Abstract: A vessel (10) designed to operate efficiently as both a catamaran and air cushion vessel can travel at low speed (e.g. Froude number (Fn)=0–0.3) in a catamaran or displacement mode and at high speed (e.g. Froude numbers (Fn)=0.3 or more) in an air cushion or dynamically supported mode. The vessel (10) includes molded catamaran hulls (11, 12) with parabolic waterlines, a flexible, air cushion seal system (16, 17), surface piercing propellers (20) and a propulsion system (e.g. combined diesel and gas turbine). There are preferably auxiliary gas turbines for generating lift air pressure. Forward mounted independently stabilizing foils (30), can optionally facilitate ride stabilization and load compensation at high and low speeds. The foils also generate transverse roll forces to improve high speed maneuvering.

Abstract: A vessel (10) designed to operate efficiently as both a catamaran and air cushion vessel can travel at low speed (e.g. Froude number (Fn)=0-0.3) in a catamaran or displacement mode and at high speed (e.g. Froude numbers (Fn)=0.3 or more) in an air cushion or dynamically supported mode. The vessel (10) includes molded catamaran hulls (11, 12) with parabolic waterlines, a flexible, air cushion seal system (16, 17), surface piercing propellers (20) and a propulsion system (e.g. combined diesel and gas turbine). There are preferably auxiliary gas turbines for generating lift air pressure. Forward mounted independently stabilizing foils (30), can optionally facilitate ride stabilization and load compensation at high and low speeds. The foils also generate transverse roll forces to improve high speed maneuvering.

Abstract: An improved landing craft includes a hull that supports bow and stern ramps for enabling vehicles to drive through during loading and unloading. The drive-through arrangement also enables the crew to load and unload the craft much faster and more easily than existing vessels. A ballasting arrangement can be used to trim the hull when it is to be beached or to be extracted and/or during loading/unloading.

Abstract: The rescue boat has a hull with an upper deck area that includes bow and stern areas, port and starboard sides, a pilot house mounted upon the hull and extending above the upper deck area amidships. The pilot house has a deck, a front, a rear, side portions and a pilot house length measured from the front to the rear. A pair of rescue wells or recesses in the hull below the deck and inside of the hull port and starboard sides, each rescue well having a length. A majority of the length of each rescue well is in front of the rear of the pilot house. A propulsion system is provided for propelling the hull. The propulsion system preferably employs jet pumps that are positioned entirely above the keel of the hull. Stern buoyancy chambers are provided that add reserve buoyancy and add planing lift during acceleration to keep the nose down. These stern buoyancy chambers also provide standoff protection for the propulsion units when the vessel backs up.

Abstract: A vessel (10) designed to operate efficiently as both a catamaran and air cushion vessel can travel at low speed (e.g. Froude number (Fn)=0-0.3) in a catamaran or displacement mode and at high speed (e.g. Froude numbers (Fn)=0.3 or more) in an air cushion or dynamically supported mode. The vessel (10) includes molded catamaran hulls (11, 12) with parabolic waterlines, a flexible, air cushion seal system (16, 17), surface piercing propellers (20) and a propulsion system (e.g. combined diesel and gas turbine). There are preferably auxiliary gas turbines for generating lift air pressure. Forward mounted independently stabilizing foils (30), can optionally facilitate ride stabilization and load compensation at high and low speeds. The foils also generate transverse roll forces to improve high speed maneuvering.

Abstract: A novel exhaust system for both conducting engine exhaust gases away from and aft of the personnel occupied portion of a marine vessel and protecting the sides of the hull of the vessel from damages thereto during docking or other "working" maneuvers of the vessel is provided.