Abstract: A wing, buoyant in water has an upper wing surface comprising a deck upon which a rider stands, and, the wing is in water. A foot constraint proximate the wing leading edge and fixedly attaching the wing projects outwardly from the deck to release-ably receive the rider's forward foot. With the rider standing with both feet upon the deck, and the rider's forward foot ensconced within the foot constraint, and with the rider's aft foot proximate a trailing edge of the wing, the rider bodily heaves and pitches the wing to obtain a chordwise forward velocity thru the water. The forward foot constraint enables the rider to upheave the wing. A second foot constraint may attach the deck proximate the wing trailing edge. Another foot constraining system is comprised as a frictional device broadly applying the deck, and, may be used in addition to or in lieu of other constraints.

Abstract: An example wing-in-ground effect vehicle includes (i) a main wing having main wing control surfaces; (ii) a tail having tail control surfaces; (iii) a blown-wing propulsion system arranged along the main wing or the tail; (iv) a retractable hydrofoil configured to operate in: (a) an extended configuration in which the retractable hydrofoil extends below a hull of the vehicle for submersion below a water surface and (b) a retracted configuration in which the retractable hydrofoil is retracted at least partially into the hull of the vehicle; and (v) a control system configured to maneuver the vehicle by (i) causing a change in orientation of the retractable hydrofoil when the retractable hydrofoil is operating in the extended configuration, and (ii) causing a change in orientation of the main wing control surfaces and tail control surfaces when the retractable hydrofoil is operating in the retracted configuration.

Abstract: A multicopter aircraft with a wide span rotor configuration is disclosed. In various embodiments, a multicopter as disclosed herein includes a fuselage and a plurality of rotors. The plurality of rotors includes inner rotors and outer rotors, with the inner rotors being substantially surrounded by the outer rotors or the fuselage. The inner rotors and the outer rotors may be tilted based at least in part on their arrangement in relation to the fuselage.

Abstract: A pylon for attaching a turbine engine, the pylon configured to connect the engine to a structural element of an aircraft. The pylon includes a streamlined profile defined by two opposite lateral faces and defined longitudinally between a leading edge and a trailing edge. On each of its lateral faces the pylon includes a series of deflectors that are transversely spaced apart from one another and that define between them convergent and curved channels configured to accelerate air streams flowing within the channels on aircraft takeoff or in flight to deflect the air streams towards a jet of the engine.

Abstract: A marine vessel comprising: at least one buoyant tubular foil; and at least one baffle plate positioned about the perimeter of the at least one buoyant tubular foil so as to protrude into the flow of water passing by the perimeter of the at least one buoyant tubular foil, whereby to create a high-pressure zone fore of the at least one baffle plate and a low-pressure zone immediately aft of the at least one baffle plate, whereby to create a dense stream of supercavitated water immediately aft of the at least one baffle plate.

Abstract: Short takeoff and landing aircraft are disclosed. An example fixed wing aircraft includes a primary power source to provide power to a propulsion unit, a secondary power source to provide power to the propulsion unit, and a detachable power coupling to transfer power to the secondary power source from a source external to the fixed wing aircraft during takeoff.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame having an elongated shape extending in a longitudinal direction, a canard airfoil mounted to a forward portion of the frame, a wing airfoil mounted to an aft portion of the frame, a mast mounted to the frame, at least one sail supported by the mast, and a support rotatably mounted to the mast and supporting a cabin and/or equipment, and a plurality of support devices attached to one or more of the frame or the wing airfoil to stabilize and support the vehicle when stopped or at low speeds and to provide directional control. The canard airfoil is adjustable to thereby change the amount of lift provided to the forward portion of the frame, and the wing airfoil is adjustable to provide lift and to balance the forces on the vehicle.

Abstract: A marine vessel comprising: at least one buoyant tubular foil; and at least one baffle plate positioned about the perimeter of the at least one buoyant tubular foil so as to protrude into the flow of water passing by the perimeter of the at least one buoyant tubular foil, whereby to create a high-pressure zone fore of the at least one baffle plate and a low-pressure zone immediately aft of the at least one baffle plate, whereby to create a dense stream of supercavitated water immediately aft of the at least one baffle plate.

Abstract: A mono boat hull power boat with extendable and retractable surface effects wings. The boat hull has wing cavities housing the wings inside the hull. At the front of wing cavity wing pivots are located, and at the rear of the wing cavities extending mechanisms are located, allowing for the pivotal extension and retraction of the wings in to the hull cavities.

Abstract: This WIG craft has a configuration of tandem/canard type, comprising: a body; a front wing having a relatively small aspect ratio, as installed in the lowest portion of the fore half of the body; and a rear wing having a longer span and a shorter chord length than the front wing, as installed in the rearmost portion of the body. Since the front wing, which is also used for planing, is not fixed directly to the body, but installed through a suspension system, so as to travel up and down while planing along the rough water surface, the WIG craft can take off and land stably even in high waves, and further cruise at a extremely low height safely without worrying about the impacts of the wave.

Abstract: Stabilizers (14.1, 14.2) coupled to associated stanchions (20.1, 20.2) and associated linkage assemblies (16.1, 16.2) on both sides of a central hull (12) provide for piercing or cutting through waves (76?). Aerodynamic surfaces (18.1, 18.2, 112, 114, 116, 118) over the linkage assemblies (16.1, 16.2) provide lift, as may a central keel (68) on the central hull (12). In one embodiment, each stanchion (20.1, 20.2) is coupled to the central hull (12) with a four-bar linkage assembly (16.1?, 16.2?) incorporating pivot bushings (78, 80, 86, 88, 92, 94, 98, 100) depending from the central hull (12) and the associated stanchion (20.1, 20.2) in cooperation with two pairs of non-parallel hinge pins (82.1, 82.2, 82.3, 82.4), respectively, with associated wedge-shaped aerodynamic surfaces (112?, 114?, 116?, 118?) attached to the linkage assembly (16.1, 16.2). The height of the stabilizers (14.1, 14.2) relative to the central hull (12) is adjustable using associated actuators (42.1, 42.

Abstract: The group of inventions relates to aviation and to transport means having (static and dynamic) air discharge, in particular to self-stabilizing wing-in-ground-effect craft of types A, B and C. The following technical results are achieved: increased flight safety and maneuvering safety, increased load-bearing capacity and flight height in ground effect mode, reduced dimensions, improved take-off and landing characteristics, as well as amphibian characteristics and economic efficiency, increased functionality and a wider range of operational alignments, and greater ease of use and maintenance. This result is achieved by simultaneously applying the methods for generating a system of aerodynamic forces, the structural solutions and the piloting methods conceptually linked therewith which are proposed in the present group of inventions to “flying wing” or “composite wing” design layouts.

Abstract: A wing-in-ground-effect craft (11) having a loaded canard forewing (13) and a main forward delta configuration wing (15) attached to fore (17) and mid (19) sections of a body (21) respectively. The body (21) is formed with an integral planing hull (23) for amphibious applications, extending rearward to a tail section (25) which incorporates a ducted fan (27), and a vertical stabilizer (29). Rudder (31) is located in the exhaust of the ducted fan (27) for steering the craft (11), and serves as a stator to reduce spiral induced in the airflow exiting the duct (27). The canard forewing (13) has about 12% of the area of the main wing (15), and has inner portions (35) having a dihedral configuration disposed at a first angle of inclination from the vertical of 68°, and outer portion (37) disposed at a first angle of inclination from the vertical of about 91°.

Abstract: A hydrofoil trim tab for use with each of a pair of seaplane floats, each tab including a substantially planar shaped body secured to an inside facing location of each float such that a pair of tab bodies are arrayed in opposing and inwardly directed fashion relative to the floats. Each tab is further constructed as a two piece article, a first portion being either mechanically secured or welded to the surface of the float, with a second portion being releasably/breakaway attached to the first portion, such as by frangible fasteners engaging a slidably connection location between the portions. In this fashion, inadvertent breakage of a trim tab at the frangible location will prevent damage to the float.

Abstract: This WIG craft has a configuration of tandem/canard type, comprising: a body; a front wing having a relatively small aspect ratio, as installed in the lowest portion of the fore half of the body; and a rear wing having a longer span and a shorter chord length than the front wing, as installed in the rearmost portion of the body. Since the front wing, which is also used for planing, is not fixed directly to the body, but installed through a suspension system, so as to travel up and down while planing along the rough water surface, the WIG craft can take off and land stably even in high waves, and further cruise at a extremely low height safely without worrying about the impacts of the wave.

Abstract: A versatile watercraft of the present invention comprises a base wing, a C-wing, and preferably a plurality of vertical stabilization knives. The base wing extends horizontally from the right side of the watercraft to the left side of the watercraft, and longitudinally, for at least a third of the length of the watercraft. The C-wing, extends above the base wing. The C-wing is comprised of at least two essentially vertical walls and an essentially horizontal top. The watercraft also comprises at least one propulsion device. In the preferred embodiments, a plurality of vertical stabilization knives extends vertically below the base wing and extends longitudinally for at least a third of the length of the watercraft.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for reducing sinkage and wetted surface, and thus hydrodynamic drag of a high-speed boat through the generation of aerodynamic lift while decreasing overall aerodynamic drag. At least one lift-generating front wing proximate a bow section of the boat with at least one corresponding front air channel may be provided. At least one lift-generating rear wing proximate a transom section of the boat with at least one corresponding rear air channel may also be provided. At least one of the wings may be adjustable to generate aerodynamic lift with one of: (1) a neutral; (2) a transom-lifting; and (3) a bow-lifting pitching moment about a center of inertia of the boat. At least one wing proximate the leading edge of the tunnel of a multi-hull boat may be provided to increase the operational envelope.

Abstract: A multi-hull speedboat hull design suitable for racing craft. The apparatus is a polygonal boat hull apparatus having a bow and stern wave penetrating feature. The bow has an additional triangular section to add strength and wave penetration capability. The hull is made from triangular-shaped essentially flat panels which provides for substantially stability and strength. The invention includes a drive pod system having a plurality of propulsion units. Each engine has a pair of hydro pneumatic cylinders that adjust the angle of attack of the propulsion unit. Each engine also has a pair of synchronized rudders. A top deck mounted aircraft-type of “tail assembly” having a rudder, elevators and/or ailerons assist in maneuvering the craft.

Abstract: A multi-mission/purpose ground-effect craft is provided which is derived from a common modular platform which includes a hull; an inner floor structure adapted to be installed over the hull; a body adapted to be attached to at least one of the top surface of the hull and the inner floor structure, such that a interior compartment is formed thereinside; a tail wing assembly adapted to be attached to the aft end of the body; a forward nose cowl adapted to be attached to at least one of the forward nose portion of the hull and the forward body portion of the body; a windshield integrated into the forward end of the body; at least one door assembly integrated into the left or right body side; at least one window assembly integrated into the left or right body side; a propulsion system integrated within the aft end of the body; and a retractable skirt attached and draped from the outer or inner perimeter of the hull.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surface effect craft comprising a supporting deck structure having two pontoons mounted thereto in catamaran like fashion. A propulsion mechanism is mounted to a rear portion of the deck structure. A lift control member is disposed under the deck structure between the two pontoons. The lift control member is pivotally movable mounted to the front portion of the deck structure. A lift adjust mechanism pivotally moves the lift control member between a first position with the rear end of the lift control member being in close proximity to the surface and a second position with the rear end of the lift control member being in close proximity to the deck structure. Employment of the lift control member enables the craft to achieve surface effect at low speed and, furthermore, allows control of the aerodynamic lift in a wide range from maximum lift to negative lift.

Abstract: A watercraft capable of operating in hydrofoil mode or ground-effect mode with self-righting retractable V-shaped foil, fiberoptic control systems, and a plurality of aircraft style engines with variable pitch propellers for speed and direction control. The V-shaped foil can be fully retracted into the hull allowing operation in shallow water, and the ability to execute a beach landing. Propeller pitch can be reversed allowing the craft to backup. Each engine and propeller can be controlled individually allowing rotating in-place for precise maneuvering control. The hull is a flying wing, airfoil shape for efficient high-speed operation. Engine nacelles are located on airfoil shaped struts, angled in a V-shape, for self-righting effect at high speed. Fuel tanks are within the nacelles, thus outside the main hull for safety.

Abstract: A marine vessel that possesses a capability for greater speed than most static-lift craft and is more stable than most dynamic-lift craft is disclosed. The vessel incorporates elements from both SWATH craft and WIG craft. In the illustrative embodiment, the marine vessel includes an upper hull that is disposed above the water line, a dynamic-lift-providing element that is disposed above the water line, a propulsion system that is disposed above the water line, a static-lift-providing element that is disposed below the water line, a propulsion system that is disposed below the water line; and struts that couple the static-lift-providing element to the upper hull and that raise the upper hull some distance above the water line.

Abstract: The invention is a marine wing-in-ground effect vehicle capable of sustained high speed operation in varying seas. The vehicle comprises an aerodynamic flat bottom lifting wing with a fuselage, a longitudinal keel member under the wing, a propulsion unit installed in the keel member, a vertical stabilizer airfoil mounted on top of the wing, and an overturn prevention tail at an aft end the wing. Port and starboard surface foils are pivotably mounted under the wing, and taper from a wider front end to a substantially narrow trailing end. The surface foils are selectively and independently pivoted between a deployed position and a retracted position by an actuator.

Abstract: A low drag ship hull generally includes a side air cavity initiated by wetted bow section, bottom air cavity initiated by wetted bottom nosepiece, wetted stem section that closes a lower portion of the side cavity, wetted bottom tailpiece that closes the bottom cavity, stabilizing fin, and propulsor. The bottom of a catamaran hull cross structure includes bow impact alleviator. Optional flaps in the stabilizing fins, together with optional all-movable canard fins are used for control. Different wetted bow sections and retractable plates are used for starting side cavities. A low drag hull may utilize multiple air cavities. A new low drag hull includes a new upper bottom air cavity that is initiated by an upper bottom wetted nosepiece, and closed by an upper bottom tailpiece. Alternative designs include a shortened forward hull spaced ahead of a shortened aft hull, and a hydrofoil-supported trimaran with low drag hulls.

Abstract: A powered transportation vehicle uses hydro and aero pressure lift on flat bottom surfaces for providing increased efficiency of operation. An elongate hull has a bottom surface having a large length to width aspect ratio operates in water, with a smaller aspect ratio for a second lifting body operating substantially in air. Trailing edges of the bottom surfaces form a seal with water for creating stagnation areas for the water and air for providing lift to the vehicle having a center of lift of the hull forward the center of gravity of the vehicle. A forward portion of the hull bottom surface is upwardly angled from an aft portion as measured from the center of gravity.

Abstract: An aircraft has a fuselage, one or more propellers and a main wing. The wing has a central portion located beneath the fuselage and distal portions, which extend outwardly from opposite sides of the fuselage. The wing floats on water when the aircraft is stationary and maintains the fuselage above and out of the water. The aircraft optionally has a tail having a horizontal stabilizer, which provides additional support to the fuselage to maintain it out of water. The structure of the aircraft can be adapted for use as a watercraft by reducing the length of the wing.

Abstract: A watercraft steered under power by water-jet propulsion utilizes a water intake ramp in its hull to create a nozzle-like effect to accelerate water loading to the jet pump through a ventral water inlet when under power. The hull has a pair of longitudinal stabilizers that form a tunnel in which the ramp is located. A canopy, which can be removable, encloses a passenger compartment with a steering wheel and one or more passenger seats. Two wings flank the passenger compartment and a pair of hull ramps run steeply downward from the leading edge of each of the wings and extends to the bottom of the hull while a pair of air scoops flanks each side of the passenger compartment and is located above the pair of wings. The forward-most beginnings of the pair of stabilizers relative to a nose section and the pair of wings ride above the surface of the water when the watercraft is under power and the watercraft rides on the back of the pair of stabilizers.

Abstract: A flying outboard boat which can fly over the water having only its propeller rotates in the water comprises a hull with wings project on both sides. Underneath the wings there installed flaps one couple at anterior part and another couple at posterior part of said boat to help lifting and tilting of said boat by moving the flaps pivotally up or down. The engine of the boat can move vertically through moving a frame the engine mounted to by a motor where the propeller installed to the lowest end of a stem of the engine. Navigation control systems comprises a steering wheel, an accelerating pedal, switches to move the engine up and down by a motor, switches to move flaps and lastly, electrical and electronics circuits to control switches and motors.

Abstract: A method wherein a vehicle is capable of movement on or over land, and/or on, over, or under water. Various body, wing, tail, and/or outrigger shapes facilitate movement and develop lift. Buoyancy or semi-buoyancy is developed utilizing various chambers to contain controlled volumes of gaseous or liquid substances. Motion is augmented by propulsion or repulsion mechanisms, including pressurized liquid stream jet (PJET) propulsion. The vehicle is capable of modifying its shape and/or the curvature of various parts, such as wings, tails, and/or outriggers, by manipulating the internal skeleton, the internal compartments supporting the external surfaces, and/or the internal pressure of the shape. Control Agents with mechanized or manual support manage the vehicle's operations controlling various movement particular information, as well as baseline algorithms, such as wind speed, currents, and location.

Abstract: A trimaran type WIG (Wing-In-Ground) effect ship with a minimum waterplane area is disclosed. This WIG ship comprises a main hull and two half-submerged sub-hulls each having a minimum waterplane area capable of minimizing the wave resistance and appendage resistance of the ship, thus reducing speed loss on rough water. The WIG ship also has main and sub-wings and an effective propelling mechanism, designed such that they produce a strong lift force allowing a take-off of the ship sailing on water even at a low speed. The WIG ship is thus excellent in its seakeeping and maneuverability on the rough water. In the WIG ship, the main hull is intermediately positioned between the main wings and comprises a slender and half-submerged body, and bears 60% of the total displacement of the ship. The sub-hulls are respectively provided under the outer ends of the main wings, and each bear 20% of the total displacement, and act as an end plate.

Abstract: A flying outboard boat which can fly over the water having only its propeller rotates in the water comprises a hull with wings project on both sides. Underneath the wings there installed flaps one couple at anterior part and another couple at posterior part of said boat to help lifting and tilting of said boat by moving the flaps pivotally up or down. The engine of the boat can move vertically through moving a frame the engine mounted to by a motor where the propeller installed to the lowest end of a stem of the engine. Navigation control systems comprises a steering wheel, an accelerating pedal, switches to move the engine up and down by a motor, switches to move flaps and lastly, electrical and electronics circuits to control switches and motors.

Abstract: A wind propelled vehicle comprising: (a) an assembly of airfoils fixedly joined; (b) all-moveable rudder and horizontal stabilizer, or suitable substitute, for aerodynamic yaw and pitch control; and (c) pontoons and hydrofoils, skis, skates, runners or wheels. The vehicle is wind-propelled by controlling the angle of the relative wind to produce a sideways lift force on the airfoil assembly and controlling the angle of the pontoons, etc. to use that force to cause forward motion. Airborne operation is achieved by changing the angle of the relative wind to produce an upward lift force on the airfoil assembly. Water rudder is absent. Orientation is always controlled aerodynamically.

Abstract: A sailing vessel has a hull, two outriggers, one on either side of the hull, a rudder, and rigging supporting at least one sail. Wings are secured to the outriggers and arranged to be located below the surface of the water during sailing. The leeward wing being arranged, as the vessel moves through water, to exert an upwards directed force and the windward wing being arranged to exert a downwards directed force to counteract the rotational force from the sails.

Abstract: 1.

Abstract: An improved marine vehicle that offers very high efficiencies made possible by pressurized gas cushion(s) disposed between its hull(s) and a water surface is presented. The gas cushion(s), in the ideal arrangement, is supplied with pressurized gas by a powered blower that obtains at least part of its inlet gas flow from an opening(s) in upper surfaces of a wing shaped cabin structure. In an optional arrangement, gas supply to a propulsion system engine can be obtained from similar opening(s). A secondary wing may be placed above the main wing to help direct airflow over the upper surfaces of the main wing. A gas cushion seal is provided that has the ability to control gas flow and thereby reduce blower power requirements. Further, steps may be inset into the sides of the hull(s) that reduce drag in rough seas but yet are protected by hull chines when the hull is transitioning into planing mode.

Abstract: A variable sweep winglet with a negative dihedral angle is provided for a ground effect vehicle. The winglet is positionable at a sweep angle to control the winglet tip clearance from ground. Variable winglet tip clearance reduces the risk of damage or instability due to collision with the ground or water, thereby permitting more efficient flight at lower altitude with an equivalent safety. The winglet is generally positioned by an actuator. The actuator is controlled by a flight control system, or by other manual or automatic systems. A sensor may also be included for determining whether an object lies in the path of the winglet. The sensor communicates with the flight control system in order to vary the sweep of the winglet to increase clearance from the ground or water, thus avoiding impact with the object.

Abstract: A trimaran type WIG (Wing-In-Ground) effect ship with a minimum waterplane area is disclosed. This WIG ship comprises a main hull and two half-submerged sub-hulls each having a minimum waterplane area capable of minimizing the wave resistance and appendage resistance of the ship, thus reducing speed loss on rough water. The WIG ship also has main and sub-wings and an effective propelling mechanism, designed such that they produce a strong lift force allowing a take-off of the ship sailing on water even at a low speed. The WIG ship is thus excellent in its seakeeping and maneuverability on the rough water. In the WIG ship, the main hull is intermediately positioned between the main wings and comprises a slender and half-submerged body, and bears 60% of the total displacement of the ship. The sub-hulls are respectively provided under the outer ends of the main wings, and each bear 20% of the total displacement, and act as an end plate.

Abstract: A Hover Effect craft is disclosed that includes a a forward wing element; a plurality of high-pressure air valve elements; at least one air conduit member disposed to a leading edge of the forward wing element; at least two engine/prop assemblies; each engine/prop assembly including at least one floatation tank element; each one of said engine/prop assemblies depending from the terminal ends of the forward wing element; a platform element disposed to the trailing edge of the forward wing element so as to be rigidly affixed to the trailing edge of the forward wing element; the platform element including cutout cavities for a plurality of inflatable members and cutout cavities for a plurality of air-fan blower elements; a suspension device; a passenger compartment member disposed above the suspension device.

Abstract: There is provided a motorized watercraft having a hull. The hull has an upper portion located substantially above the water line. Thus hull includes a front portion and a rear portion. The upper portion of the hull has a front portion and a rear portion. A drive motor being attached to the rear portion. First and second stabilizers are attached to the front portion of the hull so that the hull may be stabilized during operation by providing a downward force on the front portion of the hull.

Abstract: The invention is gas-filled cavities that reduce drag on the underwater surfaces of marine vehicles. Hydrofoils, struts, boat and ship hulls, pontoons, underwater bodies, fins, rudders, fairings, protuberances, submarine sails and propulsors are underwater surfaces that may be covered by the gas-filled cavities to reduce drag on them. The gas-filled cavities are to be used on underwater surfaces of marine vehicles, such as hydrofoil craft, monohulls, catamarans, SWATH (small waterplane area twin hull) craft, SES (surface-effect ships) and WIG (wing-in-ground effect) vehicles. Each gas-filled cavity is formed by ejecting air near the end of each nosepiece. Air is ejected at a speed and direction which is close to that of the water at the local cavity wall. The cavity is formed behind the nosepiece. The nosepiece is adapted to control the shape of the cavity.

Abstract: A high-speed air-supported vehicle capable of multiple mode operations as both a water-contacting vehicle and an aircraft includes an aero roll-stabilizing plan form, a stabilizing ski/hydrofoil below a planing surface of a hull portion of the aero roll-stabilizing plan form for providing stabilization and lift to the plan form in at least one mode of operation, the ski/hydrofoil being mounted to a front underside of a hull portion of the aero roll-stabilizing plan form and being mounted forward of a center of gravity of the plan form, whereby a leading edge of said plan form is kept at a substantially constant level with respect to a surface of water during at least one mode of operation. A stabilizing ski provides stabilization and lift in at least one mode of operation. A flexible ski mount is provided for mounting the stabilizing ski to the aero roll stabilizing plan form.

Abstract: The technical field of the invention is that of ship building, more particularly making ship hulls. A monohull with stern stabilizers, also known as a pseudo-trimaran, for constituting a very high-speed ship comprises a central float (1) and two shorter side floats (2) situated towards the stern of the central float (1) and connected thereto by faired link arms (5); according to the invention, the underwater portions of the three floats (1, 2) are always immersed at least in part and regardless of speed, with the side floats (2) having tiltable underwater foils (3) and with the fineness coefficients of the three floats lying in the range 0.25 to 0.35, with ratios of length over beam lying in the range 12 to 20, and with the ratio of the length of the central float over the length of the side floats lying in the range 2.5 to 4.5.

Abstract: An aircraft carrier is provided with an airflow deflector such as flap 26, an inflatable flap 26 or an airjet curtain such that air passing along the flight deck is provided with an upward component of velocity, thereby to provide an upwash in the airwake behind the aircraft carrier. The upwash persists for a reasonable length downstream of the aircraft carrier and means that, for a given spatial attitude, the angle of attack of the aircraft relative to the airstream is increased. This means that the aircraft may be flown at a reasonably high angle of attack to the airstream on a landing approach without sacrificing the pilot's view of the deck. In addition, the increased angle of attack may be used to facilitate a flare maneuver.

Abstract: A watercraft allowing relative motion of its deck relative to its hull structure to increase passenger comfort. The deck is mounted to the hull structure in a manner which permits relative motion of the deck structure to the hull in at least two independent axes.

Abstract: The invention is gas-filled cavities that reduce drag on the underwater surfaces of marine vehicles. Hydrofoils, struts, boat and ship hulls, pontoons, underwater bodies, fins, rudders, fairings, protuberances, submarine sails and propulsors are underwater surfaces that may be covered by the gas-filled cavities to reduce drag on them. The gas-filled cavities are to be used on underwater surfaces of marine vehicles, such as hydrofoil craft, monohulls, catamarans, SWATH (small waterplane area twin hull) craft, SES (surface-effect ships) and WIG (wing-in-ground effect) vehicles. Each gas-filled cavity is formed by ejecting air near the end of each nosepiece. Air is ejected at a speed and direction which is close to that of the water at the local cavity wall. The cavity is formed behind the nosepiece. The nosepiece is adapted to control the shape of the cavity.

Abstract: A catamaran-type boat having two or more demi-hulls that are connected by a wing-shaped superstructure is disclosed. The demi-hulls are further connected by two or more transverse hydrofoils. A tunnel is created between the demi-hulls and the superstructure. The shape of the superstructure takes advantage of the airflow through the tunnel to provide aerodynamic lift. The hydrofoils serve two purposes. The first is to provide hydrodynamic lift, and the second is to cancel wave build up between the hulls. The wave cancellation assists the stability of the craft by providing a relatively flat surface for the wing, to provide stable additional lift through the "wing in ground" effect. The combination of hydrodynamic lift, wave cancellation, and aerodynamic lift decreases the ship's drag and increases its speed.

Abstract: A high-speed air-supported vehicle capable of multiple mode operations as both a water-contacting vehicle and an aircraft includes an aero roll-stabilizing plan form, a stabilizing ski/hydrofoil below a planing surface of a hull portion of the aero roll-stabilizing plan form for providing stabilization and lift to the plan form in at least one mode of operation, the ski/hydrofoil being mounted to a front underside of a hull portion of the aero roll-stabilizing plan form and being mounted forward of a center of gravity of the plan form, whereby a leading edge of said plan form is kept at a substantially constant level with respect to a surface of water during at least one mode of operation. A stabilizing ski provides stabilization and lift in at least one mode of operation. A flexible ski mount is provided for mounting the stabilizing ski to the aero roll stabilizing plan form.

Abstract: A tri-hull using air and water collectively channeled and controlled through its design to enhance speed and stability of the tri-hull as it moves forward through the water. Structural wings connecting the two outer hulls to the middle hull comprise operational flaps which direct air in a desired direction along with the flow of air into air intake channels, the air exiting into hydrochannels beneath each outer hull where the interaction of the exiting air on the water moving through each hydrochannel provides an equalization or an upward force to the rear of the tri-hull and a resulting equalization or a downward force to the bow of the tri-hull which enhances the stability of the tri-hull at high speeds. The tri-hull also has adjustable air flow relief valves for controlling the flow of air into hydrochannels and sub fins beneath each outer hull to provide traction during turns.

Abstract: A marine or naval craft having a triple catamaran-type hull (3, 3, 4) from the bottom of which project three respective ventral fins (6, 6, 7) provided with propulsion and control means (14, 17, 18) and which support a load platform (5) having a wing-like longitudinal section suitable for producing aerodynamic lift at speed.

Abstract: A surface effect vehicle includes a vehicle body having opposed longitudinally extending sides and a longitudinally extending deck having an upper and lower surfaces extending widthwise between the sides. The lower surface together with opposed inner surfaces of the sides form a downwardly depending air entrapment chamber extending longitudinally beneath the lower surface. The chamber is reactive to provide substantial surface effect ram air lifting force on the vehicle in response to forward motion of the vehicle. In addition, the vehicle includes an airfoil spaced above and interconnected with the vehicle body to provide substantial out of surface effect lifting force on the vehicle in response to such forward motion. Further the vehicle vertical stabilizers serving not only to provide vertical stabilization but also to interconnect the airfoil with the vehicle body.