GB1033047A - Air cushion vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

1,033,047. Air cushion vehicles. F. A. DOBSON. Oct. 1, 1964 [Oct. 2, 1963], No. 40044/64. Heading B7K. A plenum chamber air cushion vehicle intended for personal use is formed at the upper rear right and left surfaces of the body with movable control flaps. The body 10 (Fig. 1, not shown), comprises a framework supporting a thin covering 12 which houses a separate lightweight structure forming a cockpit for an occupant and an air intake 51 through which air is drawn by a fan 57 driven by engine 56, the interior of the body forming a plenum chamber with the cockpit paired to assist air flow past it. A fin 75 and adjustable rudder 77 are provided and the rear end of the body carries flaps 90 and 91 (Fig. 5, not shown), hinged at their trailing edges for operation in unison by linear movement of a control wheel 95 and differentially by rotary movement of the wheel. In the position of Fig. 5a, the flaps are depressed to provide propulsion, whereas in Fig. 5b they are raised to provide a braking effect on the vehicle. The flaps have side plates at their inner ends only so that when moved differentially as in Fig. 5c air escaping laterally assists the yawing control so provided. In this embodiment skids 35, 36 are provided at the sides of the body, though in another embodiment, having flexible skirts at the sides and hinged flaps at the ends, the skids are placed between the sides. Retractable wheels may be provided.