Marine craft, preferably a ground-effect craft of the flying-boat type

Abstract

The present invention relates to a marine craft (1), in particular a ground-effect craft, comprising: at least one hull (2) provided with two (20) lateral walls which form a submerged part of the vessel and are joined below at a centre line (21); a centre of gravity; and at least one pair of submerged front bearing surfaces (3) which have similar shapes and extend symmetrically so as to project with respect to the at least one hull (2), with a leading edge (30) located frontally with respect to the centre of gravity; the at least one hull (2) having inclined sections which converge from the horizontal plane (A-A') towards the centre line (21) and towards the stem (24) and each of the front surfaces (3) has its leading edge (30) along a portion of the inclined section, the portion having an inclination at an angle of at least 40°.

Description

[0001] MARITIME CRAFT, PREFERABLY A GROUND-EFFECT CRAFT OF THE FLYING BOAT TYPE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention falls within the field of maritime navigation.

[0004] 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 or an ocean, or even a lake.

[0005] More specifically, the invention relates to a sea 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 further reduced.

[0006] Furthermore, when completely lifted out of the water, the boat is then able to plane and land on the water.

[0007] Preferably, the invention will find an application that is in no way limiting, when such a craft generates an aerodynamic ground effect phenomenon, in order to maintain itself in 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").

[0008] To impart such a ground effect to the vessel, the hull must be equipped with one or more aerodynamic lifting surfaces, generally in the form of an aerodynamic sail with at least one pair of wings extending laterally on either side of the hull in a nearly horizontal plane. These wings then form a virtual nozzle with the water surface at their lower end, increasing aerodynamic performance.

[0009] 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.

[0010] In the specific case of two pairs of wings, one at the front and one at the rear, designed to increase aerodynamic lift, lateral plates connect the tips of the front and rear wings on each side. These plates protect each rear wing from the effects of the vortices generated by the front wing, which would be detrimental to the aerodynamics of the rear wings. Furthermore, it should be noted that a ground-effect flying craft can raise its hull to a limited height, up to a few meters above the water, on the order of 10% to 20% of the craft's length.

[0011] This ground-effect craft is then akin to a "flying boat".

[0012] STATE OF THE ART

[0013] Commonly, to raise the hull of a maritime 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".

[0014] 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 this mast, each foil comprises submerged wings whose geometry and profile provide the hydrodynamic lift required to raise the 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 perpendicularly or at an angle to the mast. One or more foils may 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 underway and thus reducing the hull's draft, proportionally decreasing the vessel's resistance to forward motion.

[0015] A major drawback of foils is their high sensitivity to immersion and waves, which alters the hydrodynamic lift and balance of the vessel. They are also susceptible to cavitation above a certain speed, significantly impacting their performance and compromising their structural integrity. Furthermore, while underway, the vessel experiences 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.

[0016] Preferably, in the case of a ground effect craft, an existing solution consists of retractable foils, in order to allow flight without risk and with the required performance.

[0017] 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 the waterline. The hydroskis thus provide a friction and sliding surface, facilitating the lifting and even planing of the vessel. However, they limit the hull's lift because they must remain in constant contact with the water. Furthermore, for a foiling vessel or if the boat takes off upon impact with a wave, the foils and hydroskis create resistant surfaces upon landing. In the case of retractable hydroskis or foils, their mechanical resistance is therefore reduced, which remains problematic.

[0018] Furthermore, while foils offer an instantaneous hydrodynamic response, they cause abrupt changes that are difficult to compensate for by piloting the boat.

[0019] 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.

[0020] A complementary solution lies in the geometry of the boat's hull, which can be shaped at the bow with a prominent, convex, or curved front section, featuring a vertical overhang that forms a step, similar to the "step" of a seaplane. The rounded shape combined with this step allows the boat to increase its heel angle, facilitating its lifting and even its planing, but considerably complicates the design and construction of the hull structure.

[0021] However, if walking increases pitching, especially during planing, it induces considerable drag, both hydrodynamic and aerodynamic.

[0022] Therefore, there is a major problem in developing a maritime vessel with submerged lifting surfaces that facilitate hull lifting, while ensuring the structural strength required for high speeds.

[0023] 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.

[0024] In addition, an additional difficulty arises from the irregularity of the water surface, due to waves, swell and chop that can hit the bow, generating brutal shocks, but above all risking destabilizing the boat and altering the desired ground effect.

[0025] Various types of boats, such as those described in documents W0 2023 / 087038 and US 2013 / 299632, are known to have foils or hydrofoils forming submerged lifting surfaces that extend laterally along the lower part of a hull shaped vertically in a V-shape but not horizontally, or convex or bulging outwards. Such a shape prevents these foils from having suitable hydrodynamic flow when the boats are gliding or planing on the water's surface.

[0026] Another known seaplane-type craft, as described in document WO 97 / 48586, has a convex hull that curves outwards, with lifting surfaces emerging from the water at the front, at the level of the fuselage nose. These emerging lifting surfaces are of the "canard wing" type, allowing for the management of aerodynamic flow to improve the pitch of this aircraft during takeoff and flight. As a result, the aircraft naturally tilts around its center of gravity with a decreasing slope from front to rear, raising the canard wings out of the water as well as the leading edges of the wings.

[0027] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] The invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of the state of the 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.

[0029] In addition, the hull is equipped with a keel inclined convergently from the waterline, essentially shaped in a V or deep V, in the manner of a breakwater or wave-piercing device, so as to form, with the submerged lifting surfaces, integrated into the hull in an inclined portion located below, 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.

[0030] 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 or deep V shape of the hull, this sliding underside provides improved hull penetration into the water surface, particularly swell, waves, and chop, while also ensuring the boat's stability during various maneuvers.

[0031] To achieve this, the ground-effect marine craft comprises at least one hull, provided with i) a horizontal plane extending longitudinally and parallel above a waterline, ii) 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 extremity, forming a stern, said at least two lateral walls extending further frontally to a junction forming a bow,

[0032] - a center of gravity;

[0033] - at least one pair of forward lifting and submerged surfaces: j) of similar shapes and extending symmetrically below said horizontal plane projecting from said at least one hull, jj) with a leading edge located frontally with respect to said center of gravity; said craft being characterized in that

[0034] - said at least one hull has inclined sections converging from said horizontal plane towards the keel line and towards the bow, forming said hull (2) into a deep V;

[0035] - each of the front surfaces presents its leading edge along a portion of said inclined section, said portion being located below and having an inclination at an angle of at least 40° with respect to said horizontal plane.

[0036] According to additional, non-limiting characteristics, each of said front surfaces of said at least one pair has a trailing edge, forming with said leading edge a longitudinal trajectory inclined with respect to said horizontal plane at an angle of a value between 1° and 10°.

[0037] According to one embodiment, each of said front surfaces comprises

[0038] - an intrados extending inferiorly from said leading edge to a trailing edge,

[0039] - said intrados forming a lower hydrodynamic sliding surface.

[0040] According to one embodiment, said intrados extends at least as far as said keel line.

[0041] 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°.

[0042] According to one embodiment, each of said front surfaces comprises

[0043] - an extrados extending superiorly from said leading edge towards said trailing edge, said extrados forming with said intrados a hydrodynamic, in particular aerodynamic, lifting surface.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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 beneath the wings have an upper surface with an aerodynamic profile that improves efficiency. Indeed, combined with the inclined shape of the hull, these profiles create a fluid flow path, both for water during planing and for air during flight, which contributes to the hull's lift and lift out of the water.

[0047] 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.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the maritime craft is a ground-effect vessel of the flying boat type, and it includes

[0049] - a propulsion system generating a thrust force;

[0050] - 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.

[0051] According to additional, non-limiting characteristics, said at least one pair of forward surfaces is located under said at least one pair of wings.

[0052] 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.

[0053] PRESENTATION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] 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:

[0055] [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;

[0056] [Fig. 2] schematically represents a perspective view from below of figure 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;

[0057] [Fig. 3] schematically represents a view similar to figure 2 of another embodiment, showing in particular the forward surfaces extending towards the stern to a low point of the keel of said hull;

[0058] [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°; [Fig. 5] schematically represents a view along a vertical section similar to Figure 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°;

[0059] [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;

[0060] [Fig. 7] schematically represents a profile view of an embodiment of a monohull boat, equipped with forward and aft surfaces, highlighting in particular, for said forward surfaces, the longitudinal inclination of the intrados according to a shim angle with respect to said horizontal plane, as well as the degree of inclination of the trailing edge with respect to the stern;

[0061] [Fig. 8] schematically represents a front view of one embodiment of a monohull boat, highlighting in particular the transverse inclination of the intrados of the forward surfaces at an angle extending horizontally;

[0062] [Fig. 9] schematically represents a view similar to figure 8 of another embodiment, highlighting in particular an intrados with a transverse inclination at an angle of the arrow plunging towards the keel;

[0063] [Fig. 10] schematically represents a perspective view of an embodiment of a front surface, mounted on a side wall of said hull;

[0064] [Fig. 1 1 ] 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;

[0065] [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;

[0066] [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;

[0067] [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;

[0068] [Fig. 15] schematically represents a three-quarter front and top perspective view of an embodiment of a ground-effect marine craft, with a monohull on which a pair of wings are attached; [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 two pairs of wings, front and rear, are attached, with distal ends on each side connected by lateral joining plates;

[0069] [Fig. 17] schematically represents a top perspective view of another embodiment of a ground-effect marine craft, showing in particular;

[0070] [Fig. 18] schematically represents a perspective view from below of figure 17, showing in particular pairs of submerged lifting surfaces located at the front and rear respectively under the front and rear wings.

[0071] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0072] The present invention falls within the field of maritime navigation and relates to a maritime vessel 1, hereinafter referred to as "vehicle 1".

[0073] Such a vessel 1 comprises at least one hull 2.

[0074] According to one embodiment, boat 1 is monohull and comprises a single hull 2.

[0075] According to another embodiment, the vessel 1 is provided as a multihull, comprising at least two hulls 2, connected superiorly to each other.

[0076] Several non-exhaustive possibilities of boats 1 with one or more hulls 2 are represented in figure 3.

[0077] Thereafter, unless otherwise specified, the description considers a shell 2, encompassing the possibility of one or more shells 2.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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 A-A' extends horizontally or substantially horizontally.

[0080] 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 end, 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.

[0081] Thus, the contiguous lateral walls 20 define an interior volume, ensuring at least part of the buoyancy of vessel 1. Such vessel 1 also includes a center of gravity. This center of gravity depends on the mass of vessel 1 and the distribution of its load on board. This center of gravity defines a center of equilibrium, around which vessel 1 pitches, particularly during planing and landing.

[0082] In the corresponding figures, the said center of gravity is modeled by an axis B-B' extending vertically.

[0083] According to the invention, the vessel 1 comprises at least one pair of forward surfaces 3 intended to be lifting and submerged.

[0084] 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.

[0085] In addition, the lift of the front surfaces 3 is hydrodynamic and / or aerodynamic, namely that the configuration of said front surfaces 3 generates an upward force, during the flow of a fluid, respectively water and / or air, along said front surfaces 3.

[0086] Further forward, 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] Various non-limiting configurations of the forward surfaces 3 integrated into boats 1 with one or more hulls 2 are shown in Figure 3.

[0089] Furthermore, symmetry corresponds to identical vertical and longitudinal positions for each of the 3 front surfaces of the same pair.

[0090] 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 of the bow 23.

[0091] Advantageously, the forward surfaces 3 project beyond 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 the forward surfaces 3, but also in combination with the flow along the lateral walls 20. In other words, the proximal end of each of the forward surfaces 3, designed to provide lift, is directly connected to the hull 2, without an intermediary (i.e., without a mast providing offset as in the case of a foil or a hydroski).

[0092] 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. Such a hull shape 2 is also called an "inverted hull." This geometric configuration is commonly referred to as a "deep V," like the hulls 2 known as "breakwaters," "wave-piercing," or "wave-drilling." In short, at the stem 24, the hull 2 ​​is generally shaped like an inverted tetrahedron with one edge facing forward, forming the stem line 24, and with one apex pointing downwards, constituting the end of the keel line 21.

[0093] Preferably, the bow of hull 2 ​​has flat or concave lateral walls 20 (i.e., curved inwards towards the hull 2), thus giving the bow of hull 2 ​​a characteristic tulip shape, like a clipper. This specific V or deep V shape prevents the bow of vessel 1 from burying itself, that is, from the bow 24 plowing into the waves as vessel 1 moves forward.

[0094] Such a V-shape or deep 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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, according to 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.

[0097] Preferably, the said value of angle 201 is greater than 60°.

[0098] Figure 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 Figure 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.

[0099] Therefore, the inclined portion 200 extends downwards, namely at least into the lower half of hull 2.

[0100] Preferably, said portion 200 extends into the lower third of said hull 2.

[0101] Each front surface 3 therefore presents its attack edge 3 located within said portion 200.

[0102] 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 craft 1 by crossing the vertical plane B-B' passing through said center of gravity, as seen in Figures 2 and 3.

[0103] 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°. Preferably, this angle of inclination has 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 with respect to a horizontal plane extending longitudinally.

[0104] Furthermore, the inclination is understood to mean that the leading edge 30 is located higher than the trailing edge 31, namely that the said trajectory between the two has a decreasing inclination from the bow 23 towards the stern 24.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] Depending on the specific embodiment, the intrados 32 can have any shape, preferably a planar or flat shape. This 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] Preferably, the intrados 32 extends to the keel line 21, without extending below it. This configuration of the intrados 32 is particularly visible in figures 3 to 5.

[0110] According to an alternative embodiment, as seen in figure 2, the intrados 32 ends before the keel line 21, namely that its trailing edge 32 is above.

[0111] 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.

[0112] It should 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] Depending on the embodiment, the upper surface 33 can have any shape, namely planar or flat, but preferably convex or domed, or conversely concave or concave. The lower surface 32 can have a surface that is preferably rounded or segmented (i.e., polygonal). Figure 11 shows an upper surface 33 with a rounded and domed convex shape at the leading edge 30, then extending in a planar and linear fashion to the trailing edge 31.

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] According to one embodiment, the boat 1 comprises only forward surfaces 3, as seen in figures 1 to 3.

[0118] 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 the 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.

[0119] 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).

[0120] According to one embodiment, the invention provides for an interaction between the forward surfaces 3 and the stern 22 of the craft 1, particularly 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.

[0121] According to one embodiment, the vessel 1 comprises a single hull 2. Therefore, said 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 ​​configuration and of the placement of a pair of forward surfaces 3 are shown in the first three drawings of Figure 6 (from top left); in particular, different possible profiles can be seen according to a vertical cross-section of said hull 2.

[0122] According to a corresponding embodiment, in the case of a single hull 2, the rear pair of surfaces 4 also extends on either side of the right and left sides of said single hull 2. The fourth drawing in Figure 6 shows an example of the configuration of these surfaces 3,4.

[0123] As mentioned previously, in other embodiments, vessel 1 can be multihulled. Each of the hulls 2 then comprises forward surfaces 3 and / or aft surfaces 4. The other drawings in Figure 6 correspond to different examples of configurations and placements of the forward surfaces 3 and / or aft surfaces 4, relative to each of the said hulls 2.

[0124] Finally, figure 6 highlights the symmetry of the front surfaces 3 and / or the rear surfaces 4, with respect to the vertical median CC plane of boat 1, namely the CC plane of said hull 2 ​​alone or the CC plane passing through the center of boat 1.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the maritime vessel 1 is designed to have a ground effect and is of the flying boat type.

[0126] 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.

[0127] 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'.

[0128] Figure 15 shows an example of a craft 1 equipped with a single pair of wings, of tandem type category A.

[0129] According to one embodiment, said at least one pair of forward surfaces 3 is located under said at least one pair 5 of wings.

[0130] According to another embodiment, as seen 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.

[0131] 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.

[0132] 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.

[0133] Furthermore, said at least one pair of forward surfaces 3 is located under said pair of forward wings 50.

[0134] 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.

[0135] In one embodiment, the plates 52 may include floats 520, ensuring the stability and buoyancy of the craft 1, particularly when stationary or at low speed, but also during maneuvers, for example, when turning. In another embodiment, the craft 1 has a structure equipped with various aerodynamic elements necessary to ensure its movement and maneuvers.

[0136] 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.

[0137] Furthermore, vessel 1 may also include at least one fin with at least one rudder, while the wing, 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 maneuvering, such as avionics.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Sea vessel (1), comprising - at least one hull (2), provided with i) a plan (AA 1 ) horizontal extending longitudinally and parallel above a waterline, ii) of at least two (20) lateral 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 lateral 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 plane (AA 1) horizontal projecting from said at least one hull (2), jj) with a leading edge (30) situated frontally with respect to said center of gravity; said craft (1) being characterized in that - said at least one hull (2) has inclined sections converging from said plane (AA 1 ) horizontal towards the keel line (21) and towards the bow (24), forming said hull (2) into a deep V; - each of the front surfaces (3) has its leading edge (30) along a portion of said inclined section, said portion being located below and having an inclination at an angle of at least 40° with respect to said plane (AA 1 ) horizontal.

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

3. A maritime 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 as far as said line (21) of keel.

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. A maritime craft (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in 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 maritime 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 shapes and extending symmetrically with respect to said at least one hull (2).

8. A maritime vessel (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized that - it comprises a single shell (2); - said at least one pair of surfaces (3) forward 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 emergent 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 plane (AA 1 ) horizontal. 18 10. Sea craft (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that - said at least one pair (3) of forward surfaces is located under said at least one pair of wings (5).

1. A maritime vessel (1) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that it comprises - a pair of front 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 pair (3) of forward surface being located under said pair of forward wings (50).

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