Combination of hovercraft and hydrofoil

Abstract

Combination of hovercraft and hydrofoil craft, comprising at least one hydrofoil which, when used as intended, generates lift in hydrofoil mode, characterized in that the hydrofoils can be moved out of the water.

Description

[0001] The commercial development of hovercraft technology began in the 1950s. British engineer Sir Christopher Cockerell is considered the father of the hovercraft, as he discovered the principle of the air cushion, which led to the development of the first functional hovercraft. This vehicle, called the SR.N1, was first successfully tested in 1959 and laid the foundation for the commercial use of hovercraft. In the following decades, continuous technological advancements led to the use of hovercraft in various fields, including transportation and military applications.

[0002] A hovercraft can travel over flat terrain and water. It therefore has amphibious properties. For the hovercraft to hover, or to move across different surfaces, its weight must be lifted by very large turbines. These turbines require a great deal of energy to lift the weight of the craft.

[0003] It is therefore important to develop sustainable drive technologies in order to minimize these environmental impacts and reduce emissions.

[0004] The invention relates to a combination of the hovercraft described above with a hydrofoil craft.

[0005] Reduced water resistance results in lower fuel consumption. Up to 80% less energy consumption compared to conventional boats. Operating costs can be as much as 95% lower per kilometer than for a comparable gasoline boat.

[0006] Furthermore, they enable a smoother ride by raising the hull above the waterline, thus reducing waves and turbulence and improving passenger comfort. This also creates less wake, resulting in a quieter ride with less disturbance to the marine environment.

[0007] Other advantages of airfoil technology include completely silent operation, minimal wave impact (positive for coastal landscapes), limited maintenance costs, and, last but not least, no impact on waves in moderate sea conditions.

Claims

[1] Combination of hovercraft and hydrofoil craft, comprising at least one hydrofoil which, when used as intended, generates lift in hydrofoil mode characterized by that the wings can be moved out of the water. [2] Combination of hovercraft and hydrofoil craft according to the previous claim, characterized by that at least one turbine can generate the air cushion effect and a propeller provides propulsion. [3] Combination of hovercraft and hydrofoil craft according to claim 1, characterized by that at least one turbine can be switched off or generate additional thrust in wing mode. [4] Combination of hovercraft and hydrofoil craft according to claim 1, characterized by that the boat consumes significantly less energy in hydrofoil mode than in air cushion mode. [5] Combination of hovercraft and hydrofoil craft according to claim 1, characterized bythat drones can be used for propulsion instead of propellers. [6] Combination of hovercraft and hydrofoil craft according to claim 1, characterized by that drones can be used instead of turbines for the air cushion effect. [7] Combination of hovercraft and hydrofoil craft according to claim 1, characterized by ; that the drones used can be individually separated.