BIGGER, FASTER HOVERCRAFT WILL CARRY CARGO AND TROOPS

In December 1970, Bell Aerosystems unveiled a model of a new 160 ton air-cushion amphibious landing craft developed for the Naval Ships Systems Command. The craft is capable of 50 knt speeds with a 75 ton payload. The craft uses gas turbines for propulsion and lift, with extensive lightweight aluminum construction. U.S. Coast Guard is also working on a modified version for patrol and rescue operations. Modifications to the craft by Transportation Technology Incorporated are dual hydraulic control systems, permanent gravity feed fuel tanks, fuel ballast system and a 28 volt DC electric system. An extreme cold weather operational craft has also been developed for U.S. Coast Guard. The Dutch have developed a new craft which is small and highly maneuverable incorporating the innovation of a skirt composed of numerous sections which are easily replaceable. This version utilizes a Volkswagen engine for convenient serviceability.

• Corporate Authors:

  McGraw-Hill, Incorporated

  330 West 42nd Street
  New York, NY  United States  10036
• Publication Date: 1971-1-4

Media Info

• Features: Photos;
• Pagination: p. 15-16
• Serial:
  • Product Engineering
  • Volume: 42
  • Issue Number: 1
  • Publisher: McGraw-Hill, Incorporated

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air cushion vehicles; Gas turbines; Propulsion; Ships; Vehicle design
• Uncontrolled Terms: Ship design
• Old TRIS Terms: Ship descriptions; Skirt spacing
• Subject Areas: Design; Marine Transportation; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00015531
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: United States Merchant Marine Academy
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 19 1973 12:00AM