Waterjet propulsion and steering for ship - with array of jets under hull for balanced thrust and damping of rolling

摘要

The underside of the hull is fitted with a pattern of plates each with an array of slanted holes (14) which direct water jets downwards at an angle under the hull. The combined thrust of the array drives the ship. Steering is effected by altering the thrust distribution of the array. The system dispenses with the screw, and its inherent vibrations and wash. Accurate steering is obtained even at low speeds, such as in port, by having special steering jets at different angles fore and aft. The jets can also be supplied with compressed air or water and air mixtures. Differential thrust control can be used to counteract rolling.