Developments in Hovercraft Skirt Systems and Materials - (PPT)

摘要

The skirt system was developed to make the amphibious hovercraft into a viable marine vehicle. Despite 40 years of development, skirt systems still required further refinement to improve rough weather performance, reduce first cost and to minimise the cost of maintenance. Increasing cushion depths is still the proven route to better rough weather performance and habitability. The US navy is leading the way in this area. The main area of effort in reducing maintenance costs is the improvement of skirt (particularly finger/segment) materials. The simplified loop and segment skirt design has provided a lower first cost option for smaller craft and the size range is increasing.