Variable hybrid catamaran air cushion ship

摘要

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.