Abstract: An apparatus is provided for effecting rapid changes in the geometry of a flexible wall structure forming at least a part of the cushion seal on an air cushion vehicle. The apparatus comprises one or more inflatable members co-operating with the flexible wall structure and an air ejector for rapidly introducing pressurized air into each inflatable member. Each inflatable member may be constituted by a wall structure portion of hollow construction. The invention finds particular application in assisting directional control of an air cushion vehicle.

Abstract: Inspection and repair of an air cushion vehicle flexible skirt is carried out with the vehicle supported above a ground surface on support legs projecting from sleeve members built into rigid base structure of the vehicle so as to be open between upper and lower surfaces of the base structure. The vehicle lift system is used to hover the vehicle clear of the ground so that the support legs can be secured in their projecting positions. Alternatively, jacks may be supported over the sleeves and used to force the support legs down the sleeve members to their projecting positions. The vehicle may be further raised above the ground surface to permit inspection and repair of the underside of the rigid base structure by first replacing each support leg with a support stand and pillar assembly and then using the jacks to raise the vehicle with the support legs resting on the pillars.

Abstract: An apertured flexible sheet component for an air cushion vehicle flexible skirt, such as an apertured section of a flexible skirt bag member, comprises reinforced flexible sheet material including a reinforcing fabric having substantial spacings between groups of cords from which the fabric is formed. The reinforcing fabric is coated with elastomeric material and apertures are formed in the elastomeric material within the spacings between the groups of cords in the reinforcing fabric so that no broken cords are caused by formation of the apertures.

Abstract: An air cushion vehicle is provided with cushion-containing means at least partly constituted by a flexible skirt which comprises an inflatable bag member and individual flexible skirt elements depending downwardly from attachment both to the bag member and the vehicle hard structure.

Abstract: An aperture in a component manufactured from reinforced flexible sheet material is reinforced with a pegged washer plate. The pegged washer plate has an apertured body portion with pegs extending therefrom, and is embedded in the flexible sheet material so that the pegs mesh with threads of a layer of material reinforcing the flexible sheet material.