| 摘要 |
An amphibious vessel is capable of operating efficiently as both a catamaran surface effect ship for travel on water and as an air cushion vessel and can travel to water from land, land to water or on land. In the catamaran surface effect ship mode, the vessel can operate in displacement mode at low speed or as a surface effect ship at high speed in an air cushion mode. For operation as an air cushion vehicle, the vessel operates with the aid of deployable side seals. The vessel includes catamaran hulls and flexible air cushion bow and stern seal systems. The vessel also employs retractable side seals having hinged doors that hold inflatable, retractable flexible components. The doors form part of the side seal system in a deployed position, and protect the flexible components of the seal in a retracted position. The arrangement reduces the drag associated with the side seals while the vessel operates in its catamaran or surface effect ship modes, and prevents damage to the seals during operation in the high speeds surface effect ship or SES mode. |
