Abstract

A steering system for a vehicle, comprising at least one propulsion unit (2) comprising drive means for driving at least one propeller (21). The steering system comprises flow diverting means (3) located downstream from said propulsion unit (2). The orientation of said diverting means (3) is adjusted relative to the airflow generated by the propeller (21) by means of a control member (5), said flow diverting means (3) consisting of at least two flow diverting systems, said at least two systems being symmetric with respect to the direction of the airflow generated by the propeller. Each of the at least two flow diverting systems (3) is adapted to be independently driven by said control member (5). Said diverting system is characterized by a surface that allows backward travel when in the maximum open state, and by an axis of rotation that lies beyond the surface of the aileron.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60V 1/14 - PropulsionControl thereof
• B63H 7/02 - Propulsion directly actuated on air using propellers

Abstract

A hovercraft comprising a hull, whose lower part is laterally surrounded by an air duct (31) for supplying air to form an air cushion, the duct (31) being externally covered by air channeling members, known as skirts, and the hull supporting a propulsion system in its upper part, an air-flow generating system being also mounted to the hull. The hull further comprises a first upper part (1) made of metal or a similarly rigid material, which is connected to a second lower part (2) made of a plastic material, to create at least one zone between the first and second parts, for circulation of the air- cushion generating flow. The second part (2) comprises a flexible plastic skin (23), which is placed at the bottom of the second lower part, at least one layer of a plastic material, in foam form (22), being interposed between the flexible plastic skin (23) and the rigid frame.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60V 3/06 - Waterborne vessels
• B60V 1/04 - Air-cushion vehicles wherein the cushion is contained at least in part by walls
• B60V 1/18 - Body structure