Abstract: In an air cushion vehicle of the type having a pair of rigid sidewall structures extending longitudinally along the sides of the vehicle body and depending downwardly therefrom so as to dip into the water and provide a cushion seal at the sides of the vehicle, wedge shaped members are provided at the forward ends of the sidewalls on those parts of the outer surfaces which dip into the water so that in operation the wedge shaped members break up the flow of water over these surfaces.

Abstract: A boat comprising a main hull and an additional hull that is attached to the stern of the main hull. The additional hull is adjustable around a transversal axis relative to the main hull and acts as a trim plane. The bottom and sides of the main hull have extensions that overlap the forward part of the additional hull such that there is formed a flat, narrow and backwardly directed space between the extensions and the forward part of the additional hull. Air is sucked down under the additional hull through the space.

Abstract: A submersible object having a drag reducing coating thereon, and a method r its preparation, which comprises applying to the object a binding agent and sufficient hydrophobic silica to provide the object with a nonuniform coating, the function of the binding agent being merely to fix the hydrophobic silica on the submersible object.

Abstract: A land, water or air vehicle has a jet air stream unit mounted in front with a plurality of distributed jets generated immediately preceding the front wall portion of the vehicle to reduce the opposing pressure as well as the mass of air with the resulting greater ease in movement of the vehicle. As applied to an automobile type vehicle, an air pump is located immediately behind the radiator so as not to unduly interfere with the air flow through the conventional radiator. A small air jet forming unit is mounted in front of the vehicle having an inlet connected to the air pump and outlets directed at right angles to the line of motion. The jets are generally in a semi-circular pattern with the lower portion free of jets for removal of the air from immediately preceding the automobile while permitting sufficient air flow to the radiator.

Abstract: Amphibious air cushion vehicles equipped with drum rollers. The vehicles may be tractors or trailers. Either the air cushion or the drum rollers may support the vehicle entirely or the load may be shared by the two systems. A single or multiple power plants may be provided. The drums may be adjustably positioned for use and non-use as may the air cushion. The drums have multiple flexible air compartments, are highly deformable in use and have external tractive elements functioning on land as well as in water.

Abstract: A watercraft combining the physical and hydrodynamic features of a catama, a hydrofoil, and a rigid sidewall air cushion vehicle that might be considered a triple hybrid (TRIBRID). The TRIBRID is intended to operate as a multi-modal vehicle in the approximate speed range of 0-100 knots. The vehicle from at rest to operational speed, obtains its lift at first from 100% buoyancy of catamaran hulls, then from dynamic lift of hydrofoils, and finally from powered aerostatic lift from a captured air cushion. A combination of two or all lift modes may be used through speed changes and at intermediate speeds.

Abstract: An air cushion vehicle is provided with at least one stabilizing device comprising first and second members formed from endless bands of flexible impermeable material attached at first edges to the underside of the vehicle so as to extend downwardly therefrom and terminate at second edges. The first member surrounds the second member and is spaced therefrom so that in operation pressurized air from a source on the vehicle passes downwardly between the members to flow from between the second edges in the form of an air curtain which builds up and maintains a localized cushion of pressurized air within the stabilizing device.

Abstract: Improvements in hydroplane boats in which a unique combination of diagonal and transverse planing surfaces provides stability and makes the boat safe to operate at high speeds and at the same time forms an air cavity under the center of gravity of the boat which is pressurized by air scoops and regulated by various devices to support the boat on an air cushion and improve its high speed efficiency without decreasing its stability in any mode of operation.

Abstract: Discrete bubbles of hydrogen and other gases are electrolytically created at line sources that are distributed transversely of a vehicle's centerline; the bubbles interact with the boundary layer next to the hull to reduce both skin friction and turbulent drag on the hull in the water.

Abstract: This invention of an amphibious air track vehicle consists of five major assemblies. There are two equally spaced and parallel floatable elongated bodies each of which is encompassed by a belt having a plurality of extended space, parallel and laterally disposed floatable cleats; and drive sprockets which rotate the belts about the elongated bodies. Rotation apparatus for the belts is contained within each body; and a plurality of buoyant wheels each having low pressure tires thereon; and secondly wheels being mounted end to end on a single axis to form a floatable box-like wheel unit, there being two separate boxlike wheel units, one at each end of the vehicle and positioned laterally between each of the floatable elongated bodies; and lastly, a body structure that forms a top deck, rectangular in form, that extends over top of both the two floatable elongated bodies and their belts and the two box-like wheel units.

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.

Abstract: A high-speed water craft having twin streamlined hulls and a centrally located aerodynamic body structure. The aerodynamic body structure bottom surface has an S-shaped longitudinal profile which is positioned above the surface of the water and which provides a venturi chamber beneath the body structure. Aerodynamic forces created by air passing through the venturi chamber act to raise the craft out of the water and also produce stabilizing aerodynamic forces as the craft is propelled forward at high speeds. A streamlined hydrodynamic power pod is provided beneath the body structure to create an improved hydrodynamic environment which increases the efficiency of power means utilized to propel the craft.