US3917022A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Twin cushion surface effect vehicle
Assignee: United States Department of the Navy
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Filing: 1974-07-18
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Granted: 1975-11-04
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Expires: 1994-07-18
Abstract
Abstract An air cushion vehicle with two separated, elongated independent cushions and with efficient aerodynamic connecting members therebetween is disclosed. They are attached to the payload carrying section of the vessel by the two semi-rigid aerodynamic members which are airfoils which provide auxiliary lift. The result is an air cushion catamaran. The increased stability of the design permits the craft to use higher skirts and operate over higher obstacles than conventional surface effects vehicles. The semi-rigid members absorb shock and thereby improve the habitability of the payload section of the craft.
Inventors
- 👤 Jr Eugene N Brooks
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 19:07
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60V; B60V1/00; B60V1/04; B60V1/043; B63; B63B; B63B1/00; B63B1/02; B63B1/10; B63B1/12; B63B1/121; B63B1/32; B63B1/322; Y; Y02; Y02T; Y02T70/00; Y02T70/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
75 words
A catamaran type surface effect vehicle which is supported during its operation by an air cushion comprising: a first independent elongated flexible skirted air cushion; a second independent elongated flexible skirted air cushion spaced from and parallel to said first air cushion; an efficient aerodynamic lift airfoil and semi-rigid structural member, operating in ground effect, connecting and separating said first and said second air cushions; and a plurality of lifting fans mounted on said airfoil.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
75 words
A catamaran type surface effect vehicle which is supported during its operation by an air cushion comprising: a first independent elongated flexible skirted air cushion; a second independent elongated flexible skirted air cushion spaced from and parallel to said first air cushion; an efficient aerodynamic lift airfoil and semi-rigid structural member, operating in ground effect, connecting and separating said first and said second air cushions; and a plurality of lifting fans mounted on said airfoil.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
44 words
A vehicle as in claim 1 wherein control airfoil surfaces for controlling high speed yaw and tracking are mounted above the air cushions such that the force produced by said surfaces is in the horizontal plane of the center of gravity of the vehicle.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-11-03 | 1979-05-05 | 1979-11-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-11-03 | 1983-05-05 | 1983-11-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-11-03 | 1987-05-05 | 1987-11-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |