Abstract: A self-propelled hovercraft having a body or hull around the periphery of which is a segmented skirt. The segmented skirt of the hovercraft comprises a plurality of bags, one adjacent to another, completely encircling the hovercraft body. Each of the bags has front and side portions and, in one embodiment, at least some of the bags at the forward end of the hovercraft are provided with semi-rigid lower front surfaces constructed of material less flexible than material of other bags and which may be provided with internal cushion devices which support the front semi-rigid material against water surface contact.

Abstract: A self-propelled ground effect machine having an elongated body, on the underside of which is an air plenum chamber, and a motor driven fan for directing air flow to the air plenum chamber and for propelling the machine across land or water. The fan is disposed in a cylindrical shroud whose flow axis is generally parallel with the longitudinal axis of the elongated machine body. The axis of the shaft of the rotating fan is mounted at an inclined angle relative to a vertical plane passing through the longitudinal axis of the machine. A splitter device directs part of the air flow into the air plenum chamber and part generally rearwardly of the machine.