An improved multi-hull gas cushion supported vehicle that is, in its preferred embodiment, capable of transition to air-borne ground effect operation is presented. This vehicle, normally a marine vehicle known as SeaCoaster, has optional elongated knife shaped bows that slice into waves, fine entry bows and low angle of divergence sidekeels, water rejecting steps that extend high onto the sidehulls, and retractable water stabilizer to insure optimum performance in heavy seas. The Retractable water stabilizers are preferbably in the form of inverted-T hydrofoils and/or small boat shaped members. Several variations of hydrofoil configurations are presented. It also has special, normally inverted-V shaped, gas cushion and wetdeck aft seals to insure minimum effect of wave impacts in those areas. The gas pressurization system normally includes powered blowers where a flap-like sealing device can be installed to seal gas leakage. This allows a gas pressurizing blower to either maintain cushion gas pressure for minimum draft or evacuate the gas cushion from minimum above water profile. The latter is valuable for patrol boat applications where a minimum radar signature is desired. Connecting ducts between gas cushions can include venturi's that restrict pressure pulses in one gas cushion from traveling to another gas cushion. Retractable or fixed sidewings are optionally proposed to add aerodynamic lift when SeaCoaster is airborne. These sidewings may include outrigger hulls for added stability and improved aerodynamic efficiencies.

A monohull marine platform is provided which includes a plurality of bows each having a flat lower keel. A transverse stern seal is connected to the bows using an inclined lift surface and a pair of outboard seals forming an air chamber. Pressurized air is forced into the air chamber to form a pressurized air cushion under the platform. Respective water flow channels disposed between each pair of the plurality of bows diminish wave energy during operation. As the platform passes through the water, the platform utilizes a combination of flotation, pneumatic, and hydrodynamic for reduced resistant and drag.

An improved marine vehicle that offers very high efficiencies made possible by pressurized gas cushion(s) disposed between its hull(s) and a water surface is presented. The gas cushion(s), in the ideal arrangement, is supplied with pressurized gas by a powered blower that obtains at least part of its inlet gas flow from an opening(s) in upper surfaces of a wing shaped cabin structure. In an optional arrangement, gas supply to a propulsion system engine can be obtained from similar opening(s). A secondary wing may be placed above the main wing to help direct airflow over the upper surfaces of the main wing. A gas cushion seal is provided that has the ability to control gas flow and thereby reduce blower power requirements. Further, steps may be inset into the sides of the hull(s) that reduce drag in rough seas but yet are protected by hull chines when the hull is transitioning into planing mode.

A deep-V hull configuration for a surface effect ship (SES) that utilizes a cushion of pressurized air and improves the handling characteristics and efficiency of the vessel is provided by the present invention. The surface effect vessel has an air cushion recess for containing the pressurized cushion of air that has a sloped transition area on a bow side edge. Water redirecting structures on the deep-V hull direct a turbulent water flow toward blow through areas of the air cushion recess and, thus, prevent air from escaping from the air cushion recess. Multiple longitudinal and transverse air compartments are formed in the air cushion recess. Specialized separation portions provide for restricted air communication between the multiple air compartments. Air is introduced into the multiple air compartments at independently adjustable pressures to facilitate turning and to adjust for various operating conditions. Specialized drive shafts and prop configurations are further utilized to improve the functioning of the surface effect vessel. The present invention may be utilized for fast marine transportation as well as various military applications.

A high-speed marine vessel, the weight of which is supported by a combination of hull elements including planing surfaces, displacing volumes, air cushions, and, at high speeds, also surfaces that are affected by aerostatic and aerodynamic pressure. The size and arrangement of the hull elements are designed to achieve a larger effect for respective lifting and motion damping properties in order to give the vessel advantageous characteristics of speed, resistance, and behavior in waves.