HOVERCRAFT OPERATION IN THEORY AND PRACTICE

In the present operation of hovercraft, there is a wide disparity between potential and practice, and myth and reality. The purpose of this paper is to attempt to clarify and explain certain facts and limitations attendant to the operation of hovercraft. In undertaking these objectives, the author 1) explains hovercraft characteristics and performance, describing three distinct types: fully amphibious, semi-amphibious, and rigid sidewall types; 2) discusses capital and operating costs of hovercraft; 3) describes the operation of hovercraft in specific environments - the open seas, lakes, rivers, intertidal zones, and on solid ground; and 4) discusses possible future developments in the hovercraft industry. The author concludes, as a result of his discussion and other evidence, that at this stage in its development, the amphibious hovercraft cannot be regarded as an important factor in increasing mobility.

• Corporate Authors:

  Kalerghi Publications

  51 Welbeck Street
  London W1,   England 
• Authors:
  • TOLLEY, R
• Publication Date: 1972-11

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: p. 12-16
• Serial:
  • Hovering Craft and Hydrofoil
  • Volume: 13
  • Issue Number: 2
  • Publisher: Kalerghi Publications

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air cushion vehicles; Economics; Marine transit; Surface effect ships
• Old TRIS Terms: Hovercraft economics; Hovercraft operations
• Subject Areas: Economics; Marine Transportation; Public Transportation; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00052058
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Maritime Research Center, Kings Point
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 26 1978 12:00AM