Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved amphibious craft or vehicle and, in particular, but not exclusively, to a craft or vehicle that may be used for commercial and rescue tasks in a great variety of weather conditions. To achieve this, an amphibious vehicle comprises a fixed geometry planing hull (2) and a skirt system (4). This has as an advantage that the fixed geometry planing hull (2) allows the craft or vehicle to operate in high waves, strong winds or other adverse conditions too severe for known hovercraft of a similar size, while the skirt system (4) contains a cushion of air providing the craft or vehicle with a full amphibious capability so that the craft can operate as a conventional hovercraft in good conditions or enter and leave water in any conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved amphibious craft or vehicle and, in particular, but not exclusively, to a craft or vehicle that may be used for commercial and rescue tasks in a great variety of weather conditions. To achieve this, an amphibious vehicle comprises a fixed geometry planing hull (2) and a skirt system (4). This has as an advantage that the fixed geometry planing hull (2) allows the craft or vehicle to operate in high waves, strong winds or other adverse conditions too severe for known hovercraft of a similar size, while the skirt system (4) contains a cushion of air providing the craft or vehicle with a full amphibious capability so that the craft can operate as a conventional hovercraft in good conditions or enter and leave water in any conditions.