Maritime craft, preferably a ground-effect type such as a flying boat

Abstract

The present invention relates to a marine craft (1), particularly a ground-effect craft, comprising at least one hull (2), provided with two lateral walls (20) forming a hull and joined below at the level of a keel line (21), a center of gravity, and at least one pair of forward lifting and submerged surfaces (3) of similar shapes extending symmetrically in projection from said at least one hull (2), with a leading edge (30) situated frontally with respect to said center of gravity; said at least one hull (2) having inclined sections converging from said horizontal plane (A-A') towards the keel line (21) and towards the stem (24), and each of the forward surfaces (3) has its leading edge (30) along a portion of said inclined section, said portion having an inclination of at least 40°. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 2

Description

Title of the invention: Maritime craft, preferably a ground-effect type flying boat Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention falls within the field of maritime navigation. The invention relates to a maritime craft, such as a ship or boat, intended for navigation on a body of water, such as a sea, an ocean, or even a lake.

[0002] More specifically, the invention relates to a maritime craft with a hull providing the majority of its buoyancy and equipped with submerged lifting surfaces, conferring a hydrodynamic effect capable of lifting the craft, in particular all or part of the hull, out of the water. Thus, with the hull lifted, the resistance to the craft's forward motion is reduced. Furthermore, when completely lifted out of the water, the boat is then able to plane and land on the water.

[0003] Preferably, the invention will find a non-limiting application when such a craft generates an aerodynamic ground effect phenomenon in order to maintain flight, thus resembling a boat-plane, or also called a "navion" (contraction of "navire-avion"), commonly designated "GEV" (for "Ground Effect Vehicle") or "WIG" (for "Wing In Ground effect").

[0004] To impart such a ground effect to the craft, the hull should be equipped with one or more aerodynamic lifting surfaces, generally in the form of an aerodynamic wing with at least one pair of wings extending laterally on either side of the hull in a substantially horizontal plane. These wings then form a virtual nozzle with the water surface at their lower end, increasing aerodynamic performance. To increase lift and performance, it is common practice to equip the wingtips with wingtip plates, usually called "endplates," extending almost vertically below the wing plane. To improve ground effect, these plates enhance the tunnel effect and limit airflow recirculation. Furthermore, such a plate can act as a float at the wingtips, preventing tipping while afloat and limiting roll during takeoff and landing maneuvers, as well as during afloat movement.

[0005] In a specific case of two pairs of wings, at the front and rear, allowing for increased aerodynamic lift, the side plates then connect the ends of the front and rear wings on each side, protecting each rear wing from effects of the vortices generated by each front wing, detrimental to the aerodynamics of the rear wings.

[0006] In addition, it should be noted that a ground-effect flying craft allows the hull to be raised to a limited height, up to a few meters above the water, on the order of 10% to 20% (percent) of the length of the craft.

[0007] The said ground-effect craft is then akin to a "flying boat". State of the art

[0008] Commonly, to raise the hull of a marine vessel, preferably to create a ground effect, the hull can be equipped with submerged lifting surfaces, generally in the form of foils or "water wings." Such a foil generally has an inverted T shape, with a mast connected at one proximal end to the hull. Furthermore, extending laterally from the opposite distal end of said mast, each foil comprises submerged wings whose geometry and profile provide the hydrodynamic lift required to raise said hull, depending on the forward speed. Such a foil may have a mast extending vertically or at an angle to the hull; similarly, the submerged wings may extend orthogonally or at an angle to said mast.One or more foils can be fitted to the hull of a vessel, preferably in pairs extending on either side, port and starboard, allowing the vessel to be lifted while moving and thus limiting the hull's draft, proportionally reducing the resistance to forward motion of such a vessel.

[0009] A major drawback of foils lies in their high sensitivity to immersion and waves, which alters the hydrodynamic lift and balance of the craft. They are also susceptible to cavitation above a certain speed, significantly impacting their performance and compromising the integrity of their structure. Furthermore, while in motion, the craft is subjected to impacts with high mechanical stresses that affect the strength of the materials and the connections between the wings and the mast, as well as with the hull. These factors currently limit the maximum speed to 80 or 100 km / h (kilometers per hour). In addition, due to its submerged wings, a foil always generates considerable drag. Preferably, in the case of a ground-effect craft, an existing solution consists of retractable foils, allowing for safe flight with the required performance.

[0010] An alternative solution consists of hydroskis extending from the hull at an increasing angle from the bow to the stern. These hydroskis form a lifting surface below, which is in contact with the water. The hydroskis They thus provide a friction and sliding surface on the water's surface, facilitating the lifting, or even the planing, of the boat. However, they limit the hull's lift, as they must remain in constant contact with the water.

[0011] Furthermore, for a flying vessel or if the craft takes off under the impact of a wave, the foils and hydroskis form resistant surfaces upon landing. In the case of retractable hydroskis or foils, their mechanical resistance is thus reduced, which remains problematic. Furthermore, while foils offer an instantaneous hydrodynamic response, they cause abrupt changes that are difficult to compensate for by piloting the boat. In a related way, their hydrodynamic lift generates little aerodynamic lift in flight, or even induces turbulence and increases aerodynamic drag, which is all the more detrimental for a ground effect craft.

[0012] A complementary solution lies in the geometry of the boat's hull, which can be shaped at the bow with a prominent, convex, and curved front section, with a vertical overhang forming a step, similar to a "step" on a seaplane. The rounded shape combined with the step of this bow allows the boat's heel to be raised to facilitate its lifting, or even its planing, but considerably complicates the design and manufacture of the hull structure. However, while the step increases pitching, especially during planing, it induces considerable drag, both hydrodynamic and aerodynamic.

[0013] Consequently, there is a major problem in developing a maritime vessel with submerged lifting surfaces that facilitate the lifting of the hull, while ensuring the structural strength required for high speeds. Preferably, submerged lifting surfaces should be considered for a ground-effect marine craft, of the "flying boat" type, enabling it to take off until the hull is raised out of the water to give the wings the lift required to generate sufficient ground effect, especially while allowing speeds exceeding 100 km / h.

[0014] In addition, an additional difficulty arises from the irregularity of the water surface, due to waves, swell and chop that may hit the bow, generating brutal shocks, but above all risking destabilizing the boat and altering the desired ground effect. Description of the invention

[0015] The invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by proposing a maritime vessel whose hull is advantageously provided with submerged lifting surfaces below the waterline, with a particular hydrodynamic profile, specifically integrated into said hull. In addition, the hull is equipped with a keel inclined convergently from the waterline, essentially V-shaped, like a breakwater or wave-piercing device, so as to form, with the submerged lifting surfaces, a water flow path, favoring the raising of the hull, with a view to its elevation, preferentially its exit from the water, thereby reducing the resistance during forward movement. Furthermore, the hydrodynamic profile of the submerged lifting surfaces features an underside that forms a sliding surface in contact with the water, similar to a hydroski. Combined with the V-shaped hull, this sliding underside provides improved hull penetration into the water surface, particularly swell, waves, and chop, ensuring the boat's stability during various maneuvers.

[0016] To achieve this, the ground-effect marine craft comprises at least one hull, equipped i) a horizontal plane extending longitudinally and parallel above a waterline, ii) of at least two lateral walls forming a hull below said waterline and joined below at the level of a keel line extending to a rear end, forming a stern, said at least two lateral walls extending further frontally to a junction forming a bow, - a center of gravity; - at least one pair of forward surfaces designed to be load-bearing and submerged: (j) of similar shapes and extending symmetrically below said horizontal plane projecting from said at least one hull, jj) with a leading edge situated frontally with respect to said center of gravity; said craft being characterized in that - said at least one hull has inclined sections converging from said horizontal plane towards the keel line and towards the bow; - each of the front surfaces presents its leading edge along a portion of said inclined section, said portion having an inclination at an angle of at least 40° with respect to said horizontal plane.

[0017] According to additional, non-limiting features, each of said front surfaces of said at least one pair has a trailing edge, forming with said edge attack a longitudinal trajectory inclined relative to said horizontal plane at an angle of a value between 1° and 10°.

[0018] According to one embodiment, each of said front surfaces comprises - an intrados extending inferiorly from said leading edge to a trailing edge, - said intrados forming a lower hydrodynamic sliding surface.

[0019] According to one embodiment, said intrados extends at least as far as said keel line.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the intrados has a transverse inclination with respect to said horizontal plane at an angle of value between -40° and 40°, preferably at an angle of value of 0°.

[0021] According to one embodiment, each of said front surfaces comprises - an extrados extending superiorly from said leading edge to said trailing edge, - said extrados forming with said intrados a hydrodynamic, in particular aerodynamic, lifting surface.

[0022] According to one embodiment, at the level of said stern of said at least one hull, a rear surface pair of similar shapes and extending symmetrically with respect to said at least one hull.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the maritime vessel comprises a single hull; said at least one pair of forward surfaces extends on either side of the right and left sides of said single hull.

[0024] Preferably, such a maritime craft is designed to generate ground effect, of the flying boat type, equipped with aerodynamic sails in the form of at least one pair of wings. Furthermore, the submerged lifting surfaces positioned under the wings have an upper surface with an aerodynamic profile that improves efficiency. Indeed, combined with the inclined shape of the hull, the profiles create a fluid flow path, both for water during planing and for air during flight, which contributes to the lifting and lifting of the hull out of the water. Furthermore, the underside of the submerged lifting surfaces and their angle, as well as their integration into the hull, provide increased and necessary resistance during deceleration and refloating, particularly during water landings. These surfaces contribute to protecting the hull against impacts and also act as a hydrodynamic brake to slow the vessel during water landing.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the maritime craft is a ground-effect, flying-boat type craft, and it comprises - a propulsion system generating a thrust force; - a sail forming an emerged aerodynamic lift and provided with at least one pair of wings extending symmetrically on either side of the right and left sides of said hull, with proximal ends connected to said hull along said horizontal plane.

[0026] According to additional, non-limiting features, said at least one pair of forward surfaces is located under said at least one pair of wings.

[0027] According to one embodiment, said sea craft comprises a pair of forward wings and a pair of rear wings, having their distal ends connected by a lateral joining plate extending at least below the median planes of each of the corresponding wings; said at least one forward surface frame being located below said pair of forward wings. (resumption of the characteristics of dependent claims). Presentation of the drawings

[0028] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0029] [Fig. 1] schematically represents a three-quarter front perspective view of an embodiment of a monohull boat, equipped with a pair of submerged forward lifting surfaces;

[0030] [Fig.2] schematically represents a perspective view from below of [Fig.1], highlighting in particular the positioning of the forward surfaces under a plane parallel to the waterline and with a leading edge in front of a vertical axis modeling the center of gravity of the boat;

[0031] [Fig.3] schematically represents a view similar to [Fig.2] of another embodiment, showing in particular the forward surfaces extending towards the stern to a low point of the keel of said hull;

[0032] [Fig.4] schematically represents a view along a vertical section along a vertical plane passing through the center of gravity of a first embodiment of the monohull boat, highlighting in particular a portion of the inclined section of said hull at an angle greater than 40°;

[0033] [Fig.5] schematically represents a view along a vertical section similar to [Fig.4] of a second embodiment of the monohull boat, highlighting in particular a portion of the inclined section of said hull at an angle greater than 60°;

[0034] [Fig.6] schematically represents front views of different embodiments of the boat, showing in particular several hull variants, with different placements of one or more pairs of forward surfaces;

[0035] [Fig.8] schematically represents a front view of an embodiment of a monohull boat, highlighting in particular the transverse inclination of the intrados of the forward surfaces at an angle extending horizontally;

[0036] [Fig.9] schematically represents a view similar to [Fig.8] of another embodiment, highlighting in particular an intrados with a transverse inclination at an angle of the arrow plunging towards the keel;

[0037] [Fig. 10] schematically represents a perspective view of an embodiment of a front surface, mounted on a side wall of said hull;

[0038] [Fig. 11] schematically represents a side view of an embodiment of a submerged front load-bearing surface, showing in particular a profile with an intrados forming a flat lower surface, with a longitudinal inclination according to a shim angle, as well as an extrados forming a top surface with a rounded and convex front profile;

[0039] [Fig. 12] schematically represents a top view of a pair of separate front surfaces, highlighting in particular the symmetry on either side of the hull;

[0040] [Fig. 13] schematically represents a front view of several embodiments of the front surface, showing in particular several dihedral angles of said front surface with respect to a vertical plane;

[0041] [Fig. 14] schematically represents a profile view of an embodiment of a monohull ground-effect craft, with two pairs of front and rear wings, the hull of said craft being equipped with front surfaces positioned under the front wings and rear surfaces positioned under the rear wings;

[0042] [Fig. 15] schematically represents a three-quarter front and top perspective view of an embodiment of a ground-effect sea craft, with a monohull on which a pair of wings are attached;

[0043] [Fig. 16] schematically represents a three-quarter front and top perspective view of an embodiment of a ground-effect marine craft, with a monohull on which are attached two pairs of wings, front and rear, with distal ends on each side connected by lateral joining plates;

[0044] [Fig. 17] schematically represents a top perspective view of another embodiment of a ground-effect marine craft, showing in particular;

[0045] [Fig. 18] schematically represents a perspective view from below of [Fig. 17], showing in particular pairs of submerged lifting surfaces located at the front and rear respectively under the front and rear wings. Detailed description

[0046] The present invention falls within the field of maritime navigation and relates to a maritime vessel 1, hereinafter referred to as "vessel 1".

[0047] Such a vessel 1 comprises at least one hull 2. According to one embodiment, boat 1 is monohull and comprises a single hull 2. According to another embodiment, the vessel 1 is provided as a multihull, comprising at least two hulls 2, connected superiorly to each other. Several non-exhaustive possibilities of boats 1 with one or more hulls 2 are represented on [Fig.3]. Thereafter, unless otherwise specified, the description considers a shell 2, encompassing the possibility of one or more shells 2.

[0048] Further on, said at least one hull 2 ​​is provided with a plane AA' extending longitudinally and parallel above a waterline. Said plane AA' may also be confused with said waterline. It should be noted that the waterline is defined as the waterline when the vessel 1 is afloat at rest, with its mass evenly distributed with respect to the buoyant force exerted on its partially submerged hull(s) 2, and on a calm water surface, free from swell or waves, i.e., essentially flat. Therefore, the plane AA' extends horizontally or substantially horizontally.

[0049] Furthermore, said hull 2 ​​is provided with at least two lateral walls 20 forming a hull below said waterline, namely below said plane A-A'. These lateral walls 20 are joined below at the level of a keel line 21 extending to a rear extremity, forming a stern 22. On the other side, at the bow 23, said at least two lateral walls 20 extend frontally to a junction forming a stem 24. Thus, the 20 contiguous side walls delimit an interior volume, ensuring at least in part the buoyancy of the vessel 1.

[0050] Such a vessel 1 further comprises a center of gravity. This center of gravity depends on the mass of the vessel 1 and the distribution of its load on board. This center of gravity defines a center of equilibrium, around which the vessel 1 pitches, particularly during planing and landing. In the corresponding figures, the said center of gravity is modeled by an axis BB' extending vertically.

[0051] According to the invention, the boat 1 comprises at least one pair of forward surfaces 3 intended to be lifting and submerged. The submerged aspect of the forward surfaces 3 is understood with regard to said waterline, namely that said forward surfaces 3 are located below said waterline when the vessel 1 is afloat and stationary, or at low speed of advance. Furthermore, the lift of the forward surfaces 3 is hydrodynamic and / or aerodynamic, namely that the configuration of said forward surfaces 3 generates an upward force, during the flow of a fluid, respectively water and / or air, along said surfaces 3 before.

[0052] Further on, the forward surfaces 3 are of similar shape, namely that they have the same geometric profile. Such forward surfaces 3 extend symmetrically under said plane A-A', in particular horizontal. This symmetry is understood with respect to a vertical median plane CC of the craft 1, in particular a longitudinal median plane passing through the axis BB' of said center of gravity or through each of the longitudinal median planes of each of said hulls 2. In particular, in the case of a single hull 2, two forward surfaces 3 are symmetrical on each side, port and starboard. In the case of two hulls 2, two forward surfaces 3 are symmetrical with respect to the port and starboard sides of each of said two hulls 2. Thus, two forward surfaces 3 are understood as a symmetrical pair with respect to the two sides of a single hull 2, or a symmetrical pair with respect to the opposite port and starboard sides of two hulls 2, or even more. Various non-limiting configurations of the forward surfaces 3 integrated into boats 1 with one or more hulls 2 are represented in [Fig.3].

[0053] In addition, the symmetry corresponds to identical vertical and longitudinal positions for each front surface 3 of the same pair. In particular, the forward surfaces 3 include a leading edge 30, namely an edge located on the side of the bow 23. Furthermore, this leading edge 30 is located frontally with respect to the center of gravity. Consequently, the profile of the forward surfaces 3 induces pitching during the forward movement of the craft 1, due to the tilting motion that raises the bow 23.

[0054] Advantageously, said forward surfaces 3 project beyond said at least one hull 2, namely, they extend beyond each lateral wall 20. Furthermore, this projecting aspect is understood in the sense that the forward surfaces 3 are integrated into the hull 2, directly providing lift, particularly due to the geometric profile of said forward surfaces 3, but also in combination with the flow along said lateral walls 20. In other words, the proximal end of each of the forward surfaces 3, intended to provide lift, is directly connected to the hull 2, without an intermediary (i.e., without a mast serving as an offset, as in the case of a foil or a hydroski).

[0055] Advantageously, the invention provides that at least one hull 2 ​​of said vessel 1 has inclined sections converging from said horizontal plane AA' towards the keel line 21 and towards the stem 24. In other words, the hull 2 ​​has a geometric configuration with V-shaped lateral walls 20. This geometric configuration is commonly referred to as a "deep V," like the hulls 2 known as "breakwaters," "wave-piercing," or "wave-drilling." This V-shape of hull 2 ​​provides low resistance to forward motion and wave action, with good speed stability, particularly at high speeds, above 50 km / h, and preferably above 100 km / h. However, this V-shape results in a greater insertion depth of hull 2 ​​underwater and a higher draft for the same waterline height. This V-shape also limits the pitching of vessel 1, especially when planing.

[0056] Therefore, each of the forward surfaces 3 presents its leading edge 30 along a portion 200 of said inclined section, namely that each forward surface 3 is specifically positioned at a height relative to said hull 2, so as to ensure optimized hydrodynamic and aerodynamic flow between the lateral wall 20 and the walls of the forward surface 3. This positioning of the surfaces 3 makes it possible, in particular, to compensate for the pitching limitation conferred by the V-shape of the hull 2 ​​and to improve planing, as will be seen later.

[0057] In particular, said portion 200 has an inclination at an angle 201 of at least 40° with respect to said horizontal plane A-A'. In other words, the horizontal plane AA' serves as a reference for an angle value of 0° and, along a vertical cutting plane passing through the leading edge 30, the portion 200 extends along the lateral wall 20 below a point through which passes a tangent forming with said horizontal plane AA' said angle 201. Preferably, the said value of angle 201 is greater than 60°. Fig. 4 shows a shell 2 with an inclination at an angle of 40°, delimiting a portion 200 extending over a majority of the height of the lateral walls 20, while Fig. 5 shows an inclination at an angle of 60°, delimiting a portion 200 extending lower down over only part of the height of the lateral walls 20.

[0058] Preferably, said portion 200 extends into the lower third of said hull 2.

[0059] Each forward surface 3 therefore has its leading edge 3 located within said portion 200.

[0060] Further on, according to one embodiment, each of said surfaces 3 forward of said at least one pair has a trailing edge 31, namely an edge located at the rear or towards the stern 24. Such a trailing edge 31 may be located in front of or behind the center of gravity, preferably behind said center of gravity; each surface 3 then extends from the front towards the rear of the hull 2 ​​of the boat 1 by crossing the vertical plane BB' passing through said center of gravity, as seen in Figures 2 and 3.

[0061] Furthermore, said trailing edge 31 forms with said leading edge 30 a longitudinal trajectory inclined with respect to said horizontal plane AA' at an angle 300 of a value between 1° and 10°. In other words, a plane passing through the leading edge 30 and the trailing edge 31 is inclined within a determined angular range. Furthermore, the inclination is understood to mean that the leading edge 30 is located higher than the trailing edge 31, namely that the trajectory between the two has a decreasing inclination from the bow 23 towards the stern 24.

[0062] According to one embodiment, each of said front surfaces 3 comprises an intrados 32 extending downwards from said leading edge 30 to trailing edge 31. This intrados 32 thus connects the front and rear edges of each surface 3 from below. Furthermore, the lower surface 32 forms a hydrodynamic sliding surface. In other words, the lower face formed by the lower surface 32 ensures the flow of water as the craft 1 moves forward, and the inclination of the forward surface 3 generates a vertical thrust, providing hydrodynamic lift that raises the hull 2 ​​upwards. Moreover, once the hull 2 ​​is sufficiently raised, when the leading edge 30 is out of the water, the lower surface 32 forms a sliding surface on the water, similar to a hydroski.

[0063] According to various embodiments, the intrados 32 can have any shape, preferably a planar or flat shape. Said intrados 32 can also have a convex or domed shape, or conversely, a concave or concave shape. The intrados 32 can have a rounded or segmented (i.e., polygonal) surface.

[0064] According to one embodiment, said intrados 32 extends at least as far as said keel line 21. In other words, the trailing edge 31 is located along a horizontal plane passing through the keel line 21, or below this plane. Preferably, the intrados 32 extends to the keel line 21, without extending below it. This configuration of the intrados 32 is notably visible in Figures 3 to 5. According to an alternative embodiment, as seen in [Fig. 2], the intrados 32 ends before the keel line 21, namely that its trailing edge 32 is located above it.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the intrados 32 has a transverse inclination with respect to the horizontal plane AA' at an angle 301 with a value between -40° and 40°, preferably at an angle 301 with a value of 0°. In other words, the plane passing through the intrados 32 is inclined with respect to the horizontal, upwards or downwards, within an angular range of 40° around the horizontal. In short, this inclination determines a dihedral angle of each forward surface 3. Figure 8 shows, in particular, such an angular range, with a horizontal intrados 32 at an angle of 0°, while Figure 9 shows an intrados 32 inclined downwards within said angular range.

[0066] It will be noted that these figures 8 and 9 show an embodiment with a hull 2 ​​equipped with a flap 25, in the upper part of the bow 24. This flap 25 forms a frontal deflector against spray, improving visibility from the deck.

[0067] Further on, according to one embodiment, each of said forward surfaces 3 comprises an extrados 33 extending superiorly from said leading edge 30 towards said trailing edge 31. Depending on the embodiment, the extrados 33 can have any shape, namely planar or flat, but preferably convex or domed, or conversely concave or concave. The intrados 32 can have a surface that is preferably rounded or segmented (i.e., polygonal). Figure 11 shows an extrados 33 with a rounded, domed convex shape at the leading edge 30, then extending in a planar and linear fashion to the trailing edge 31. Furthermore, said extrados 33 forms with said intrados 32 a hydrodynamic lifting surface, promoting the flow of water during forward movement when the front surface 3 is immersed. Furthermore, the upper surface 33 can form an aerodynamic lifting surface with the lower surface 32, promoting airflow during forward movement when the forward surface 3 is fully or partially above the surface. In this case, the rounded and convex shape of the upper surface 33 provides characteristics similar to the profile of an aircraft wing.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the boat 1 comprises only forward surfaces 3, as seen in figures 1 to 3. According to another embodiment, the craft 1 comprises, at the stern 22 of at least one hull 2, a pair of aft surfaces 4 of similar shape and extending symmetrically with respect to at least one hull 2. Such aft surfaces 4 act as buffers, notably resisting impact during a water landing, but also ensuring the stability of the craft 1, particularly for controlling roll and pitch, until the forward surfaces 3 come into contact with the water surface as the hull 2 ​​submerges. The aft surfaces 3, integrated into the hull 2, distribute the forces and stresses, dissipating energy at the moment of water landing since they are the first to come into contact with the water.

[0069] According to different corresponding embodiments, each rear surface 4 has one and / or the other of the characteristics of each front surface 3, in particular the profile or geometry (with the exception of the position relative to the center of gravity).

[0070] According to one embodiment, the invention provides for an interaction between the forward surfaces 3 and the stern 22 of the craft 1, in particular with the aft surfaces 4. More specifically, the trailing edge 31 of the forward surfaces 3 forms a specific angle with the stern 22, ensuring in particular a specific pitch to facilitate the lifting of the hull 2, particularly during planing, but also during water landing.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the vessel 1 comprises a single hull 2. Therefore, at least one pair of forward surfaces 3 extends on either side of the right and left sides of said single hull 2. Several examples of hull 2 ​​configurations and the placement of a pair of forward surfaces 3 are shown in the first three drawings of [Fig. 6] (from top left); in particular, different possible profiles can be seen in a vertical cross-section of said hull 2. According to a corresponding embodiment, in the case of a single hull 2, the pair of aft surfaces 4 also extends on either side of the right and left sides of said single hull 2. The fourth drawing of [Fig. 6] shows an example of the configuration of these surfaces 3, 4.

[0072] As mentioned previously, according to other embodiments, the vessel 1 can be multihulled. Each of the hulls 2 then comprises forward surfaces 3 and / or aft surfaces 4. The other drawings in [Fig.6] correspond to different examples of configurations and placements of the front surfaces 3 and / or the rear surfaces 4, in relation to each of the said shells 2.

[0073] Finally, [Fig.6] highlights the implantation according to a symmetry of the front surfaces 3 and / or the rear surfaces 4, with respect to the vertical median plane CC of the boat 1, namely the plane CC of said hull 2 ​​alone or the plane CC passing through the center of the boat 1.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the maritime vessel is designed to have ground effect and is of the flying boat type. To achieve this, vessel 1 includes a propulsion system that generates thrust. In addition, vessel 1 includes a sail that provides aerodynamic lift. In other words, this sail is located above the waterline and is always above water. Further on, said sail is provided with at least one pair of wings 5 ​​extending symmetrically on either side of the right and left sides of said hull 2, with proximal ends connected to said hull 2 ​​along said horizontal plane AA'.

[0075] Figure 15 shows an example of a craft 1 equipped with a single pair tandem wings, category A.

[0076] According to one embodiment, said at least one pair of forward surfaces 3 is located under said at least one pair 5 of wings.

[0077] According to another embodiment, as shown in Figures 16 to 18, the craft 1 comprises a pair of forward wings 50 and a pair of rear wings 51. Therefore, since at least one forward surface pair is located under said pair of forward wings, at least one forward surface pair 3 is located under said pair of forward wings 50. In the corresponding embodiment, the rear pair of surfaces 4 is then located under the rear wings 51, as seen in figures 14 and 18.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the front wings 50 and the rear wings 51 may have their distal ends connected by a lateral joining plate 52 extending at least below the median planes of each of the corresponding wings 50, 51. Preferably, each plate 52 extends above and below each of the wings 50, 51. Furthermore, said at least one pair of forward surfaces 3 is located under said pair of forward wings 50. In the corresponding embodiment, the rear pair of surfaces 4 is then located under the rear wings 51, as seen in figures 14 and 18.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the plates 52 may include floats 520, ensuring the stability and buoyancy of the boat 1, in particular when stopped or at low speed, but also during maneuvers, for example when turning.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the vessel 1 has a structure provided with various aerodynamic elements, necessary to ensure its movements and maneuvers. In particular, craft 1 comprises a hull equipped with a cockpit and a pilot's position; said hull being able to form a fuselage formed at least in its lower part by said at least one hull 2. In addition, craft 1 may also include at least one fin with at least one rudder, while the sail, namely the forward wings 50 and / or the rear wings 51, may be equipped with flaps and / or ailerons. In addition, vessel 1 carries equipment dedicated to its control and maneuvers, such as avionics.

Claims

Demands

1. Maritime craft (1), comprising - at least one hull (2), provided with i) a horizontal plane (A-A') extending longitudinally and parallel above a waterline, ii) at least two (20) side walls forming a hull below said waterline and joined below at the level of a keel line (21) extending to a rear extremity, forming a stern (22), said at least two side walls (20) extending further frontally to a junction forming a stem (24), - a center of gravity; - at least one pair of forward-planned load-bearing and submerged surfaces (3): j) of similar shapes and extending symmetrically under said horizontal plane (A-A') projecting from said at least one hull (2), jj) with a leading edge (30) situated frontally with respect to said centre of gravity;said vessel (1) being characterized in that - said at least one hull (2) has inclined sections converging from said horizontal plane (A-A') towards the keel line (21) and towards the stem (24); - each of the forward surfaces (3) has its leading edge (30) along a portion of said inclined section, said portion having an inclination at an angle of at least 40° with respect to said horizontal plane (A-A').

2. Maritime craft (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that - each of said surfaces (3) forward of said at least one frame has a trailing edge (31), forming with said leading edge (30) a longitudinal trajectory inclined with respect to said horizontal plane (A-A') at an angle (300) of a value between 1° and 10°.

3. A marine vessel (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of said forward surfaces (3) comprises - an intrados (32) extending inferiorly from said leading edge (30) to a trailing edge (31), - said intrados (32) forming a lower hydrodynamic sliding surface.

4. Sea craft (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that - said intrados (32) extends at least to said keel line (21).

5. Sea craft (1) according to any one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that - the intrados (32) has a transverse inclination with respect to said horizontal plane at an angle (301) of a value between -40° and 40°, preferably at an angle (301) of a value of 0°.

6. Maritime craft (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized that each of said forward surfaces (3) comprises - an extrados (33) extending superiorly from said leading edge (30) to said trailing edge (31), - said extrados (33) forming with said intrados (32) a hydrodynamic, in particular aerodynamic, lifting surface.

7. A marine vessel (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises - at the level of said stern (22) of said at least one hull (2), a rear surface pair (4) of similar shape and extending symmetrically with respect to said at least one hull (2).

8. A marine vessel (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - it comprises a single hull (2); - said at least one pair of forward surfaces (3) extends on either side of the right and left sides of said single hull (2).

9. A maritime craft (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is ground effect, of the flying boat type, and comprises - a propulsion system generating a thrust force; - a wing forming an emerged aerodynamic lift and provided with at least one pair (5) of wings extending symmetrically on either side of the right and left sides of said hull (2), with proximal ends connected to said hull (2) along said horizontal plane (A-A').

10. Sea craft (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that - said at least one pair (3) of forward surfaces is situated under said at least one pair of wings (5).

11. A marine craft (1) according to any one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that it comprises - a pair of forward wings (50) and a pair of rear wings (51), having their distal ends connected by a lateral joining plate (52) extending at least below the median planes of each of the corresponding wings (50,51); - said at least one forward surface frame (3) being situated below said pair of forward wings (50).

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