Hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structures and amphibious and aquatic craft

Claim 2

A hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure for planing on or through a fluid of water or air comprising: at least two foils each having a substantially planar-bottom surface, two of said surfaces intersecting along a fore and aft longitudinal bottom centerline forming a left side foil substantially planar-bottom surface and a right side foil substantially planar-bottom surface, each foil planar-bottom surface ascending transversely from said longitudinal bottom centerline to form a dihedral angle in the range of about 2° to 50° up from a transverse horizontal line and having a positive angle of attack of about 1° to 16° in the direction of motion from a horizontal longitudinal line up to said longitudinal bottom centerline, each said left and right foil substantially planar-bottom surface having a forward swept leading edge ranging from about 20° from a line perpendicular to said longitudinal bottom centerline to about 60° forward sweep, and each said left and right foil substantially planar-bottom surface having a fore foil planar-bottom section and an aft foil planar-bottom section intersecting along said fore and aft longitudinal bottom centerline, each fore foil planar-bottom section having a swept-back leading edge ranging from about 30° from a line perpendicular to said longitudinal bottom centerline to about 80° swept-back, and each aft foil planar-bottom section having a forward swept trailing edge ranging from about 50° from a line perpendicular to said longitudinal bottom centerline to about 60° forward swept.

Claim 3

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 1 wherein at least one substantially vertically extending fin or rudder is affixed to the underside of the structure.

Claim 4

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 1 wherein said structure has propulsion means affixed thereto.

Claim 5

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 1 wherein a hydroplaning step is affixed to the underside of the fore foil planar-bottom sections, relative to the direction of motion, along the longitudinal bottom centerline, said hydroplaning step having a wedge angle of attack in the range of about 2° to 45° down from the longitudinal bottom centerline and a dihedral angle in the range of about 4° to 52° up from a horizontal transverse line.

Claim 6

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 1 wherein at least one of the leading or trailing edges are curved and at least one of the edge intersections are rounded.

Claim 7

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 1 wherein said structure is divided vertically in half through the longitudinal centerline providing two separate structures.

Claim 8

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 1 wherein said structure is reversible in the longitudinal direction of motion.

Claim 9

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 1 wherein said structure includes means for attaching said structure to an aquatic structure or watercraft.

Claim 10

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 1 wherein said structure includes means for controlling the angle of attack.

Claim 11

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 1 wherein said structure includes means for rotating the structure for directional control.

Claim 12

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 1 wherein each said foil substantially planar-bottom surface forms with a foil top surface a cross section thickness whereby the foil or chord thickness between leading and trailing edge intersections creates lift planing through air or buoyancy to support said structure in water.

Claim 13

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 11 wherein at least one substantially vertically extending air rudder or fin is affixed to the topside of said structure.

Claim 14

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 11 wherein each foil top surface is covered and forms with each foil substantially planar-bottom surface a cross section thickness that is substantially identical at the leading and trailing edges to the center of the chord length whereby said structure is optionally reversible in the longitudinal direction of motion.

Claim 15

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 11 wherein each foil top surface is curved and forms with each foil substantially planar-bottom surface a cross section thickness whereby the maximum chord thickness is forward of the center of structure length to provide a structure which moves in one direction of motion.

Claim 16

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 11 wherein each foil top surface is curved and forms with each foil bottom surface an elongated teardrop cross section thickness to provide a structure which moves in one direction of motion.

Claim 17

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 11 wherein each foil top surface is substantially parallel to each foil planar-bottom surface and forms a substantially flat plate or sheet cross section thickness whereby said structure is optionally reversible in the longitudinal direction of motion.

Claim 18

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 16 wherein the substantially flat plate or sheet curves up in the range of about 1° to 35° in the fore section in the direction of motion.

Claim 19

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 11 wherein each foil top surface is curved and each foil bottom surface is curved and forms an elongated oval cross section thickness that is substantially identical at the leading and trailing edges to the center of the chord length whereby said structure is optionally reversible in the longitudinal direction of motion.

Claim 20

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 11 wherein each foil top surface forms with each foil bottom surface a substantially elongated wedge cross section thickness between the leading and trailing edges whereby said structure moves in one direction of motion.

Claim 21

A hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure for planing on or through a fluid of water or air comprising: at least two foils each having a substantially planar-bottom surface, two of said surfaces intersecting along a fore and aft longitudinal bottom centerline forming a left side foil substantially planar-bottom surface and a right side foil substantially planar-bottom surface, each foil planar-bottom surface ascending transversely from said longitudinal bottom centerline to form a dihedral angle in the range of about 2° to 50° up from a transverse horizontal line and having a positive angle of attack of about 2° to 15° in the direction of motion from a horizontal longitudinal line up to said longitudinal bottom centerline, each said left and right foil substantially planar-bottom surface having a forward swept leading edge ranging from about 2° from a line perpendicular to said longitudinal bottom centerline to about 60° forward sweep, and each said left and right foil substantially planar-bottom surface having a fore foil planar-bottom section and an aft foil planar-bottom section intersecting along said fore and aft longitudinal bottom centerline, each fore foil planar-bottom section having a swept-back leading edge ranging from about 30° from a line perpendicular to said longitudinal bottom centerline to about 75° swept-back, and each aft foil planar-bottom section having a forward swept trailing edge ranging from about 5° from a line perpendicular to said longitudinal bottom centerline to about 60° forward swept.

Claim 22

A hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure for planing on or through a fluid of water or air comprising: at least two foils each having a substantially planar-bottom surface, two of said surfaces intersecting along a fore and aft longitudinal bottom centerline forming a left side foil substantially planar-bottom surface and a right side foil substantially planar-bottom surface, each foil planar-bottom surface ascending transversely from said longitudinal bottom centerline to form a dihedral angle in the range of about 2° to 50° up from a transverse horizontal line and having a positive angle of attack of about 2° to 15° in the direction of motion from a horizontal longitudinal line up to said longitudinal bottom centerline, each said left and right foil substantially planar-bottom surface having a forward swept leading edge ranging from about 2° from a line perpendicular to said longitudinal bottom centerline to about 60° forward sweep, and each said left and right foil substantially planar-bottom surface having a fore foil planar-bottom section and an aft foil planar-bottom section intersecting along said fore and aft longitudinal bottom centerline, each fore foil planar-bottom section having a swept-back leading edge ranging from about 30° from a line perpendicular to said longitudinal bottom centerline to about 75° swept-back, and each aft foil planar-bottom section having a forward swept trailing edge ranging from about 5° from a line perpendicular to said longitudinal bottom centerline to about 60° forward swept.

Claim 23

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 20 wherein at least one substantially vertically extending fin or rudder is affixed to the underside of the structure.

Claim 24

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 20 wherein said structure has propulsion means affixed thereto.

Claim 25

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 20 wherein a hydroplaning step is affixed to the underside of the fore foil planar-bottom sections, relative to the direction of motion, along the longitudinal bottom centerline, said hydroplaning step having a wedge angle of attack in the range of about 2° to 45° down from the longitudinal bottom centerline and a dihedral angle in the range of about 4° to 52° up from a horizontal transverse line.

Claim 26

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 20 wherein at least one of the leading or trailing edges are curved and at least one of the edge intersections are rounded.

Claim 27

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 20 wherein said structure is divided vertically in half through the longitudinal centerline providing two separate structures.

Claim 28

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 20 wherein said structure is reversible in the longitudinal direction of motion.

Claim 29

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 20 wherein said structure includes means for attaching said structure to an aquatic structure or watercraft.

Claim 30

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 20 wherein said structure includes means for controlling the angle of attack.

Claim 31

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 20 wherein said structure includes means for rotating, the structure for directional control.

Claim 32

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 20 wherein each said foil substantially planar-bottom surface forms with a foil top surface a cross section thickness whereby the foil or chord thickness between leading and trailing edge intersections creates lift planing through air or buoyancy to support said structure in water.

Claim 33

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 30 wherein at least one substantially vertically extending air rudder or fin is affixed to the top side of said structure.

Claim 34

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 30 wherein each foil top surface is curved and forms with each foil substantially planar-bottom surface a cross section thickness that is substantially identical at the leading and trailing edges to the center of the chord length whereby said structure is optionally reversible in the longitudinal direction of motion.

Claim 35

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 30 wherein each foil top surface is curved and forms with each foil substantially planar-bottom surface a cross section thickness whereby the maximum chord thickness is forward of the center of structure length to provide a structure which moves in one direction of motion.

Claim 36

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 30 wherein each foil top surface is curved and forms with each foil bottom surface an elongated teardrop cross section thickness to provide a structure which moves in one direction of motion.

Claim 37

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 30 wherein each foil top surface is substantially parallel to each foil planar-bottom surface and forms a substantially flat plate or sheet cross section thickness whereby said structure is optionally reversible in the longitudinal direction of motion.

Claim 38

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 35 wherein the substantially flat plate or sheet curves up in the range of about 1° to 35° in the fore section in the direction of motion.

Claim 39

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 30 wherein each foil top surface is curved and each foil bottom surface is curved and forms an elongated oval cross section thickness that is substantially identical at the leading and trailing edges to the center of the chord length whereby said structure is optionally reversible in the longitudinal direction of motion.

Claim 40

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 30 wherein each foil top surface forms with each foil bottom surface a substantially elongated wedge cross section thickness between the leading and trailing edges whereby said structure moves in one direction of motion.

Claim 41

An aquatic structure or watercraft comprising: at least one buoyant hull, a hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 20 mounted on the underside of each hull with the fore and aft longitudinal centerline of said hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure under the longitudinal axis of each hull, and propulsion means mounted on said watercraft for powering the watercraft.

Claim 42

The watercraft of claim 39 wherein the propulsion means is a sailing rig.

Claim 43

The watercraft of claim 39 wherein the hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure includes means for rotating the structure for directional control of the watercraft.

Claim 44

The watercraft of claim 41 wherein the hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure has at least one substantially vertically extending rudder affixed to the underside of the structure.

Claim 45

The watercraft of claim 39 wherein said watercraft includes means for controlling the angle of attack.

Claim 46

An aquatic structure or watercraft comprising: a port bow hull, a starboard bow hull, and a stern hull, said hulls forming a triangular configuration all rigidly connected; a hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 20 mounted on the underside of each of the hulls with the fore and aft centerline of each hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure under the longitudinal axis of each hull; propulsion means mounted on said watercraft for powering the watercraft; and means for rotating at least one structure for directional control of the watercraft.

Claim 47

The watercraft of claim 44 wherein the stern hull is positioned aft along a longitudinal centerline between the port bow hull and the starboard bow hull.

Claim 48

The watercraft of claim 44 wherein at least one pivotable wing for creating air directional control to the watercraft is mounted between the port bow hull and the starboard bow hull.

Claim 49

A hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure for planing on or through a fluid of water or air comprising: at least two foils each having a substantially planar-bottom surface, two of said surfaces intersecting along a fore and aft longitudinal bottom centerline forming a left side foil substantially planar-bottom surface and a right side foil substantially planar-bottom surface, each foil planar-bottom surface ascending transversely from said longitudinal bottom centerline to form a dihedral angle in the range of about 2° to 30° up from a transverse horizontal line and having a positive angle of attack of about 2° to 15° in the direction of motion from a horizontal longitudinal line up to said longitudinal bottom centerline, each said left and right foil substantially planar-bottom surface having a forward swept leading edge ranging from about 4° from a line perpendicular to said longitudinal bottom centerline to about 45° forward sweep, and each said left and right foil substantially planar-bottom surface having a fore foil planar-bottom section and an aft foil planar-bottom section intersecting along said fore and aft longitudinal bottom centerline, each fore foil planar-bottom section having a swept-back leading edge ranging from about 45° from a line perpendicular to said longitudinal bottom centerline to about 70° swept-back, and each aft foil planar-bottom section having a forward swept trailing edge ranging from about 10°from a line perpendicular to said longitudinal bottom centerline to about 45° forward swept.

Claim 50

A hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure for planing on or through a fluid of water or air comprising: at least two foils each having a substantially planar-bottom surface, two of said surfaces intersecting along a fore and aft longitudinal bottom centerline forming a left side foil substantially planar-bottom surface and a right side foil substantially planar-bottom surface, each foil planar-bottom surface ascending transversely from said longitudinal bottom centerline to form a dihedral angle in the range of about 2° to 30° up from a transverse horizontal line and having a positive angle of attack of about 2° to 15° in the direction of motion from a horizontal longitudinal line up to said longitudinal bottom centerline, each said left and right foil substantially planar-bottom surface having a forward swept leading edge ranging from about 4° from a line perpendicular to said longitudinal bottom centerline to about 45° forward sweep, and each said left and right foil substantially planar-bottom surface having a fore foil planar-bottom section and an aft foil planar-bottom section intersecting along said fore and aft longitudinal bottom centerline, each fore foil planar-bottom section having a swept-back leading edge ranging from about 45° from a line perpendicular to said longitudinal bottom centerline to about 70° swept-back, and each aft foil planar-bottom section having a forward swept trailing edge ranging from about 10°from a line perpendicular to said longitudinal bottom centerline to about 45° forward swept.

Claim 51

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 47 wherein at least one substantially vertically extending fin or rudder is affixed to the underside of the structure.

Claim 52

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 47 wherein said structure has propulsion means affixed thereto.

Claim 53

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 47 wherein a hydroplaning step is affixed to the underside of the fore foil planar-bottom sections, relative to the direction of motion, along the longitudinal bottom centerline, said hydroplaning step having a wedge angle of attack in the range of about 2° to 45° down from the longitudinal bottom centerline and a dihedral angle in the range of about 4° to 52° up from a horizontal transverse line.

Claim 54

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 47 wherein at least one of the leading or trailing edges are curved and at least one of the edge intersections are rounded.

Claim 55

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 47 wherein said structure is divided vertically in half through the longitudinal centerline providing two separate structures.

Claim 56

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 47 wherein said structure is reversible in the longitudinal direction of motion.

Claim 57

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 47 wherein said structure includes means for attaching said structure to an aquatic structure or watercraft.

Claim 58

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 47 wherein said structure includes means for controlling the angle of attack.

Claim 59

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 47 wherein said structure includes means for rotating the structure for directional control.

Claim 60

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 47 wherein each said foil substantially planar-bottom surface forms with a foil top surface a cross section thickness whereby the foil or chord thickness between leading and trailing edge intersections creates left planing through air or buoyancy to support said structure in water.

Claim 61

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 57 wherein at least one substantially vertically extending air rudder or fin is affixed to the topside of said structure.

Claim 62

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 57 wherein each foil top surface is curved and forms with each foil substantially planar-bottom surface a cross section thickness that is substantially identical at the leading and trailing edges to the center of the chord length whereby said structure is optionally reversible in the longitudinal direction of motion.

Claim 63

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 57 wherein each foil top surface is curved and forms with each foil substantially planar-bottom surface a cross section thickness whereby the maximum chord thickness is forward of the center of structure length to provide a structure which moves in one direction of motion.

Claim 64

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 57 wherein each foil top surface is curved and forms with each foil bottom surface an elongated teardrop cross section thickness to provide a structure which moves in one direction of motion.

Claim 65

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 57 wherein each foil top surface is substantially parallel to each foil planar-bottom surface and forms a substantially flat plate or sheet cross section thickness whereby said structure is optionally reversible in the longitudinal direction of motion.

Claim 66

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 62 wherein the substantially flat plate or sheet curves up in the range of about 1° to 35° in the fore section in the direction of motion.

Claim 67

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 57 wherein each foil top surface is curved and each foil bottom surface is curved and forms an elongated oval cross section thickness that is substantially identical at the leading and trailing edges to the center of the chord length whereby said structure is optionally reversible in the longitudinal direction of motion.

Claim 68

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 57 wherein each foil top surface forms with each foil bottom surface a substantially elongated wedge cross section thickness between the leading and trailing edges whereby said structure moves in one direction of motion.

Claim 69

A hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure for planing on or through a fluid of water or air comprising: at least four foils, each having a substantially planar-bottom surface, two of said four foil substantially planar-bottom surfaces intersecting along a fore and aft longitudinal bottom centerline forming a left side foil substantially planar-bottom surface and a right side foil substantially planar-bottom surface, each foil substantially planar-bottom surface descending transversely from said fore and aft longitudinal bottom centerline to form a negative dihedral angle in the range of about 2° to 50° down from a transverse horizontal line to a lower left longitudinal bottom line intersection formed with an outer left side intersecting foil substantially planar-bottom surface and a lower right longitudinal bottom line intersection formed with an outer right side intersecting foil substantially planar-bottom surface, each outer left side and right side foil substantially planar-bottom surface ascending transversely from said lower left longitudinal bottom line intersection and said lower right longitudinal bottom line intersection to form a positive dihedral angle in the range of about 2° to 50° up from a transverse horizontal line, each of said four foil substantially planar-bottom surfaces having an angle of attack of about 2° to 15° in the direction of motion from a horizontal longitudinal line up to said fore and aft longitudinal bottom centerline, each said outer left side and outer right side foil substantially planar-bottom surface having (1) a forward swept leading edge ranging from about 2° from a line perpendicular to said lower left longitudinal bottom line intersection and said lower right longitudinal bottom line intersection to about 60° forward sweep, and (2) a fore foil planar-bottom section and an aft foil planar-bottom section intersecting along said lower left longitudinal bottom line intersection and said lower right longitudinal bottom line intersection, and each said left side and right side foil substantially planar-bottom surface intersecting along said fore and aft longitudinal bottom centerline having a fore foil planar-bottom section and an aft foil planar-bottom section intersecting along said fore and aft longitudinal bottom centerline, each fore foil planar-bottom section having a swept-back leading edge ranging from about 30° from a line perpendicular to said fore and aft longitudinal bottom centerline and said lower left and lower right longitudinal bottom line intersections to about 75° swept-back, and each aft foil planar-bottom section having a forward swept trailing edge ranging from about 5° from a line perpendicular to said fore and aft longitudinal bottom centerline and said lower left and lower right longitudinal bottom line intersections to about 60° forward swept.

Claim 70

A hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure for planing on or through a fluid of water or air comprising: at least four foils, each having a substantially planar-bottom surface, two of said four foil substantially planar-bottom surfaces intersecting along a fore and aft longitudinal bottom centerline forming a left side foil substantially planar-bottom surface and a right side foil substantially planar-bottom surface, each foil substantially planar-bottom surface descending transversely from said fore and aft longitudinal bottom centerline to form a negative dihedral angle in the range of about 2° to 50° down from a transverse horizontal line to a lower left longitudinal bottom line intersection formed with an outer left side intersecting foil substantially planar-bottom surface and a lower right longitudinal bottom line intersection formed with an outer right side intersecting foil substantially planar-bottom surface, each outer left side and right side foil substantially planar-bottom surface ascending transversely from said lower left longitudinal bottom line intersection and said lower right longitudinal bottom line intersection to form a positive dihedral angle in the range of about 2° to 50° up from a transverse horizontal line, each of said four foil substantially planar-bottom surfaces having an angle of attack of about 2° to 15° in the direction of motion from a horizontal longitudinal line up to said fore and aft longitudinal bottom centerline, each said outer left side and outer right side foil substantially planar-bottom surface having (1) a forward swept leading edge ranging from about 2° from a line perpendicular to said lower left longitudinal bottom line intersection and said lower right longitudinal bottom line intersection to about 60° forward sweep, and (2) a fore foil planar-bottom section and an aft foil planar-bottom section intersecting along said lower left longitudinal bottom line intersection and said lower right longitudinal bottom line intersection, and each said left side and right side foil substantially planar-bottom surface intersecting along said fore and aft longitudinal bottom centerline having a fore foil planar-bottom section and an aft foil planar-bottom section intersecting along said fore and aft longitudinal bottom centerline, each fore foil planar-bottom section having a swept-back leading edge ranging from about 30° from a line perpendicular to said fore and aft longitudinal bottom centerline and said lower left and lower right longitudinal bottom line intersections to about 75° swept-back, and each aft foil planar-bottom section having a forward swept trailing edge ranging from about 5° from a line perpendicular to said fore and aft longitudinal bottom centerline and said lower left and lower right longitudinal bottom line intersections to about 60° forward swept.

Claim 71

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 66 wherein at least one substantially vertically extending fin or rudder is affixed to the underside of the structure.

Claim 72

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 66 wherein said structure has propulsion means affixed thereto.

Claim 73

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 66 wherein hydroplaning steps are affixed to the underside of the fore foil planar-bottom sections, relative to the direction of motion, along the lower left and right longitudinal bottom line intersections, each hydroplaning step having a wedge angle of attack in the range of about 2° to 45° down from said bottom line intersections and dihedral angles in the range of about 4° to 52° up from a horizontal transverse line.

Claim 74

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 66 wherein at least one of the leading or trailing edges are curved and at least one of the edge intersections are rounded.

Claim 75

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 66 wherein said structure is divided vertically in half through the longitudinal centerline providing two separate structures.

Claim 76

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 66 wherein said structure is reversible in the longitudinal direction of motion.

Claim 77

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 66 wherein said structure includes means for attaching said structure to an aquatic structure or watercraft.

Claim 78

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 66 wherein said structure includes means for controlling the angle of attack.

Claim 79

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 66 wherein said structure includes means for rotating the structure for directional control.

Claim 80

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 66 each said foil substantially planar-bottom surface forms with a foil top surface a cross section thickness whereby the foil or chord thickness between leading and trailing edge intersections creates left planing through air or buoyancy to support said structure in water.

Claim 81

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 76 wherein at least one substantially vertically extending air rudder or fin is affixed to the topside of said structure.

Claim 82

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 76 wherein each foil top surface is curved and forms with each foil substantially planar-bottom surface a cross section thickness that is substantially identical at the leading and trailing edges to the center of the chord length whereby said structure is optionally reversible in the longitudinal direction of motion.

Claim 83

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 76 wherein each foil top surface is curved and forms with each foil substantially planar-bottom surface a cross section thickness whereby the maximum chord thickness is forward of the center of structure length to provide a structure which moves in one direction of motion.

Claim 84

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 76 wherein each foil top surface is curved and forms with each foil bottom surface an elongated teardrop cross section thickness to provide a structure which moves in one direction of motion.

Claim 85

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 76 wherein each foil top surface is substantially parallel to each foil planar-bottom surface and forms a substantially flat plate or sheet cross section thickness whereby said structure is optionally reversible in the longitudinal direction of motion.

Claim 86

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 81 wherein the substantially flat plate or sheet curves up in the range of about 1° to 35° in the fore section in the direction of motion.

Claim 87

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 76 wherein each foil top surface is curved and each foil bottom surface is curved and forms an elongated oval cross section thickness that is substantially identical at the leading and trailing edges to the center of the chord length whereby said structure is optionally reversible in the longitudinal direction of motion.

Claim 88

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 76 wherein each foil top surface forms with each foil bottom surface a substantially elongated wedge cross section thickness between the leading and trailing edges whereby said structure moves in one direction of motion.

Claim 89

A hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure for planing on or through water comprising: at least two foils each having a substantially planar-bottom surface, two of said surfaces intersecting along a fore and aft longitudinal bottom centerline forming a left side foil substantially planar-bottom surface and a right side foil substantially planar-bottom surface, each foil substantially planar-bottom surface ascending transversely from said longitudinal bottom centerline to form a dihedral angle in the range of about 2° to 50° up from a transverse horizontal line and having a positive angle of attack of about 1° to 16° in the direction of motion from a horizontal longitudinal line up to said longitudinal bottom centerline, each said left and right foil substantially planar-bottom surface having a fore foil planar-bottom section having a swept-back leading edge of about 45° from a line perpendicular to said longitudinal bottom centerline and an aft foil planar-bottom section having a forward swept trailing edge of about 45° from a line perpendicular to said longitudinal bottom centerline.

Claim 90

A hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure for planing on or through water comprising: at least two foils each having a substantially planar-bottom surface, two of said surfaces intersecting along a fore and aft longitudinal bottom centerline forming a left side foil substantially planar-bottom surface and a right side foil substantially planar-bottom surface, each foil substantially planar-bottom surface ascending transversely from said longitudinal bottom centerline to form a dihedral angle in the range of about 2° to 50° up from a transverse horizontal line and having a positive angle of attack of about 1° to 16° in the direction of motion from a horizontal longitudinal line up to said longitudinal bottom centerline, each said left and right foil substantially planar-bottom surface having a fore foil planar-bottom section having a swept-back leading edge of about 45° from a line perpendicular to said longitudinal bottom centerline and an aft foil planar-bottom section having a forward swept trailing edge of about 45° from a line perpendicular to said longitudinal bottom centerline.

Claim 91

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 85 wherein at least one substantially vertically extending fin or rudder is affixed to the underside of the structure.

Claim 92

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 85 wherein said structure has propulsion means affixed thereto.

Claim 93

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 85 wherein a hydroplaning step is affixed to the underside of the fore foil planar-bottom sections, relative to the direction of motion, along the longitudinal bottom centerline, said hydroplaning step having a wedge angle of attack in the range of about 2° to 45° down from the longitudinal bottom centerline and a dihedral angle in the range of about 4° to 52° up from a horizontal transverse line.

Claim 94

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 85 wherein at least one of the leading or trailing edges are curved and at least one of the edge intersections are rounded.

Claim 95

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 85 wherein said structure is divided vertically in half through the longitudinal centerline providing two separate structures.

Claim 96

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 85 wherein said structure is reversible in the longitudinal direction of motion.

Claim 97

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 85 wherein said structure includes means for attaching said structure to an aquatic structure or watercraft.

Claim 98

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 85 wherein said structure includes means for controlling the angle of attack.

Claim 99

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 85 wherein said structure includes means for rotating the structure for directional control.

Claim 100

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 85 wherein each said foil substantially planar-bottom surface forms with a foil top surface a cross section thickness whereby the foil or chord thickness between leading and trailing edge intersections creates buoyancy to support said structure in water.

Claim 101

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 95 wherein each foil top surface is curved and forms with each foil substantially planar-bottom surface a cross section thickness that is substantially identical at the leading and trailing edges to the center of the chord length whereby said structure is optionally reversible in the longitudinal direction of motion.

Claim 102

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 95 wherein each foil top surface is curved and forms with each foil substantially planar-bottom surface a cross section thickness whereby the maximum chord thickness is forward of the center of structure length to provide a structure which moves in one direction of motion.

Claim 103

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 95 wherein each foil top surface is curved and forms with each foil bottom surface an elongated teardrop cross section thickness to provide a structure which moves in one direction of motion.

Claim 104

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 95 wherein each foil top surface is substantially parallel to each foil planar-bottom surface and forms a substantially flat plate or sheet cross section thickness whereby said structure is optionally reversible in the longitudinal direction of motion.

Claim 105

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 99 wherein the substantially flat plate or sheet curves up in the range of about 1° to 35° in the fore section in the direction of motion.

Claim 106

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 95 wherein each foil top surface is curved and each foil bottom surface is curved and forms an elongated oval cross section thickness that is substantially identical at the leading and trailing edges to the center of the chord length whereby said structure is optionally reversible in the longitudinal direction of motion.

Claim 107

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 95 wherein each foil top surface forms with each foil bottom surface a substantially elongated wedge cross section thickness between the leading and trailing edges whereby said structure moves in one direction of motion.

Claim 108

A hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure for planing on or through water comprising: at least two foils each having a substantially planar-bottom surface, two of said surfaces intersecting along a fore and aft longitudinal bottom centerline forming a left side foil substantially planar-bottom surface and a right side foil substantially planar-bottom surface, each foil substantially planar-bottom surface ascending transversely from said longitudinal bottom centerline to form a dihedral angle in the range of about 2° to 50° up from a transverse horizontal line and having a positive angle of attack of about 1° to 16° in the direction of motion from a horizontal longitudinal line up to said longitudinal bottom centerline, each said left and right foil substantially planar-bottom surface having a fore foil planar-bottom section having a swept-back leading edge of about 60° from a line perpendicular to said longitudinal bottom centerline, and an aft foil planar-bottom section trailing edge extending perpendicular to or about 0° from a line perpendicular to said longitudinal bottom centerline.

Claim 109

A hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure for planing on or through water comprising: at least two foils each having a substantially planar-bottom surface, two of said surfaces intersecting along a fore and aft longitudinal bottom centerline forming a left side foil substantially planar-bottom surface and a right side foil substantially planar-bottom surface, each foil substantially planar-bottom surface ascending transversely from said longitudinal bottom centerline to form a dihedral angle in the range of about 2° to 50° up from a transverse horizontal line and having a positive angle of attack of about 1° to 16° in the direction of motion from a horizontal longitudinal line up to said longitudinal bottom centerline, each said left and right foil substantially planar-bottom surface having a fore foil planar-bottom section having a swept-back leading edge of about 60° from a line perpendicular to said longitudinal bottom centerline, and an aft foil planar-bottom section trailing edge extending perpendicular to or about 0° from a line perpendicular to said longitudinal bottom centerline.

Claim 110

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 103 wherein at least one substantially vertically extending fin or rudder is affixed to the underside of the structure.

Claim 111

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 103 wherein said structure has propulsion means affixed thereto.

Claim 112

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 103 wherein a hydroplaning step is affixed to the underside of the fore foil planar-bottom sections, relative to the direction of motion, along the longitudinal bottom centerline, said hydroplaning step having a wedge angle of attack in the range of about 2° to 45° down from the longitudinal bottom centerline and a dihedral angle in the range of about 4° to 52° up from a horizontal transverse line.

Claim 113

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 103 wherein at least one of the leading or trailing edges are curved and at least one of the edge intersections are rounded.

Claim 114

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 103 wherein said structure is divided vertically in half through the longitudinal centerline providing two separate structures.

Claim 115

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 103 wherein said is reversible in the longitudinal direction of motion.

Claim 116

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 103 wherein said st includes means for attaching said structure to an aquatic structure or watercraft.

Claim 117

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 103 wherein said structure includes means for controlling the angle of attack.

Claim 118

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 103 wherein said structure includes means for rotating the structure for directional control.

Claim 119

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 103 wherein each said foil substantially planar-bottom surface forms with a foil top surface a cross section thickness whereby the foil or chord thickness between leading and trailing edge intersections creates buoyancy to support said structure in water.

Claim 120

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 113 wherein each foil top surface is curved and forms with each foil substantially planar-bottom surface a cross section thickness that is substantially identical at the leading and trailing edges to the center of the chord length whereby said structure is optionally reversible in the longitudinal direction of motion.

Claim 121

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 113 wherein each foil top surface is curved and forms with each foil substantially planar-bottom surface a cross section thickness whereby the maximum chord thickness is forward of the center, of structure length to provide a structure which moves in one direction of motion.

Claim 122

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 113 wherein each foil top surface is curved and forms with each foil bottom surface an elongated teardrop cross section thickness to provide a structure which moves in one direction of motion.

Claim 123

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 113 wherein each foil top surface is substantially parallel to each foil planar-bottom surface and forms a substantially flat plate or sheet cross section thickness whereby said structure is optionally reversible in the longitudinal direction of motion.

Claim 124

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 117 wherein the substantially flat plate or sheet curves up in the range of about 1° to 35° in the fore section in the direction of motion.

Claim 125

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 113 wherein each foil top surface is curved and each foil bottom surface is curved and forms an elongated oval cross section thickness that is substantially identical at the leading and trailing edges to the center of the chord length whereby said structure is optionally reversible in the longitudinal direction of motion.

Claim 126

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 113 wherein each foil top surface forms with each foil bottom surface a substantially elongated wedge cross section thickness between the leading and trailing edges whereby said structure moves in one direction of motion.

Claim 127

A hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure for planing on or through water comprising: at least two foils each having a substantially planar-bottom surface, two of said surfaces intersecting along a fore and aft longitudinal bottom centerline forming a left side foil substantially planar-bottom surface and a right side foil substantially planar-bottom surface, each foil planar-bottom surface ascending transversely from said longitudinal bottom centerline to form a dihedral angle in the range of about 2° to 50° up from a transverse horizontal line and having a positive angle of attack of about 1° to 16° in the direction of motion from a horizontal longitudinal line up to said longitudinal bottom centerline, each said left and right foil substantially planar-bottom surface having a fore foil planar-bottom section having a swept-back leading edge of about 60° from a line perpendicular to said longitudinal bottom centerline, and an aft foil planar-bottom section having a swept-back trailing edge of about 30° from a line perpendicular to said longitudinal bottom centerline.

Claim 128

A hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure for planing on or through water comprising: at least two foils each having a substantially planar-bottom surface, two of said surfaces intersecting along a fore and aft longitudinal bottom centerline forming a left side foil substantially planar-bottom surface and a right side foil substantially planar-bottom surface, each foil planar-bottom surface ascending transversely from said longitudinal bottom centerline to form a dihedral angle in the range of about 2° to 50° up from a transverse horizontal line and having a positive angle of attack of about 1° to 16° in the direction of motion from a horizontal longitudinal line up to said longitudinal bottom centerline, each said left and right foil substantially planar-bottom surface having a fore foil planar-bottom section having a swept-back leading edge of about 60° from a line perpendicular to said longitudinal bottom centerline, and an aft foil planar-bottom section having a swept-back trailing edge of about 30° from a line perpendicular to said longitudinal bottom centerline.

Claim 129

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 121 wherein at least one substantially vertically extending fin or rudder is affixed to the underside of the structure.

Claim 130

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 121 wherein said structure has propulsion means affixed thereto.

Claim 131

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 121 wherein a hydroplaning step is affixed to the underside of the fore foil planar-bottom sections, relative to the direction of motion, along the longitudinal bottom centerline, said hydroplaning step having a wedge angle of attack in the range of about 2° to 45° down from the longitudinal bottom centerline and a dihedral angle in the range of about 4° to 52° up from a horizontal transverse line.

Claim 132

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 121 wherein at least one of the leading or trailing edges are curved and at least one of the edge intersections are rounded.

Claim 133

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 121 wherein said structure is divided vertically in half through the longitudinal centerline providing two separate structures.

Claim 134

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 121 wherein said structure is reversible in the longitudinal direction of motion.

Claim 135

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 121 wherein said structure includes means for attaching said structure to an aquatic structure or watercraft.

Claim 136

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 121 wherein said structure includes means for controlling the angle of attack.

Claim 137

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 121 wherein said structure includes means for rotating the structure for directional control.

Claim 138

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 121 wherein each said foil substantially planar-bottom surface forms with a foil top surface a cross section thickness whereby the foil or chord thickness between leading and trailing edge intersections creates buoyancy to support said structure in water.

Claim 139

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 131 wherein each foil top surface is curved and forms with each foil substantially planar-bottom surface a cross section thickness that is substantially identical at the leading and trailing edges to the center of the chord length whereby said structure is optionally reversible in the longitudinal direction of motion.

Claim 140

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 131 wherein each foil top surface is curved and forms with each foil substantially planar-bottom surface a cross section thickness whereby the maximum chord thickness is forward of the center of structure length to provide a structure which moves in one direction of motion.

Claim 141

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 131 wherein each foil top surface is curved and forms with each foil bottom surface an elongated teardrop cross section thickness to provide a structure which moves in one direction of motion.

Claim 142

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 131 wherein each foil top surface is substantially parallel to each foil planar-bottom surface and forms a substantially flat plate or sheet cross section thickness whereby said structure is optionally reversible in the longitudinal direction of motion.

Claim 143

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 135 wherein the substantially flat plate or sheet curves up in the range of about 1° to 35° in the fore section in the direction of motion.

Claim 144

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 131 wherein each foil top surface is curved and each foil bottom surface is curved and forms an elongated oval cross section thickness that is substantially identical at the leading and trailing edges to the center of the chord length whereby said structure is optionally reversible in the longitudinal direction of motion.

Claim 145

The hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structure of claim 131 wherein each foil top surface forms with each foil bottom surface a substantially elongated wedge cross section thickness between the leading and trailing edges whereby said structure moves in one direction of motion.

Claim 146

An aquatic structure or watercraft comprising: a port bow hull, a starboard bow hull, and a stern hull positioned aft along a longitudinal centerline between the port bow hull and the starboard bow hull; at least one crossbeam connector rigidly affixed to the port and starboard bow hulls; at least one fore and aft extending port connector and at least one fore and aft extending starboard connector, such connectors rigidly affixed to the stern hull and to the port and starboard bow hulls; propulsion means mounted on said structure for powering the structure; means for controlling the direction of movement of the structure; and supporting means attached to the underside of each full for supporting and moving the structure over water.

Claim 147

An aquatic structure or watercraft comprising: a port bow hull, a starboard bow hull, and a stern hull positioned aft along a longitudinal centerline between the port bow hull and the starboard bow hull; at least one crossbeam connector rigidly affixed to the port and starboard bow hulls; at least one fore and aft extending port connector and at least one fore and aft extending starboard connector, such connectors rigidly affixed to the stern hull and to the port and starboard bow hulls; propulsion means mounted on said structure for powering the structure; means for controlling the direction of movement of the structure; and supporting means attached to the underside of each full for supporting and moving the structure over water.

Claim 148

The watercraft of claim 139 wherein the supporting means are removably attached to each hull.

Claim 149

The watercraft of claim 139 wherein the supporting means are the undersides of the hulls.

Claim 150

The watercraft of claim 139 wherein the propulsion means is a sailing rig.

Claim 151

The watercraft of claim 139 wherein at least one pivotable wing for creating air directional control to the structure is mounted on at least one crossbeam connector.

Claim 152

The watercraft of claim 139 wherein the supporting means are strut-mounted hydroplaning hydrofoil/airfoil structures, each being a structure which comprises at least two foils each having a substantially planar-bottom surface, two of said surfaces intersecting along a fore and aft longitudinal bottom centerline forming a left side foil substantially planar-bottom surface and a right side foil substantially planar-bottom surface, each foil planar-bottom surface ascending transversely from said longitudinal bottom centerline to form a dihedral angle in the range of about 2° to 50° up from a transverse horizontal line and having a positive angle of attack of about 2° to 15° in the direction of motion from a horizontal longitudinal line up to said longitudinal bottom centerline, each said left and right foil substantially planar-bottom surface having a forward swept leading edge ranging from about 2° from a line perpendicular to said longitudinal bottom centerline to about 60° forward sweep, and each said left and right foil substantially planar-bottom surface having a fore foil planar-bottom section and an aft foil planar-bottom section intersecting along said fore and aft longitudinal bottom centerline, each fore foil planar-bottom section having a swept-back leading edge ranging from about 30° from a line perpendicular to said longitudinal bottom centerline to about 75° swept-back, and each aft foil planar-bottom section having a forward swept trailing edge ranging from about 5° from a line perpendicular to said longitudinal bottom centerline to about 60° forward swept.

Claim 153

The watercraft of claim 144 wherein the fore and aft port and starboard connectors extend forward angled out from the stern hull to a point in front of at least one crossbeam connector; and the propulsion means is a sailing rig having forestays connected to the fore and aft port and starboard connectors at a point in front of the most forward crossbeam connector.

Claim 154

The watercraft of claim 145 wherein at least one pivotable wing for creating air directional control to the watercraft is mounted on at least one crossbeam connector.

Claim 155

The watercraft of claim 145 wherein a traveler connector is removably mounted across the fore and aft port and starboard connectors between at least one crossbeam connector and the stern hull section.

Claim 156

The watercraft of claim 145 wherein at least one crossbeam connector connecting the port bow hull and the starboard bow hull is arched or angled up slightly from said hulls to a high point at the longitudinal centerline.

Claim 157

The watercraft of claim 145 wherein the fore and aft port and starboard connectors are angled forward and out horizontally from the stern hull longitudinal centerline, each at an angle of about 0° to 45°.

Claim 158

The watercraft of claim 145 wherein a mast step tube or brace is mounted between at least two port and starboard crossbeam connectors along the longitudinal centerline.