Design of a Remotely Controlled Hovercraft Vehicle for Spill Reconnaissance

摘要

This program was undertaken to prepare a conceptual design for a practical prototype of a remotely-controlled reconnaissance vehicle for use in hazardous material spill environment. Data from past hazardous material spills were analyzed to determine the type of vehicle best suited for the reconnaissance duty and the vehicle's performance standards. Based on the environmental conditions present at a 'typical spill', the desired vehicle capabilities, and the level of operated skill that could reasonably be expected, the vehicle selected was a ground effect machine or hovercraft. A skirted hovercraft design was chosen over a peripheral-jet design because of power requirements.