Variable-geometry graduated surface-foil for wing-in-ground effect vehicles

Abstract

A new form of water plane interface device for maritime base ground effect craft that minimizes power requirements, automates wave action response, and controls flight attitude and altitude. A ground effect craft requiring no active aeronautical control surfaces, thus radically simplifying operation. Mounted to a high performance blended-wing lifting-body, having retractable, variable geometry, and graduated surface plane appendages which are shock dampened to enhance passenger comfort (FIG. 1; 13,15,16 ). Forward appendages (FIG. 1; 13 ) are independently operable and provide for coordinated bank turns, and powered lift assist during transition from water-to-air born operation. Aftermost appendage (FIG. 2,16 ) replaces conventional high drag horizontal tail surfaces and provides anti-blow over characteristics (FIG. 2;8 ). Utilizes conventional race boat type propulsion systems and rudder control (FIG. 26,7 ). A simple tail dragger plan form provides pilot-passive stability at operational speeds nearly as fast as a helicopter but as cheap to operate as an offshore powerboat.

1 ) Multiple said water-plane appendages extending below vessel body, forward of center of gravity; are independently hinged, deployable, and retractable as means to provide bank-turn ability.  
     
     
         2 ) Computer, manual, or hydraulically operated turn coordination device between said independently controlled forward foil geometry and aftermost water-rudder angle to provide auto coordination of bank turns with simple pilot activated steering input.  
     
     
         3 ) A rounded, circular plan form airfoil shape of blended wing lifting body for use in marine based ground effect craft provides improved lift and increased structural resistance to stresses of water born operation.  
     
     
         4 ) A machine design for smooth travel over rough water by means of hydraulic, mechanical, air, or sprung suspension system mounted to said pyramid shape water-plane appendages to reduce wave generated shock loads.  
     
     
         5 ) An aircraft style tail dragger plan form layout of water plane running gear including two forward water plane appendages forward of center of gravity and single aftermost water plane appendage extending below marine based ground effect craft to provide optimal stability throughout speed range and flight envelope.  
     
     
         6 ) A fixed or operable aftermost water plane appendage with reserve water plane area slightly above and behind normal cruise mode running surface to provide design integrated means of preventing vessel blow over at high speed. Said aftermost water plane appendage does not contribute hydrodynamic drag nor does it normally contact water surface while in high speed cruise mode. Said reserve water plane area automatically performs its anti blow over function as vessel's longitudinal attack angle exceeds design specification by a simple pivot motion of the vessel.  
     
     
         7 ) Said water plane appendages in pyramid/triangular shape extending below vessel body; fatter and thicker at its mounting root and or hinge point to provide improved structural design and graduated wave action response. Fatter and thicker at its root, skinnier and thinner at its tip to improve structural load distribution over existing art.  
     
     
         8 ) A multi-passenger crash-pod for marine based passenger carrying ground effect craft built to standard single passenger unlimited hydroplane crash-pod principles.  
     
     
         9 ) A marine based ground effect flight craft with said variable geometry water plane appendages and said anti blow-over device which self balances the craft while in high speed air born cruise over a variable sea state as a means to provide pilot passive control over lateral and horizontal pitch greatly simplifying construction and operation over existing art.  
     
     
         10 ) A marine based ground effect flight craft which due to the self-balancing action of said variable geometry graduated surface foil appendages and said anti blow over device which is self balancing and requires no active aeronautical control surfaces.