In the naval architecture terminology, the term ACV (Air Cushion Vehicle) refers to this category of vehicles, in which a significant portion of the weight (or all the weight) is supported by forces arising from air pressures developed around the craft, as a result of which they hover in close proximity to the sea. Major types are hovercrafts and SES (Surface Effect Ships). A well-designed Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV) is superior to a conventional ship, because it has less drag and requires less horsepower to operate at the same speed. An ACV is much more fuel-efficient than a ship with similar capacity or size. Rising fuel prices and shortages will make ACVs a desirable form of transportation in the future. In order to cover this future trend in marine transportation, a MathCAD model for the estimation of the main characteristics of Air Cushion Vehicles in the preliminary design stage is being developed. This model is based on a statistical analysis of the various parameters of existing crafts. For this reason, a statistical database has been created using publicly available information. A regression analysis has been performed using the data collected and the trend lines for every case have been derived.
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