Title: Slantback, compliant surface effect vehicle skirt

Abstract: The skirt of a surface effects vehicle is made up of a plurality of oblong lements which are slanted toward the stern of the vessel. Each element partially rests against and/or supports the adjacent elements. This configuration reduces skirt drag, cushion leakage, skirt wear, as well as reducing the impact forces transmitted to the vehicle itself and increases obstacle heights which can be successfully crossed.

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Inventors: Brooks, Jr., Eugene N. (Sterling, VA, US)
Ford, Allen G. (Rockville, MD, US)

Application Number: 479740
Filing Date: 1974-06-17
Publication_date: 1976-03-30
Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy (Washington, DC)
Primary Class(es): 180/128 180/121
Other Classes:
US Patent Ref:

3297102	Jan, 1967	Cockerell	180/127.
3362499	Jan, 1968	Tripp	180/121.
3362500	Jan, 1968	Bliss	180/128.
3382945	May, 1968	Bertin et al.	180/121.
3420330	Jan, 1969	Bliss	180/121.
3515238	Jun, 1970	Knuth et al.	180/121.
3770079	Nov, 1973	Wheeler et al.	180/127.

Other Refs: 203,252

Mar, 1966	SW

Primary Examiner: Betts, Kenneth H.
Assistant Examiner:
Attorney: Sciascia; R. S., Hodges; Q. E., McGiehan; D