Abstract: An improved pressurized gas supported marine vehicle that is, in its preferred embodiment long and slender and stabilized by outrigger hulls, is presented. This vehicle, known as SeaLance because of its optimal very fine entry bow and narrow fine main hull, is also capable of airborne operation when equipped with sidewings. When waterborne, an artifically pressurized gas cushion is disposed in an open bottomed recess in the main hull. First and second, forward and aft, air cushions can be used to maintain a higher gas cushion pressure aft than forward which reduces water blowout at the bow and to aid in trimming of the vehicle. Further, labyrinth seals can be disposed on recess intermediate and aft seals to aid in sealing of gas flow. An optional feature of SeaLance is one or more water stabilizers that can include hydrofoils and/or a small lifting body. The water stabilizer(s) would normally retract into an open bottomed recess in the main hull when not used.

Abstract: An improved multi-hull gas cushion supported marine vehicle that is, in its preferred embodiment, capable of transition to airborne surface effect operation is presented. This marine vehicle, known as SeaCoaster, has optional elongated knife shaped bows that slice into waves, very fine entry and low angle of divergence supporting gas cushions, water rejecting steps that extend high onto the sidehulls, and retractable water stabilizers to insure optimum performance in heavy seas. The retractable water stabilizers are in the form of inverted-T hydrofoils and/or small boat shaped members. Several variations of hydrofoil configurations are presented. It also has special, normally inverted-V shaped, gas cushion and wetdeck aft seals to insure minimum effect of wave impacts in those areas. The gas pressurization system normally includes powered blowers where a flap-like sealing device can be installed to seal gas leakage.

Abstract: An improved performance marine surface vessel with at least one recess that intersects the hull substantially beneath the static waterline thereof, the recess bounded by stabilizing, load-carrying, catamaran-like side hulls, flexible seal member at its forward portion, with downwardly extending generally bow shaped members located at its aft portion and optionally therebetween, with the recess being supplied with pressurized gas to maintain a lift-augmenting, restrained pressurized gas layer under the hull that improves load carrying capability, efficiency and ride quality. The flexible or soft seal member at the front of the vessel absorbs much of the initial wave impact thereby contributing substantially to the exceptional ride quality which, along with efficiency and speed, is a major object of the invention.