Abstract: A vehicle is provided for drone stowage and transport as a means to extend the range of smaller drones and unmanned underwater vehicles. The transport vehicle is launched from a mother ship and provides for moving drones and underwater unmanned vehicles to desired launch and recovery points. The vehicle is based on current hovercraft vehicles and is adapted for stowage of drones while remaining compatible with existing mother ships. The vehicle includes foldable deck sections, which can be extended to provide launching and landing runways for flying drones. Lifts and ramps are incorporated for loading, launching and recovering flying drones, floating drone vessels and underwater unmanned vehicle drones.

Abstract: A roadable, adaptable-modular, multiphibious-amphibious ground-effect or flying, car-boat-plane or surface-effect motorcycle. A pivoting wing using the NACA 23112 airfoil provides longitudinal stability through changes in wing or power settings. The airfoil can also be “locked” in place to provide conventional aircraft type controls. The wings fold for driving mode or can be removed. Surface-effect sensor rods provide the automatic altitude control for operations in surface-effect mode. Horizontal stabilizer and elevator provide trim and balance to level the vehicle for passenger comfort and optimal landing attitude. The hull/fuselage consists of three main modules: The main central module (engine, transmission, passengers, wings and cargo storage), the forward module and the aft module which may include one or two wheels with or without a motor, engine, batteries or fuel and differential.

Abstract: A vehicle driving control apparatus is provided at least with: a rudder angle varying device capable of changing a relation between a steering angle, which is a rotation angle of a steering input shaft, and a rudder angle, which is a rotation angle of steered wheels; and a trajectory controlling device for controlling the rudder angle varying device such that a trajectory of a vehicle approaches a target driving route of the vehicle. The vehicle driving control apparatus is further provided with a changing device for changing responsiveness of control by the trajectory controlling device when there is a steering input given to the steering input shaft through a steering wheel by a driver of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle driving control apparatus is provided at least with: a rudder angle varying device capable of changing a relation between a steering angle, which is a rotation angle of a steering input shaft, and a rudder angle, which is a rotation angle of steered wheels; and a trajectory controlling device for determining a control amount and controlling the rudder angle varying device such that a trajectory of a vehicle approaches a target driving route of the vehicle. The vehicle driving control apparatus is further provided with a correcting device for correcting (i) a rate of change in the rudder angle with respect to a steering amount of the steering input or (ii) the determined control amount, in accordance with whether or not a steering direction of the steering input inputted to the steering input shaft through a steering member by a driver of the vehicle is identical with a rudder angle control direction of the control amount determined by the trajectory controlling device.

Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising: a frame; wheels supported on the frame; a traction motor coupled to one of the wheels to effect rotation of the one wheel; a speed control element operable by an operator to define a speed control signal corresponding to a desired speed of the traction motor; a system associated with a steerable wheel to effect angular movement of the steerable wheel; and control apparatus coupled to the speed control element to receive the speed control signal, and coupled to the traction motor to generate a drive signal to the traction motor in response to the speed control signal to control the operation of the traction motor. The control apparatus may determine an acceleration value for the traction motor based on at least one of an angular position of the steerable wheel, a speed of the traction motor and a current position of the speed control element as defined by the speed control signal.

Abstract: In an arrangement for strengthening the road grip for a vehicle, particularly for a passenger car, air can be sucked from a vacuum chamber arranged under the vehicle and closed off with respect to the ambient atmosphere. As a result, a vacuum can be generated in a vacuum chamber arranged in a braking plate, and the latter can be changed from an inoperative position away from the ground into a operative position close to the ground, as a result of the generated vacuum.

Abstract: A method for controlling a hydraulic flow within a powertrain comprising an electromechanical transmission mechanically-operatively coupled to an engine adapted to selectively transmit power to an output, wherein the transmission utilizes a hydraulic control system serving a number of hydraulic oil consuming functions includes monitoring minimum hydraulic pressure requirements for each of the functions, determining a requested hydraulic pressure based upon the monitoring minimum hydraulic pressure requirements and physical limits of the hydraulic control system including a maximum pressure, determining a desired flow utilizing a hydraulic control system flow model based upon the requested hydraulic pressure, and utilizing the desired flow to control an auxiliary hydraulic pump.

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 levitating platform, which is capable of stable flight, is disclosed. Levitating platform (100) comprises a platform structure (110), which includes a bottom extended surface (116) and a lip (114). An air movement device (120) is mounted on platform structure (110) to flow air (30) into plenum (123) between support surface (20), bottom extended surface (116) and lip (114). The flow of air (30) in plenum (123) creates positive and negative pressures within plenum (123). The positive and negative pressures generate attractive and repelling forces between platform structure (110) and support surface (20) causing platform structure (110) to levitate off support surface (20) in a stable, easily controllable manner.

Abstract: A flexible skirt-cell system is provided for a hovercraft having a propulsion system mounted to interface with water and a flexible skirt having an upper flexible panel section and a lower flexible finger section. The panel section extends around the bow, stern and two sides of the hovercraft hull and the finger section extends around the hull below the panel section and is connected to the panel section from a forward-abeam location and forward along the two sides and across the bow. Fans create pressurized air that is fed through air ducts to form a pressurized air cushion that supports the hovercraft. Interconnected flexible cells are connected between the panel and finger sections from the forward-abeam locations rearward to the stern. Additional air ducts pass pressurized air from the fan units to inflate the cells, thereby elevating the stern and raising the propulsion system above the water.

Abstract: The present invention is an air cushion vehicle and a control mechanism for steering and turning the vehicle. The air cushion vehicle includes a frame having a skirt body extending around the perimeter. An air flow generator may be positioned on the frame for providing a lift flow and thrust flow. At least one vane is disposed on the frame to direct the thrust flow. At least one fin is disposed on the frame downstream of the vane for directing the thrust flow. A turning controller may be used for moving the vane and fin in a coordinating movement to affect the direction or the motion of the air cushion vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle including a body frame (20) commonly used on a two-wheeled automotive vehicle (10), a three-wheeled automotive vehicle (140), and a four-wheeled automotive vehicle (200). A head pipe (23) is formed on a front frame (22) of the body frame. The head pipe has an adjustment mechanism (60) for adjusting a position and an angle of a center line (A1) of a steering shaft (42) relative to a center line (C1) of the head pipe. A rear frame (24) of the body frame has rear walls formed with pluralities of rear mount portions (27) to allow rear units (91, 171, 265) of different kinds for the two-, three- and four-wheeled automotive vehicles to be selectively mounted.

Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed having a hull with a longitudinal, vertical and lateral axis, the hull further having front end and rear ends and first and second sides. A turbofan engine mounted in said hull, said engine having an exhaust duct. First and second front exhaust nozzles are mounted on the first and second sides of the front end of the hull. First and second rear exhaust nozzles are coupled to the first and second sides of said hull at said rear. All of the exhaust nozzles are rotatable from a vertically downward position to at least a partially horizontal direction and incorporating shudders to adjust the flow rate of exhaust gas from said turbofan engine therethrough. A duct system for coupling the exhaust duct of the turbofan engine to all of the nozzles.

Abstract: A novel means of stability for a lifting platform utilizing toroidal vortex airflow through air guide means. A toroidal vortex created by the airflow means efficiently maintains a raised air pressure zone beneath the lifting platform or body. Airflow is directed downwards by means of air guides, which serve to produce lift and control rotational motion of the lifting platform to achieve stability of the body during operation. The system can also be easily modified to function as an attractor device. Overall, the present invention explores the uses of vortex airflow towards maintaining rotational stability.

Abstract: The lift augmented ground effect platform of the present invention is characterized by two pair of annular concentric air curtain nozzles and supercharge nozzles which direct respective jet streams downward and inward beneath the downwardly facing lifting surface of the platform. The concentric arrangement of the nozzles provides an inner or central supercharged air cushion surrounded by an inner central air curtain and an outer or peripheral air cushion surrounded by a peripheral air curtain. The present invention provides an increased or "large" augmentation of the forces acting to raise or lift the platform over that experienced in prior ground effect devices by directing an air flow stream over the downwardly curved peripheral surface of the platform. As the air flows downwardly along the curvature of the platform's peripheral surface, it creates a negative pressure differential which provides an additional lifting force contributing to support of the platform.

Abstract: Control of air cushion vehicles is obtained by controlling the translation of the vehicle independently from control of the rotation (yaw). Lateral translation of the vehicle is controlled by creating side-directed thrusts the direction of which passes through or as close as possible to the yaw axis by diverting variably controllable flows of air from the flow of air used to create a propulsive air thrust for forward translation of the vehicle to left and right lateral control ports located more or less parallel to the fore-aft axis of the vehicle sufficiently proximate to a plane which passes through the yaw axis and is perpendicular to the fore-aft axis of the vehicle so that diverted air flows exiting the ports approximately perpendicular to the fore-aft axis create thrusts which predominantly pass through the yaw axis. (In the absence of external forces the yaw axis passes through the center of gravity of the vehicle.

Abstract: A hovercraft includes a plurality of energy storing containers for storing a low-temperature, high-pressure gas therein, a heat exchange device for performing heat exchange between the gas from the containers and a high-temperature exhaust from a gas turbine engine unit, and an air-cushion generating device accepting the gas from the heat exchange device so as to form an air cushion. The air-cushion producing method for the hovercraft includes producing the high-temperature exhaust from the gas turbine engine unit, providing the low-temperature, high-pressure gas, performing heat exchange between the gas from the containers and the exhaust from the gas turbine engine unit, combining the gas and the exhaust after the heat exchange by siphon action, and directing the gas and the exhaust into the air-cushion generating device.

Abstract: The lift augmented ground effect platform of the present invention is characterized by two pair of annular concentric air curtain nozzles and supercharge nozzles which direct respective jet streams downward and inward beneath the downwardly facing lifting surface of the platform. The concentric arrangement of the nozzles provides an inner or central supercharged air cushion surrounded by an inner central air curtain and an outer or peripheral air cushion surrounded by a peripheral air curtain. The lift augmented ground effect platform of the present invention provides an increased or "large" augmentation of the forces acting to raise or lift the platform over that experienced in prior ground effect devices by directing an air flow stream over the downwardly curved peripheral surface of the platform. As the air flows downwardly along the curvature of the platform's peripheral surface, it creates a pressure differential which provides an additional force supporting the lifting of the platform.

Abstract: A craft for ground effect and aerodynamic flight has, in addition to the usual vertical and horizontal stabilizer(s), a primary, upper airfoil, a lower secondary airfoil and a pivotable flap. The upper surface of the primary airfoil forms the primary lifting surface for aerodynamic flight while the lower surface forms, at its anterior and, an air intake for the compressors powering the craft and, to the rear, the upper surface of a plenum for ground effect flight. The upper surface of the secondary airfoil forms the lower surface of the compressor air intake at its anterior end and a compressed air exhaust at its other end. The lower surface forms the anterior end of the plenum when the pivotable flap is in the down position. The pivotable flap is attached near the forward end of the lower surface of the secondary airfoil to block the flow of compressed gases out the front of the craft during landing and while in hovercraft mode. Preferred models have a vertical stabilizer forward of the cockpit.

Abstract: A surface effect vehicle for traversing a water or ground surface is provided. The surface effect vehicle comprises an elongate body and forward and rear scoops, preferably having a large angle of attack inducing stall conditions on the scoops. Each scoop has an arched leading edge defining, in conjunction with the surface, a forwardly facing opening. Preferably, each scoop also has an opening with a fan mounted therein. Forward and rear skirts are movably mounted relative to the forward and rear scoops. Propulsion apparatus are provided for moving the surface effect vehicle across the surface. When the forward and rear skirts are placed in extended positions covering the forwardly facing openings and the front and rear fans are activated, the surface effect vehicle may be lifted relative to the surface to be traversed.

Abstract: A surface effect vehicle having a pair of lifting scoops, or air foils, mounted on a vehicle body, one in front and the other in the rear. Each lifting scoop has an arched leading edge to collect air under the scoop to lift the vehicle on a cushion of air. The vehicle having a pusher-type engine with a propeller to push the vehicle. There are louvers in the lifting scoops to regulate the height the vehicle travels on a cushion of air, and non-trip appendages on the tips of the lifting scoops to aid the scoops in lifting the vehicle from a surface.

Abstract: An air cushion vehicle having improved maneuverability is produced by providing air discharge vents for diverting at least a portion of the pressurizing cushion air from the side of the volute housing opposite that to which the vehicle is being turned, and discharging it from a thruster at said opposite side in a direction away from the direction of the turn. The thruster is located at a forward position, above the deck of the vehicle and adjacent the centerline thereof, and the discharged air produces a thrust which causes the vehicle to roll in the direction of the turn and permits cushion air to escape from beneath the vehicle at said opposite side, producing a thrust complimentary to the thrust from the volute housing.

Abstract: An air-cushion vehicle is provided with an intermediate plenum which provides air to the air-cushion cavity. Propulsion and steering is effected by means of two parallel double-ended ducts that are supplied air from the plenum. Complementary controlled flaps in the ends of the ducts allow the vehicle to be controlled, both for linear motion and for steering, through a two channel radio-control system.

Abstract: A near surface vehicle including a vehicle body including a nose section having a canard with lift and pitch control. The vehicle body including a cockpit or cabin with a main wing mounted adjacent or above the cabin and including ailerons for lift and roll control. The vehicle body further including a tail section having a tail surface and a thrust air fan for providing air for lift and propulsion of the vehicle. The vehicle including an air diverter for deflecting air into a controllable lift area for initial lift and air deflectors or rudders for controlling vehicle direction and vehicle reverse thrust.

Abstract: An elongated vehicle body has a forward bow portion, a stern, and a lower portion with the floor and sides runners defining a longitudinal rearwardly opening air channel in the underside thereof. The bow portion has a duct with a driven impeller therein communicating with a plenum chamber in turn communicating with the air channel. Valves are provided at the outlet for directing air flow from the plenum chamber selectively downwardly, rearwardly and forwardly and also for developing a vacuum under a forward portion of the vehicle to pull down a bow wave that may develop under forward movement of the vehicle. The runners have lateral openings adjacent the rear portion of the vehicle and actuator controlled rudders are disposed at these openings for movement inwardly to steer the vehicle and outwardly beyond the outer side of the runners for establishing a reverse thrust of the vehicle.

Abstract: A hovercraft is described having a fan mounted to rotate about a vertical axis. The airflow from the fan is directed to the skirt to create lift and to horizontally aligned outlets to positively propel the craft in both forward and reverse directions and, if necessary, provide a braking force. A valve arrangement is provided to alter the relative airflow between the different horizontally aligned outlets.

Abstract: A hovercraft includes a hull having a plurality of diffusion apertures and air skirt for providing a supporting air cushion. An engine drives a propeller which produces an airflow. A movable elevator dynamically divides the propeller airflow between lift and thrust components. A pair of rudders are supported within the thrust component to provide steering.

Abstract: An amphibious air cushion vehicle includes a body defining an air containment wall, and an inflatable tube is attached to the body and defines a rearward opening. A fan is positioned within the body to force pressurized air into the compartment, and a gate is provided in operative relationship with the body and with the opening for selectively enabling pressurized air to exit rearwardly through the opening from the compartment to impart forward motion to the vehicle.

Abstract: A small sized air cushion vehicle includes a hull having a planar bottom surface with an upstanding lower flange disposed and extending upwardly at an angle of between 24.degree. and 30.degree. with respect to the planar bottom surface of the hull. A hollow plenum extends through the periphery of the hull. Apertures are formed in the upstanding lower flange of the hull and disposed in fluid flow communication with corresponding apertures in a plurality of inflatable members which are attached to the flange of the hull. Each inflatable member includes a downwardly extending aperture which directs air flow from the hollow plenum in the hull through each of the inflatable members to lift the vehicle a short distance above an underlying surface as well as providing forward or sideways propulsion. A steering mechanism is mounted rearward of the fluid propulsion source to control the direction of movement the vehicle.

Abstract: A surface effect ship and a system of cushion pressurization by forcing into the cushion chamber a homogeneous mixture of air and gas. The surface effect ship is provided with a hull, having propulsion device, associated with rudders, and a skirt to confine the pressurized cushion chamber beneath the ship. In order to decrease the empty weight and thus to increase the performance of the surface effect ship, the traditional heavy and complicated mechanical lift system for cushion pressurization is substituted by a combination of a source of gas with a gasdynamical converter, as a lift system, to feed the cushion chamber of the surface effect ship by a homogeneous air and gas mixture. A turbojet engine is used as a source of highly energetic gases, and the gasdynamical converter is used for augmentation and homogenization of the mixture of air and gas.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hovercraft having a pair of air cushions, associated with each air cushion is a rotatable fan which partly produces lifting force and partly propels and maneuvers the craft. The fans are mounted perpendicular to the direction of travel, peripherally on the craft, wherewith the forces produced have long moment arms, and consequently produce a strong turning torque. The fans are mounted on the craft in such a manner that their orientation may be adjusted both horizontally and vertically with respect thereto.

Abstract: A hovercraft includes a rigid body and a flexible skirt pending from a lower periphery thereof. A main engine and propeller are coupled to the rigid body and provide a main propeller thrust. A plurality of thrust control vanes are located downstream of the propeller and divide the main propeller thrust into a horizontal thrust component directed rearwardly of the thrust control vanes and a vertical thrust component directed to a location under the rigid body so as to cooperate with the flexible skirt to form an air cushion on which the hovercraft rides. A plurality of steering control vanes are located downstream of the thrust control vanes and control the forward direction of the hovercraft. A single control stick controls the operation of both the thrust control vanes and the steering control vanes.

Abstract: An air cushion vehicle comprises a main engine connected to drive, firstly, a fan device for generating an air cushion for the support of the vehicle, and secondly, a traction wheel device for propulsion of the vehicle. Operating power is simultaneously transmitted from the main engine to the fan device and to a hydraulic drive system connected to drive the traction wheel device. The ratio of power distribution from the main engine to the fan device and to the traction wheel device is arranged to be regulated by altering the power consumption characteristics of either or both of the fan device and the traction wheel device.

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.

Abstract: An air-cushioned vehicle wherein the air pressure differential between the plenum chamber and the atmosphere is used to charge a jet engine; thus allowing the use of pulse-jet or ram-jet power plants which require precharging and improving the performance of other engines.The system is implemented by either ducting the pressurized air from the plenum chamber into the engine intake, or by installing the engine inside the plenum chamber itself.

Abstract: A fluid flow control system for connecting a source of pressurized fluid with a region of varying pressure, comprises a fluid supply duct having an inlet end connectable to the pressure source end and an outlet end connectable to the region of varying pressure, a vent duct disposed between the inlet and outlet ends, and a vent valve sensitive to change in pressure within the supply duct and operable so as to control the escape of fluid from the supply duct. The vent valve preferably comprises a flexible wall member of hollow, inflatable form. In operation of the system, a relatively small amount of fluid is allowed to escape when pressure at or adjacent the outlet end of the supply duct is substantially less than that at or adjacent the inlet end thereof, and a relatively large amount of fluid is allowed to escape when the pressure differential is reversed. The system is particularly useful as a "ride" control for gas-cushion vehicles operating over rough ground or water.

Abstract: This invention provides a system for launching aircraft into free flight regime regardless of runway conditions, wherein a sled of the self-powered air cushion vehicle type is configured in plan form so as to accept in temporarily locked relation thereupon and in combination therewith an airplane in such manner that a successful take-off run in mutually aerodynamically compatible regime may be accomplished in spite of surface problems with the runway. Upon attainment of airborne speed, under control of the pilot the aircraft lifts off the sled into full free flight; and thus is airborne albeit the runway is at the time unusable by conventional wheel-geared aircraft; for example, as the result of a previous bombing attack on the runway by enemy aircraft. The sled incorporates self-propelling and directional guidance means for retrieval/reuse purposes, as well as a take-off abort control system.

Abstract: Disclosed is an air cushion vehicle intended to move on land or water, having a platform surrounded by an inflatable skirt. A belt is positioned around the platform interior of the skirt and includes a first face directed toward the central axis of the platform and downward and a second face forming a support pad. At least one nozzle is provided under the platform into the first face to form an air cushion.

Abstract: There is proposed a lift and propulsion unit for an air-cushion transport vehicle, with an axial fan installed at the entrance portion of an annular duct and at the exit of said annular duct is disposed a thrust nozzle comprising a reversing-and-steering device with independently rotatable rudder blades and reversing vanes installed in the walls of said thrust nozzle after said axial fan; said rudder blades close the exit section of said thrust nozzle during reversal of the thrust and make with each other an obtuse angle whose apex is directed toward said axial fan, and the side walls of said reversing-and-steering device are made in the form of a polyhedral vaned surface each facet of which is comprised by a cascade of bow-shaped reversing vanes.The invention may be used in the development of air-cushion transport vehicles, self-propelled transport platforms and apparatus in which the translatory motion is effected due to a reactive thrust provided by the ejected air stream.

Abstract: A sidewall drag reduction system for captured air bubble type surface eff ships having rigid surface-piercing sidewalls. Pressurized air is discharged vertically down into the surface effect ship air cushion chamber from platform ports, and horizontally into the air cushion chamber from nozzles located near the bottom of the internal surface of the sidewalls.

Abstract: A sidewall gas-cushion vehicle is provided with a panel movable in the bottom of the vehicle body in response to changes in cushion pressure whereby the cushion volume is increased as cushion pressure tends to increase, and vice-versa. Panel movement is controllable so as to vary the degree of response to changes in cushion pressure, and upward movement of the panel is retarded by dash-pot devices.

Abstract: A gas-cushion vehicle is provided with one or more fans for supplying cushion air to the cushion space beneath the vehicle, and an additional, "passive" fan, the outflow of which varies according to changes in cushion pressure, whereby additional air is supplied to the cushion space as cushion pressure tends to decrease, and a backflow of cushion air takes place through the additional fan as cushion pressure tends to increase.

Abstract: A wingless vertical take-off aircraft having multiple ducted propeller rotors with controllable pitch blades symmetrically mounted in the forward and the rear portions and on both sides of the aircraft with the ducts angled downwardly at an acute angle to the aircraft longitudinal axis, transversely extending deflector vanes pivotable vertically within the exit portion of the ducts, and a rudder for yaw control mounted in the exit portion of each rearwardly located duct. Control in altitude and in attitude about the pitch and roll axes is achieved by controlling the collective pitch of the propellers in selected ducts with the roll control being interconnected to the yaw control to counteract roll/yaw coupling effects and control in trim and forward flight thrust being provided by setting the position of the deflector vane to divert the air flow from the ducts in variable directions with respect to the aircraft axis and the vertical.

Abstract: A vehicle, primarily a marine vessel, but also adaptable for travel over snow or ice, which is supported and propelled by air flow through a channel in the underside of the body. An impeller in a duct in the forward end of the vehicle provides the air flow, which can be deflected rearwardly, downwardly forwardly and varied laterally for full control of the vehicle. The air flow channel is divided into a central channel and high speed side channels by longitudinal curtains, the side channels conducting air to steering vanes and rudders at the rear of the body. Trim rudders also extend across the rear of the channel to control lift and roll at the rear of the vehicle. In one form, the vehicle has an inflatable bow to seal the forward end of the channel at low speed, or to open the channel to ram air at high speed.

Abstract: A propeller driven vehicle, such as an air cushion hovercraft, comprising a hull, a teardrop shaped cabin mounted on the hull and a propeller arranged in front of the cabin. A gutter shaped obstructing plate is pivotally mounted to each side wall of the cabin and is movable between a horizontal and vertical position. When the obstructing plate is moved from its horizontal position to obstruct the air flow from the propeller around the side wall of the cabin, a pressure differential is created on the cabin which is effective in steering the vehicle.

Abstract: An air-cushion vehicle is provided with an inflatable flexible skirt of bag-like form. The bottom of the skirt defines a convex face in close proximity to the surface over which the vehicle travels so as to form an atmosphere-seeking plenum gap. The flexible skirt is impermeable except for the convex face which is perforated so as to allow skirt inflation air to bleed through the face and suppress any vibration induced by the Bernoulli effect.

Abstract: A vehicle which is supported and propelled by pressurized air. A stream of pressurized air is directed from at least one nozzle means away from the bottom of the body of the vehicle. The stream is directed at an acute angle to the bottom of the vehicle. At least one deflecting surface is provided on the bottom of the body of the vehicle in a position, when the vehicle is operating, to receive the stream when it is deflected from the surface being traversed by the vehicle, and to deflect the stream back toward the traversed surface.