Method of reducing drag on ships hulls - layer of air around hull is formed from fresh air and air within layer

摘要

The hull used is of the conventional type unmodified in hydraulic design. The hull is surrounded underwater by a film of compressed air delivered from blowers mounted in the ship. Two blower systems are provided. One type of system aspires the air from atmosphere and discharges this air around the hull. The second system aspires the air from the air film around the hull and discharges it towards the rear of the hull and away from the keel. The power required to drive the blowers is less than the extra power required to drive the ship at the new maximum speed so that there is a net power saving.