication with a main hull by means of strut-like members wherein said strut-like members include gas passageways that connect a gas pressurization means with the pressurized gas cushions, said gas pressurization means including a powered blower where said powered blower receives at least a majority of its inlet air from sources other than exhaust from the propulsor engine the pressurized gas cushion disposed, at least in its majority, in gas cushion recesses built into undersides of the secondary supporting hulls, wherein when the gas cushion recesses are pressurized with gas and the improved marine vehicle is moving forward, the secondary supporting hulls are at high speed operational waterlines and when the gas cushion recesses are not pressurized with gas and the improved marine vehicle is at rest, said secondary supporting hulls are, at least in their majority, submerged and wherein, when the gas cushion recesses are pressurized with gas and the improved marine vehicle is moving forward, said gas cushions diverge over at least a portion of their length over their forward portions going from forward to aft.