Passenger watercraft using three methods of lift; displacement, hydrofoil, and ground-effect (wing-in-ground) operating over water

Abstract

This design is for a passenger watercraft that can operate in three modes, displacement, hydrofoil, and ground-effect (wing-in-ground, WIG), over a wide range of speeds up to 150 MPH. It also has the capability of approach and land on a beach due to the unique retractable wing design and reversable propellers for “backing out”.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application follows Provisional Application No. 60 / 486,152, with filing date of Jul. 10, 2003 which is claimed for this application.[0002] Passenger watercraft using three methods of lift; displacement, hydrofoil, and ground-effect (wing-in-ground) operating over water. Craft lift provided by displacement at low speeds and when not moving. At moderate speeds lift is provided by a retractable “v” hydrofoil. At high speed, the hydrofoil wing is retracted into the hull and lift comes entirely from the ground effect, a high pressure area is formed between the rapidly moving hull and the water surface beneath. The ship hull is in the form of an airfoil (wing). Propulsion is provided by two aircraft engines fitted with reversible pitch propellers. Directional control is provided by elevators and rudder. Name of inventor:Dwight S. BrassCitizenship:United States of AmericaResidence of inventor:400 East Richardson Springs RoadEdgerton, Wis...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012] The object of this invention is to provide rapid, safe, comfortable, and economical transportation over water. The Hybrid WIG design operates in three modes, displacement, hydrofoil, and “ground-effect”, depending on speed.

[0014] At dockside and / or in shallow water, the hydrofoil “V” wing is completely retracted flush with the bottom of the vessel. This allows operation in close proximity to shoreline, and allows the vessel to be “beached” if desired. Once the vessel is underway, and speed is increased, the wing can be gradually extended, depending on water depth and speed. As the vessel increases in speed the lift from the wing increases, and eventually provides 100% of the required lift. The vessel hull then lifts clear of the water and is now operating in hydrofoil mode. As speed further increases, lift from the hull shape (airfoil) increases lifting the vessel further above the water. This process continues until the airfoil is providing 100% of the lift, and the wing is then retracted for wing-in-ground mode. High speeds are then possible with a highly streamlined vessel, propelled by twin aircraft engines / propellers. Studies have shown that lift from wing-in-ground operation is approximately double that obtained by a similar airfoil operating above the ground-effect zone.

Problems solved by technology

Hydrofoil designs typically allow higher speed travel over water and include somewhat complicated designs to maintain level and controlled motion.

Specific Problems With Current Hydrofoil Designs

Current designs have operational limitations, reliability issues, and cost factors that are greatly improved upon by this design.

Most current designs have significant draft requirements limiting their ability to operate in very shallow water.

Also, unless they have a retractible wing and can transition to a wing-in-ground mode, they are vulnerable to damage from floating debris, especially at high speed.

Hydrofoil designs also have significant speed limitations due to violent cavitation at higher speeds.

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