Hybrid air boost vehicle and method for making same
First Claim
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1. A surface effects vehicle, comprising:
- a vehicle;
means for reducing aerodynamic drag on the vehicle; and
means for applying a lifting force to the vehicle, the means for applying a lifting force to the vehicle being operatively connected to the means for reducing aerodynamic drag on the vehicle through shared use of hardware, energy, and air.
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Abstract
A hybrid air boost vehicle makes use of the porous panels and suction devices of a vehicle aerodynamic drag reduction system, and makes use of the air consumed by such a system, to provide the energy and air to power a land or water based ground effects vehicle. Energy and air consumed by the suction system, and normally wasted, is recycled by providing an air cushion to partially support the vehicle. The entire hybrid air boost vehicle system is more efficient than either a drag reduction system or a ground effects vehicle alone, and the benefits of both are realized, as well as benefits unique to the hybrid vehicle.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A surface effects vehicle, comprising:
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a vehicle;
means for reducing aerodynamic drag on the vehicle; and
means for applying a lifting force to the vehicle, the means for applying a lifting force to the vehicle being operatively connected to the means for reducing aerodynamic drag on the vehicle through shared use of hardware, energy, and air. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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12. A method for making a surface effects vehicle, which comprises the steps of:
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attaching a perforated panel to a vehicle to improve its aerodynamic contour;
sealably attaching a skirt to a lower perimeter of the vehicle, such that the skirt is configured to substantially surround the lower perimeter of the vehicle, extending downwardly from the lower perimeter of the vehicle to a surface below the vehicle, such that air can be substantially contained by an underside of the vehicle, the sealably attached skirt substantially surrounding the lower perimeter of the vehicle, and the surface below the vehicle;
suctioning air through the perforated panel to reduce aerodynamic drag on the vehicle;
transferring the air suctioned through the perforated panel to a volume substantially enclosed by an underside of the vehicle, the sealably attached skirt substantially surrounding a lower perimeter of the vehicle, and a surface below the vehicle, to create a cushion of air within the substantially enclosed volume, configured to apply a force to the underside of the vehicle at least sufficient to partially lift the vehicle; and
controlling the transfer of air suctioned through the perforated panel to the substantially enclosed volume, such that a force applied to the underside of the vehicle by the cushion of air may be modified as desired.
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Specification