Ground effect vehicle with floating propulsion unit

Abstract

Ground effect vehicle with floating propulsion unit (1) consisting of at least one floating propulsion unit (3), a wing (2) and at least one connecting element (3c), wherein the wing (2) in plan view, left and right each has a rearwardly curved leading edge (2a), which ends in the outer wing areas (2e) in each case in an upwardly directed wing tip (2f), and thus has a ray-like shape, the outer wing areas (2e) on the left and right are lower than the entire central area of the wing (2), the entire passenger cabin (24) including rows of seats (25), the cockpit (27) and the necessary rooms such as toilets (26), kitchen (29), access stairs (15) and luggage storage (30) are integrated and distributed in the wing (2), so that no fuselage is necessary, wherein the floating propulsion unit (3) comprises an elongated and streamlined floating body (3a) which is positioned in the center of the wing and along the longitudinal axis (LA) below the wing (2) in the water (22) and has at least one motor integrated in the floating body (3a) for generating the necessary propulsion for the entire vehicle (1), wherein the wing is permanently and movably connected to the drive unit (3) by at least one elongated connecting element (3c) with one or more joints (4), wherein the wing (2) can be guided and towed by the floating propulsion unit (3) via the connecting element (3c) and its joint(s) (4), so that at normal cruising speed and due to the resulting airstream and lift, the rear wing region can be lifted completely out of the water, and a horizontal position of the cabin (24) along the longitudinal axis (LA) can be achieved. A ground-effect vehicle with a floating propulsion unit, consisting of at least one floating propulsion unit, a wing, and at least one connecting element, characterized in that, in plan view, the wing has a rearwardly curved leading edge on the left and right and ends in an upwardly directed wing tip in the outer wing regions, wherein the two outer wing regions are lower than the entire central region of the wing, and the entire passenger cabin is integrated into the wing, wherein the floating propulsion unit,a streamlined floating body positioned in the water below the wing in the center of the wing and along its longitudinal axis, and generating thrust with at least one integrated motor, wherein the wing is permanently and movably connected to the floating drive unit by a long connecting element, and the wing is guided and towed by the drive unit via the connecting element, so that the wing assumes a stable flight attitude along its longitudinal axis at full speed.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a ground-effect vehicle with a floating propulsion unit. The vehicle is primarily intended for short-distance passenger transport (10 km or more) over water and enables the transportation of over 50 passengers in a more environmentally friendly manner. The invented ground-effect vehicle, like other ground-effect vehicles, is positioned between passenger aircraft or seaplanes and conventional boats or speedboats. Object of the invention

[0002] The invented ground-effect vehicle is a new means of transport designed to transport passengers across waterways in a faster, more energy-efficient and quieter manner. It is also possible to equip the vehicle with one or more electric drives to further increase its environmental friendliness. State of the art

[0003] The following categories of means of transport that move through or close to water bodies are known: 1) Boats / Speedboats 2) Hydrofoils 3) Hovercrafts 4) Ground effect vehicle 1) and 2) are part of the usual ship transport, while 3) and 4) take off from the waters and fly or glide over them. 3) Hovercrafts can hover above the ground or water surface using an artificially generated air cushion, without completely losing contact with it. 4) Ground effect vehicles go into flight after the take-off phase in the water and fly very close to the water surface, whereby their often quite short wings use the aerodynamic advantage of the "ground effect" and thus significantly reduce the energy requirement during the flight phase and also reach speeds of over 150 km / h.

[0004] The largest ground-effect vehicle ever built, known as the "Caspian Sea Monster" or "ekranoplan," was discontinued in 1990 after the collapse of the Soviet Union. It weighed almost 500 tons and could fly at speeds of 450 km / h. Due to the immense energy required to make ground-effect vehicles fly, this design concept was not taken up and further developed by smaller manufacturers until 2010. The most market-ready ground-effect vehicle currently is the "Airfish 8" flying taxi, which has been on the market since 2019. This model is still quite small. It can only carry two pilots and eight passengers or a load of just 1,000 kg, and also requires a greater amount of energy to take off from the water.

[0005] The following videos of Airfish and Erkanoplano are available on YouTube: Interesting engineering: The Airfish 8. September 26, 20021, video 0:00 m:s to 3:33 m:s especially 1:17m:s https: / / www.youtube.com / watch?v=-r7mFSq8PRU (online) Mustard: What happened to Giant Erkanoplanos December 21, 2019, video 0:00 m:s - 10:55 m / :s especially 0:36 m:s / 10:55 m:s. https: / / www.youtube.com / watch?v=yVdH_dYIVB8

[0006] The publication JP H03-253 455 A shows a ground-effect vehicle. The ground-effect vehicle shown therein has a wing with a fuselage that has no downward-facing outer wing areas, no upward-facing wing tips, no ray-like basic shape, no open-plan cabin, no rows of seats, no toilets, no kitchen, no access stairs, and no luggage storage, which are necessary for a large number of passengers. Furthermore, the configuration does not clarify how the ground-effect vehicle will be Fig. 4) to 9) can float and take off when stationary or in rough seas, since the horizontal wings, due to small or missing floats, are practically in the water rather than above it. Furthermore, it is not clear how the ground-effect vehicle shown can be oriented in crosscurrents and / or crosswinds despite its joints.

[0007] Furthermore, US Patent No. 4,926,773 A shows a maritime ground-effect vehicle with a catamaran-shaped hull. Furthermore, JP S60-259,562 A shows a towable watercraft that glides over the water while being towed using two parallel buoyancy bodies.

[0008] The following description illustrates the differences and advantages compared to the current state of the art. The drawings show a ground-effect vehicle as an example, which, in its presented configuration, can carry 118 passengers, five crew members, and their luggage. Terms

[0009] In the context of the invention, "vertical" refers to everything that extends along the direction of gravity. Accordingly, "horizontal" refers to everything that runs perpendicular to it.

[0010] The “longitudinal axis” is a horizontal line in the vertical plane that geometrically separates the two halves of the vehicle’s wing.

[0011] "Profile chord" refers to a reference line. This is the imaginary line connecting the leading edge and trailing edge of an aerodynamic profile. If the direction of airflow toward the profile is parallel to this chord, the profile's angle of attack at that point corresponds to zero degrees. If the airflow is directed slightly from below, this is referred to as a positive angle of attack. General information about the invented ground effect vehicle

[0012] The invented ground effect vehicle 1, also called vehicle for short, differs fundamentally from the already known ground effect vehicles in that a large part, "the wing" 2, flies from it during the entire journey, while the remaining and driving part floats, whereby assemblies are permanently connected to one another by a connecting element and a fuselage for the passenger cabin is not necessary.

[0013] Heavy components, such as engines, fuel, batteries, etc., are installed in the floating body 3a, thus transferring their weight into the water. This division means that the vehicle does not need to carry oversized propulsion systems during flight, as is the case with previously known ground-effect vehicles.

[0014] Experience has shown that conventional ground-effect vehicles consume only 30% of the energy needed during takeoff. This makes the propulsion systems completely oversized or even redundant during flight, unnecessarily increasing the aircraft's weight and construction costs. This invention aims to change this and, among other things, enable electric or hybrid propulsion, which was previously impossible in aircraft or ground-effect vehicles with more than 50 passengers due to their high weight.

[0015] The design concept presented in the drawings and the optimal use of the construction volume of wing 2 make it possible to transport approximately 118 passengers plus baggage and service area. The most important components of the invented ground effect vehicle

[0016] According to the invention, the vehicle 1 consists primarily of an outwardly and downwardly curved, arched wing 2, which, viewed from the front, resembles the shape of a stingray, and a propulsion unit 3, which resembles a submarine and permanently floats in the water. Depending on the design of the aerodynamic concept, the downward curvature of the wing 2 can be more pronounced, slightly curved, or completely without curvature.

[0017] Both main assemblies are connected by a movable, almost vertically extending telescopic rod 3c, at the upper end of which a joint 4 is attached, which makes the wing 2 rotatable in two planes in relation to the drive unit 3 and firmly connects it to it.

[0018] The most important component groups are described in more detail below Component group 1) The wing

[0019] Wing 2 is the largest assembly and does not have a passenger fuselage, as is usually the case with aircraft or ground-effect vehicles. The entire wide-body passenger cabin 24, including the cockpit 27, luggage storage 30, galley 29, and lavatories 26, is located in Wing 2, which resembles a Roche in plan view.

[0020] A separate tail section 9, incorporating the elevator 10 and the rudder(s) 11, is mounted above and centrally in the rear section of the wing 2, unless the control functions are performed by other mechanisms of the wing concept, such as those found in flying wings. The downwardly curved wing shape in the front view promotes the reinforcement of the desired air cushion or ground effect and is also intended to enable the outer wing sections 2e to function as floats. Component group 2) The floating drive unit 3

[0021] The floating propulsion unit, called propulsion unit 3 for short, resembles a very slim and streamlined submarine and has the following important functions: a) It is responsible for the propulsion of the entire vehicle 1 through the drive, regardless of the type of drive or motor used. b) It is also responsible, among other things, as the main floating body for the necessary buoyancy in the water, so that it can keep the weight of the front part of wing 2 and its proportional payload stable above water even in the parking position. c) It steers through the waters using its movable front 3f and stern 3e rudders.

[0022] Integrated ballast tanks allow the propulsion unit 3 to hold more or less water or weight, thus always maintaining the optimal draft of the propulsion unit 3. Furthermore, ballast tanks mounted further forward or further aft can ensure that the propulsion unit 3 lies or floats horizontally or, for example, with a more stern-heavy position in the water.

[0023] A flow-optimized and almost vertical column 3b protrudes from the upper part of the floating body 3a of the drive unit 3. It can accommodate a telescopic connecting element or a telescopic rod 3c almost its entire length within its interior and via the opening at the upper end. Conversely, the telescopic rod 3c can also be pushed over the column 3b to serve the same purpose, but this is a less preferred solution.

[0024] Two or more side propellers 3i can be extended along the lower part of the floating body 3a of the propulsion unit 3 for maneuvering, enabling the vehicle 1 to rotate on the spot or move sideways. Preferably, two, four, or more propellers are used for propulsion so that the torques can cancel each other out. Component group 3) Telescopic rod + joint

[0025] The telescopic rod 3c is the movable link between the wing 2 and the drive unit 3 and preferably also has a streamlined shape. It contains the electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic connections between the wing 2 and the drive unit 3.

[0026] At the upper end of the telescopic rod 3c there is a joint 4 which is rotatably connected to the underside of the wing 2 via at least two axes 4a. Component group 4) Wing tips

[0027] The wingtips 2f function as airfoils in the air and as floats in the water. During forward and reverse movement in the water, their angle of attack can be adjusted in both directions to generate lift. In the air, they function as aerodynamic wings, which can also be used, but not necessarily, to control the bank angle of wing 2 during turns. Component group 5) Skis

[0028] The skis 2g, attached once on the left and once on the right, ensure better gliding and floating of the outer wing areas 2e during the takeoff and landing phases of wing 2. They are located on the lower wing side 2d and in the transition area between wing 2 and wing tips 2f.

[0029] For a smooth boarding and disembarkation of passengers as well as loading and unloading of the vehicle 1, a port 19 with a two-part pier 20 is required, which has the following structural characteristics.

[0030] Pier 20 of Port 19 should: 1) Preferably and longitudinally form a 90 degree angle to the shore / mainland 23. 2) Horizontal and approximately 1-2m above the water level. 3) The total width should be at least 8-10m (referring to the example shown in the drawings). 4) Be split lengthwise so that the drive unit 3 and its column 3b fit between the two halves of the web 20. 5) At the outer two extremities, each have a sloping ramp, which should preferably continue for a while below the water level. 6) The two sloping ramps should be spaced apart from each other the further they are from the shore. 7) Have a slider 21 with several grippers 21a, which is movable along the length of the web and which grips and stabilizes the vertical column 3b of the drive unit 3 and thereby pulls entire vehicles 1 to the desired parking position or pushes them away from it. 8) Be able to support most of the weight of wing 2 + payload in the parking position. 9) Be protected from waves.

[0031] In the preferred version of the vehicle 1, the wing 2 is moved or towed by the drive unit 3, thus eliminating the need for the wing 2 to have its own drive. The power transmission for movement and loads always occurs via the column 3b and the integrated telescopic rod 3c with its joint 4.

[0032] In a less desirable variant, it may be provided that an additional drive, such as one or more propellers, is / are mounted above or below the wing 2 in order to distribute the entire thrust between the float and the wing 2 somewhat more evenly.

[0033] As the propulsion unit 3 moves forward, the wing 2 is pulled behind it via the telescopic rod 3c, so that the wing 2 generates more and more lift as the speed increases and is thus able to raise the rear wing area until the floor of the passenger cabin 24 reaches a horizontal position. The pilot may want the excess lift to cause the wing 2 to continue ascending, thereby extending the telescopic rod 3c to its stop through a preferred linear movement in order to enable travel in higher waves and / or cornering by increasing ground clearance.

[0034] In the parking position on the jetty 20 or in the water, the telescopic rod 3c is preferably retracted, transferring the loads arising via the column 3b to the floating body 3a of the drive unit 3. Different water levels, such as during high and low tides, can also be compensated for by the controlled retraction or extension of the telescopic rod 3c into the parking position on the jetty 20, so that the cabin 24 can also assume the horizontal position in the longitudinal axis LA there.

[0035] According to the invention, a joint 4 is attached to the upper end of the telescopic rod 3c, which enables rotation about two axes and connects the wing 2 to the telescopic rod 3c in a movable and highly resilient manner. One axis 4a-1 of the joint 4 runs high above and across the telescopic rod 3c and enables the raising or lowering of the wing trailing edge 2b plus wing tips 2f in relation to the water surface. The second axis 4a-2 of the joint 4 preferably runs perpendicular to the first axis 4a-1 and to the center profile chord MPS of the wing 2 and enables the wing 2, viewed from above, to pivot to the left or right and thus adapt to the relative wind direction, which ensures a more even lift distribution across the entire wing width.

[0036] Due to the downwardly curved wing shape, the floor of the cabin 24 is divided into various levels in the longitudinal direction LA, with the outermost levels being the lowest due to their shape. These levels are accessed via steps or ramps and optional lifting platforms 28, with the lifting platforms 28 primarily intended for overcoming the height of the trolleys 28a.

[0037] Furthermore, it is planned that wing 2 will house all functionalities and spaces in its cabin 24, such as the luggage storage 30, kitchen 29, restrooms 26, and vertically pivoting access stairs 15, thus ensuring comfortable passenger transport over several hours, as well as on- and offboarding. Preferably, each floor level should have a cabin height of at least 2 m.

[0038] Depending on the width and length of the individual floor areas, which together define the floor plan of the cabin 24, more or fewer rows of seats 25 are arranged parallel one behind the other, each with more or fewer individual seats 25a next to each other, while access to them is made possible via the corresponding large corridors.

[0039] Located in the area of the curved leading edge 2a of the wing 2 are one or more windows 12, providing the pilot(s) and passengers with a panoramic view in the direction of travel. Further out, side windows 14 on the left and right provide additional views and enhanced driving pleasure.

[0040] The pilot(s) sit(s) preferably in the center-wing cockpit 27, right at the front and slightly lower than the passengers. A lower front window 13 just above the cabin floor provides additional visibility of the pier 20 when maneuvering in the harbor 19 and while underway.

[0041] At least one, preferably two, access doors 15a are attached to the underside 2d of the wing 2. When opened, pivotable access stairs 15 are extended through these doors to allow passengers access to the cabin 24. The access doors 15a, including the access stairs 15, are preferably extended downwards on the left and right via two hydraulic telescopic cylinders 15b until the access door 15a touches the respective half of the landing stage floor. From this point, the telescopic cylinders 15b are extended further until the floor of the cabin 24, as viewed along the longitudinal axis LA, has reached the horizontal position in the parking position. For departure, the procedure is reversed.

[0042] Furthermore, the outer wing areas 2e on the left and right each merge into a rotatable wing tip 2f. In addition, a ski 2g in the form of an elongated floating body is provided on the underside of the respective transition area between the wing 2 and the wing tips 2f to enable low-drag gliding in and on the water during takeoff and landing phases or to prevent the wing tips 2f from accidentally hitting the water surface in high waves and / or when the wing 2 is tilted during a turn.

[0043] When lying in the water or during slow travel, the propulsion unit 3, with its float 3a, provides the necessary buoyancy for the entire central front section of the wing 2, while the two wing tips 2f, further back and outward, protruding into the water, also function as floats, thus keeping the rear section of the wing plus the payload afloat at a constant draft. Thus, the three floats arranged in a triangle ensure the necessary lateral and longitudinal stability of the vehicle 1 in the water.

[0044] The floating body of the propulsion unit 3a not only houses the motors and batteries or fuel tanks, but also optional water tanks, which, similar to a submarine, can be filled or emptied with water in order to compensate for the variable payload of the vehicle 1, which may arise, for example, from more or fewer passengers. In addition, the fill level of the various water tanks should ensure an optimized position of the floating body 3a in the water so that it pierces the waves and does not ride up, thus ensuring smoother running of the vehicle 1.

[0045] Furthermore, water tanks for the toilets 26 can also be accommodated in the floating body 3a in order to reduce the overall weight of the wing 2.

[0046] Furthermore, a long, streamlined column 3b is mounted on top of the floating body 3a, which can accommodate the telescopic connecting element 3c almost along its entire length using sliding mechanisms. The upward and downward movement of the telescopic rod 3c is limited and can withstand considerable loads. The up and down sliding of the telescopic rod 3c can be reduced by shock absorbers or the like and automatically controlled by sensors to counteract any wave action.

[0047] The propulsion unit 3 is driven by at least one, but preferably by two or more propellers 3d, whose torques should preferably cancel each other out. The movable front 3f and / or rear rudders 3e of the propulsion unit 3, in coordination with all other rudders 6 and wingtips 2f of the wing 2, as well as the rudders 11 and elevators 10 of the wing tail 9, ensure the desired change of direction of the entire vehicle 1 and the optimal position of the floating body 3a in the water in every driving situation. As an alternative to the 3d propellers, other types of propulsion in the water are also conceivable for propulsion.

[0048] Suitcases, trolleys 28a and wheelchair users are preferably transported via at least one optional elevator 16, which is extended perpendicular to the web 20 from the underside of the wing 2d via open doors 16a and mechanisms such as multi-stage telescopic cylinders 16b until the underside of the elevator plate reaches the web floor and can thus be loaded or unloaded.

[0049] According to the invention, wing ailerons 6 are mounted at the top and / or bottom of the wing's trailing edge 2b, ensuring the optimal flight attitude and correct angle of attack of the wing profile. During takeoff, all lower lift flaps 5 can optionally be extended to increase the ramming effect below the curved wing 2, thus reinforcing the air cushion effect. In addition, the elevator 10 on the wing tail 9 can assist in lifting the wing 2 out of the water.

[0050] Furthermore, ailerons 6, in coordination with the deflections of the elevators 10 and rudder 11 of the wing tail 9 and the front rudder 3f and tail rudder 3e of the propulsion unit 3, should enable the desired course corrections and bank angles of the vehicle 1.

[0051] On the upper side 2c of the front half of the wing, the extension of optional airbrakes 7 is intended to ensure that, for example, in the event of sudden gusts of wind from the front, part of the lift is destroyed and thus kept more constant in order to prevent the wing 2 from rocking.

[0052] In the event of an emergency braking, optionally mounted airbrakes 8 on the underside of the wing 2d can be extended simultaneously in combination with the upper airbrakes 7 to create a braking effect without increased downforce directly on the wing 2 and, at the same time, to prevent the wing 2 from accidentally and dangerously overtaking the propulsion unit 3. A suitable and simultaneous braking of the propulsion unit 3 can be achieved via the speed and direction of rotation of the propellers 3d or optional airbrakes on the floating body 3a. Example of an operational process of a trip from one port to another

[0053] With regard to the vehicle description and drawings, the operational sequence is, for example, as follows. As a starting point, vehicle 1 is parked in port 19 above pier 20. 1) Passengers board and disembark via the extended access stairs 15. 2) Suitcases and other loads are transported up and down into the cabin 24 via elevators 16. 3) The passengers take their seats on seats 25a. 4) The wing tips 2f are turned so that their trailing edges point towards the sky. 5) The elevators 16 are raised and their doors 16a are closed. 6) The access stairs 15 are raised and their doors 15a are closed. The rear wing area is lowered more and more, so that the outer wing areas 2e dip into the water 22 and generate lift. 7) The pusher 21 with its grippers 21a pushes the entire vehicle 1 in reverse along the jetty 20 away from the mainland 23. 8) The grippers 21a release the vehicle 1 and the drive continues in reverse, whereby the angle of attack of the wing tips 2f prevents the wing trailing edges 2b on the left and right from diving too deeply into the water 22. 9) The side propellers 3i ensure that the vehicle 1 rotates and moves in the water 22 until the desired starting position is reached. 10) The optional lift flaps 5 on the trailing edge 2b of the wing are extended downwards, similar to an airplane. 11) The drive ensures increasing forward speed and the increasing lift ensures a continuous lifting of the rear wing area until the wing tips 2f and skis 2g are completely out of the water and the wing 2 assumes a horizontal or almost horizontal position along the longitudinal axis LA. 12) The ballast tanks in the propulsion unit 3 are filled more or less as required to ensure smoother running and stability in possible waves. 13) The optional lift flaps 5 are retracted and the constant cruising speed is reached. 14) Depending on the flow conditions, the telescopic rod 3c can be extended more or less, thereby providing the necessary safety reserves and possible wave damping. 15) Changes of direction are achieved by the optimal control of the wing ailerons 6, wing tips 2f, elevator 10, rudder 11 and the control surfaces 3e, 3f of the drive unit 3. 16) When approaching the destination port 19, the ballast tanks are emptied for more lift, the skis 2g are extended, the thrust is reduced and the optional lift flaps 5 on the trailing edge 2b of the wing are extended until the rear wing area sinks, the skis 2g touch the water 22 and the vehicle 1 becomes increasingly slower. 17) For faster braking, the optional airbrakes 7, 8 can be extended above and below the front half of the wing. 18) Vehicle 1 is steered toward dock 20 and, towards the end, approaches dock 20 head-on. The side propellers 3i provide possible course corrections, while the wing tips 2f are positively flown and generate extra lift. 19) The wing 2 is received by the gripping arms 21a of the slider 21 at the bridge, stabilized and pulled over the bridge 20 to the parking position. 20) The lower access doors 15a open and the access stairs 15 are extended until they touch the walkway 20. From this point, the wing 2 is further extended by the telescopic cylinders 15b of the access doors 15a until the wing 2 reaches the horizontal position again. 21) Passengers board and disembark while fuel is being refuelled, batteries are being charged and luggage is being loaded and unloaded. 22) The process repeats itself... Features and advantages of the invention

[0054] The invented vehicle 1 is novel because it has and combines the following properties, among others: a) The wing 2 as the main part of the vehicle 1 flies through the air, while the other part, the drive unit 3, permanently swims through the water 22 and provides the propulsion for both. b) The wing 2 and the drive unit 3 have a combination of very low-resistance solid bodies, which saves a lot of energy. c) It has a novel overall shape and wing curvature. d) The entrance and exit pass centrally via the underside of the wing 2d. e) It has a curved wing 2 inside which more than 100 passengers can be carried comfortably without the need for a fuselage which would cause more air turbulence. f) Wing 2 is also partly used as a floating body. g) It has airbrakes 8 on the underside of the wing. h) It has rotatable wing tips 2f.

[0055] The invented vehicle is novel because it has and combines the following advantages: i) It can use the surrounding water for drive cooling, making more complex cooling systems unnecessary. j) There is no risk of falling, as the telescopic rod is a permanent link between air and water and the vehicle can therefore enter the floating state. k) In very unpredictable wind conditions, the wing does not necessarily have to fly, but can be supported and towed by the propulsion unit at reduced speed. l) The flight height of the wing can be adjusted to the weather conditions and the necessary inclinations using the telescopic rod. m) The floating body can also be powered electrically or hybridly, making it more environmentally friendly. n) It allows for travel in waves of over 1m, which is the permitted limit for conventional seaplanes and other ground effect vehicles. o) It produces less wave movement on the shore because of little water displacement. p) It offers passengers a unique panoramic view. q) It is much quieter due to the submerged propulsion, especially when electrically powered. r) It enables quick off- and onboarding thanks to short, wide corridors and centrally located stairs. s) It is a very clear and quickly accessible cabin for flight attendants. t) Due to its high span, it is less exposed to wave movements during slow travel than conventional ships / boats or narrower catamarans. u) The risk of fire is much lower than in aircraft. Reference number list 1 ground effect vehicle with floating propulsion unit; Fig. 1a) 2 wings; Fig. 1a) 2a Leading edge of the wing; Fig. 1a), 2b wing trailing edge; Fig. 1a) 2c Top of the wing; Fig. 1a) 2d underside of the wing; Fig. 1b) 2nd outer wing area; Fig. 1a), Fig. 1b) 2f Rotating wing tips, in short wing tips; Fig. 3a), Fig. 3b) 2g skis; Fig. 4a), Fig. 4b) 3 Floating drive unit, in short drive unit; Fig. 1b), Fig. 2a) 3a Floating body of the drive unit, in short float; Fig. 1a), Fig. 2a) 3b Column of the drive unit, in short column; Fig. 2a) 3c connecting element / telescopic rod; Fig. 1a), Fig. 6b), Fig. 6c) 3d ship propeller; Fig. 2b) 3rd stern rudder; Fig. 2b) 3f front rudder; Fig. 1a), Fig. 2a) 3g front flotsam protection device; Fig. 1a), Fig. 2a) 3h rear flotsam protection device; Fig. 2b) 3i side propeller; Fig. 2a) 4 joint; Fig. 2c) 4a-1 joint axis 1; Fig. 2c) 4a-2 joint axis 1; Fig. 2c) 5 lift flaps; Fig. 5a), Fig. 5b) 6 wing ailerons; Fig. 13) 7 upper air brakes; Fig. 7a), Fig. 7b) 8 lower air brakes; Fig. 7a), Fig. 7b) 9 wing tail; Fig. 1a) 10 elevators; Fig. 1a) 11 rudder; Fig. 1a) 12 windows / panoramic windows; Fig. 1a) 13 lower front window; Fig. 7a) 14 side windows; Fig. 1a) 15 access stairs / pivoting access stairs; Fig. 9b) 15a Access stair door; Fig. 9b) 15b Access door movement mechanism / single or multi-stage telescopic cylinder; Fig. 9b) 16 elevator; Fig. 9b) 16a Elevator door; Fig. 9b) 16b Elevator movement mechanism / single or multi-stage telescopic cylinder; Fig. 9b) 17 side emergency exit; Fig. 12) 17a Side emergency exit door; Fig. 12) 18 upper emergency exit door; Fig. 11) 19 port; Fig. 10) 20 two-part bridge; Fig. 9b) 21 sliders; Fig. 10) 21a gripper of the slider; Fig. 10) 22 bodies of water; Fig. 10) 23 mainland; Fig. 10) 24 Interior of the wing, open-plan passenger cabin, in short cabin; Fig. 14 25 rows of seats; Fig. 14) 25a single seat; Fig. 14) 26 toilets; Fig. 14) 27 cockpit; Fig. 14) 28 trolley lift; Fig. 14) 28a Trolley; Fig. 14) 29 kitchen; Fig. 14) 30 suitcase storage; Fig. 14) LA longitudinal axis; Fig. 8) AML-? axis centerlines; Fig. 2c) PMS profile central chord; Fig. 8) DB-? Rotational movement - plus the reference number of the rotated component; Fig. 3b), Fig. 8) LB-? Linear motion - plus the reference number of the vertically moving component; Fig. 4a), Fig. 6b) HB-? Horizontal movement - plus the reference number of the vertically moving component; Fig. 5b) Character list Fig. 1a) Example of a vehicle in full motion from the front right with the connecting element (telescopic rod) extended. Fig. 1b) Example of a vehicle in full motion from the rear below with the connecting element extended. Fig. 2a) Side view of an embodiment of a drive unit with telescopic connecting element and joint. Fig. 2b) Detail and perspective view of an embodiment of the rear area and a rear rudder of a propulsion unit. Fig. 2c) Detail and perspective view of an embodiment of the upper part of the column of a drive unit with a linearly extendable connecting element (telescopic rod) and its joint at the upper end. Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b) Detail and perspective view of an embodiment of a rotatable right wing tip. Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b) Detail and perspective view of an embodiment of an extendable ski next to the right wing tip. Fig. 5a) Example of a vehicle in motion with extended and optional lift flaps at the rear bottom and floating wing tips. Fig. 5a) Example of a vehicle in motion with extended and optional lift flaps at the rear bottom with wing tips in the air. Fig. 6a, Fig. 6b) Example of a vehicle in acceleration phase with the wing rising Fig. 6c) Example of a vehicle cornering and leaning. Fig. 7a, Fig. 7b) Example of a vehicle with spoilers extended at the top and bottom during braking and skis extended. Fig. 8) Example of a vehicle with a wing swung to the right to compensate for the crosswind from the right. Fig. 9a) Example of a vehicle in parking position at the split pier at the harbor. Fig. 9b) Detailed view of an example of the pivoting stairs, which support the entire wing in a horizontal position when parked. Fig. 10) Side view of an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle in parked position on the two-part jetty at the harbor. Fig. 11) Perspective view of an example of an emergency exit with a swing staircase on the top of the wing. Fig. 12) Perspective view of an example of a side emergency exit and permanently installed stairs on the right wing top. Fig. 13) Perspective view of an embodiment of an extended wing aileron on the upper side of the wing. Fig. 14) Perspective of an embodiment with a horizontal cross-section through the cabin with all its rooms and rows of seats. Character description

[0056] Fig. 1a), Fig. 1b) Show two perspectives of an exemplary embodiment of vehicle 1 in motion and in standard flight mode, as well as many components relevant to the invention. Here, the telescopic rod 3c is not yet fully extended.

[0057] Fig. 2a) The side view of the propulsion unit 3 shows two extended side propellers 3i at the bottom, which enable the lateral movement and rotation of the vehicle 1 near the harbor. Here, the telescopic rod 3c is almost completely retracted.

[0058] Fig. 2b) Shows how the stern rudder 3e and the propellers 3d are protected by the flotsam protection plates 3h.

[0059] Fig. 2c) Shows the upper part of the telescopic connecting element 3c and its joint 4 with two rotation axes 4a-1 and 4a-2, around which the wing 2 can rotate relative to the drive unit 3. Here, the telescopic rod 3c is almost completely retracted.

[0060] Fig. 3a), Fig. 3b) Shows the rotatability of a wing tip 2f, which can provide lift and downforce in the air and in water depending on the angle of attack.

[0061] Fig. 4a), Fig. 4b) Shows how the skis 2g installed on the left and right can be extended and retracted for takeoff and landing. They prevent unwanted impact of the wingtips 2f on the water surface, even during banked turns. The skis 2g also act as floats to provide lift during slow flight.

[0062] Fig. 5a), Fig. 5b) Shows how, during the acceleration phase, the optional and downwardly extended lift flaps 5 form a kind of corset to dam up the air under the wing 2 and enhance the air cushion effect. The more horizontal the wing 2 is, the more the lift flaps 5 can be retracted or brought into the neutral position. This process is intended to lift the wing tips 2f out of the water earlier during acceleration, as shown in Fig. 5b) can be seen.

[0063] Fig. 6a), Fig. 6b) Shows how the wing 2 lifts off during the acceleration phase and the telescopic rod 3c is extended for this purpose.

[0064] Fig. 6c) Shows how, with the telescopic rod 3c extended, the entire vehicle 1 is tilted by activating the various rudders 3e, 6, 11 in order to make the desired course changes at full speed.

[0065] Fig. 7a, Fig. 7b) Shows two perspectives of an embodiment of the vehicle 1, where the upper and lower airbrakes 7, 8 are extended. The lower brake caps 8 are intended to neutralize the downforce generated by the upper airbrakes 7 during an emergency braking maneuver through their generated lift, so that the propulsion unit 3 does not submerge in the water 22 during the maneuver.

[0066] Fig. 8) Shows how the wing 2 of one exemplary embodiment, in a crosswind from the right, is pivoted in the relative direction of the airstream to better compensate for lift differences between the left and right wing halves. The wing ailerons 6 and the rudder 11 of the wing tail 9 can support these rotational movements.

[0067] Fig. 9a) Shows an embodiment of the vehicle 1 in the parking position on the two-part jetty 20. Here, the wing tips 2f no longer touch the water and the rear part of the wing is lifted and supported by the multi-stage telescopic cylinders 15b of the lower access doors 15a.

[0068] Fig. 9b) Shows the same as 9a), but in more detail. Here, you can clearly see how the elevators 16 are raised and lowered by multi-stage telescopic cylinders 16b, for example, to transport wheelchair users and luggage.

[0069] Fig. 10) Shows an embodiment of the vehicle in which the wing 2 on the two-part web 20 has not yet been raised by the telescopic cylinders 15b of the access doors 15a and the horizontally movable slider 21 between the two web halves with its gripping arms 21a positions the vehicle 1 in the middle of the web and pulls it into the final parking position.

[0070] Fig. 11) Shows how a pivoting staircase 15 of the exemplary embodiment can also be pivoted upwards to enable evacuation via the upper side of the wing 2c. This saves weight and space. The steps always remain horizontal during the pivoting process.

[0071] Fig. 12) Shows an embodiment of a vehicle 1 with optional side emergency exits 17 and permanently installed side stairs on the upper wing surface 2c. This embodiment has six entrances and exits and two elevators 16.

[0072] Fig. 13) Shows how the upper extended wing ailerons 6 of the embodiment 1 provide downforce in the wing trailing edge area in order to compensate for gusts and / or turbulence while flying.

[0073] Fig.14) Shows an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle 1 and the horizontal section through its cabin 24, showing how the overall height of the wing 2 is optimally utilized for the various spaces and functionalities. Short and wide corridors, as well as central staircases 15, ensure rapid onboarding and offboarding, with the galley 29, the toilets 26, and the luggage storage 30 located in the central and rear part of the wing 2. The minimum height of the cabin 24 is 2m or more. Storage compartments (not visible here) for hand luggage are located directly above the seats 25a, like in an airplane. Trolleys 28a are transported to the various cabin levels on the left and right via small trolley lifts 28. In the two outer wing areas 2e, there is each a separate Business Class section with its side windows 14.In addition, two seats 25a for the flight attendants are located at the rear left and right, directly next to the stairs, providing an optimal overview of the entire cabin 24. The pilot(s) sit centrally and at the very front of the cockpit 30, preferably slightly lower than the passengers directly behind them. Only one seat for the pilot is shown here.

Claims

[1] Ground effect vehicle with floating propulsion unit (1) consisting of at least one floating propulsion unit (3), a wing (2) and at least one connecting element (3c), wherein the wing (2) in plan view, left and right each has a rearwardly curved leading edge (2a), which ends in the outer wing areas (2e) in each case in an upwardly directed wing tip (2f), and thus has a ray-like shape, the outer wing areas (2e) on the left and right are lower than the entire central area of the wing (2), the entire passenger cabin (24) including rows of seats (25), the cockpit (27) and the necessary rooms such as toilets (26), kitchen (29), access stairs (15) and luggage storage (30) are integrated and distributed in the wing (2), so that no fuselage is necessary, wherein the floating propulsion unit (3) comprises an elongated and streamlined floating body (3a) which is positioned in the center of the wing and along the longitudinal axis (LA) below the wing (2) in the water (22) and has at least one motor integrated in the floating body (3a) for generating the necessary propulsion for the entire vehicle (1), wherein the wing is permanently and movably connected to the drive unit (3) by at least one elongated connecting element (3c) with one or more joints (4), wherein the wing (2) can be guided and towed by the floating drive unit (3) via the connecting element (3c) and its joint(s) (4), so that the wing (2) at normal cruising speed and due to the wind and lift generated thereby, the rear wing area can be lifted completely out of the water and a horizontal position of the cabin (24) can be created along the longitudinal axis (LA). [2] Ground effect vehicle with floating drive unit (1) according to claim 1), wherein on the left and right, the outer wing areas (2e) each end in a slightly upwardly directed wing tip (2f), which can be submerged partially or completely in the water (22) when the vehicle (2) is stationary or during slow travel, and in the case of the significantly larger floating drive unit (3) positioned in the middle of the wing, is a floating body (3a). [3] Ground effect vehicle with floating propulsion unit (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the almost vertically extending connecting element (3c) between the wing (2) and the propulsion unit (3) can be lengthened or shortened by one or more telescopic components. [4] Ground effect vehicle with floating propulsion unit (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the propulsion unit (3) has integrated water ballast tanks. [5] Ground effect vehicle with floating propulsion unit (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the joint (4) attached to the upper end of the connecting element (3c), which movably connects the wing (2) to the connecting element (3c), has at least two axes of rotation (4a-1, 4a-2), wherein one axis (4a-1) runs horizontally and transversely through the connecting element (3c) and the second axis (4a-2) runs perpendicular to the profile mid-chord (PMS) of the wing (2). [6] Ground effect vehicle with floating propulsion unit (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the propulsion unit (3) is driven by at least one integrated motor with one or more propellers (3d). [7] Ground effect vehicle with floating propulsion unit (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the propulsion unit (3) has front (3f) and rear rudders (3e) which are rotatably mounted respectively at the front and rear of the floating body (3a) of the propulsion unit (3). [8] Ground effect vehicle with floating propulsion unit (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein in the rear wing region at least one aileron (6) is mounted on each upper wing half, and each wing half has at least one aerodynamic lift flap (5) on its wing trailing edge (2b). [9] Ground effect vehicle with floating propulsion unit (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the wing (1) has one or more aerodynamic brake flaps (7, 8) on the left and right in the front wing half, on the upper side (2c) and lower side (2d). [10] Ground effect vehicle with floating propulsion unit (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the wing tips (2f) are rotatable about an approximately horizontal transverse axis. [11] Ground effect vehicle with floating propulsion unit (1), according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein on the left and right, the shape transitions between the wing (2) and wing tips (2f) on the wing underside (2d) each have at least one downwardly extendable ski (2g) with an underside optimized for water flow lines. [12] Ground effect vehicle with floating propulsion unit (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the access of the passengers and crew members to the cabin (24) is via one or more pivotable access stairs (15) which are integrated in the central region of the wing underside (2d) and can be moved up and down via movement mechanisms (15b). [13] Ground effect vehicle with floating propulsion unit (1) according to claim 12, wherein the moving mechanisms (15b) of the access stairs (15) in claim 12) are one to multi-stage telescopic cylinders (15b). [14] Ground effect vehicle with floating propulsion unit (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein single- to multi-stage telescopic cylinders (16b) are installed between the cabin floor and the walkway surface for the vertical ascent and descent of one or more elevators (16). [15] Ground effect vehicle with floating propulsion unit (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the access stairs (15) as described in claim 12) are pivotable not only downwards but also upwards. [16] Ground effect vehicle with floating propulsion unit (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the wing (2) has at least one panoramic window (12) in its front leading edge (2a).

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