Abstract: An improved bow and/or stern seal is provided for a surface effect vehicle herein the vehicle has a pair of spaced apart side hulls which are joined by a wet deck, and the bow and stern seals extend between the side hulls so that an air cushion can be formed between the side walls and the bow and stern seals. The improved seal includes a portion of the deck having an opening for providing an air inlet to the air cushion. An elongated pneumatic bag is mounted along its length to the bottom of the wet deck, is sealed at its ends and is positioned to receive air from the deck opening along its forward side. Provision is made for a passageway between the side hulls for directing air around the forward side of the bag.

Abstract: A device for reducing the roughness of ride of a Surface Effect Ship and producing power for use in the craft's auxiliaries. Cushion air is vented through a duct which has a generator in it; the power-absorbing capability of the generator is variable. Varying the amount of power absorbed by the generator varies the amount of air that is vented through the duct, thereby controlling the pressure in the air cushion.