Classification of high-speed amphibious vessels of mixed type

Abstract

Over the more than century-long history of aerodynamically assisted vessels, numerous architectural and design types have emerged: from planing hovercraft (HVS) to heavy ground effect craft and vessels combining a ground effect wing with an air cushion. One of the key advantages of using aerodynamic assisted vessels is the ability to provide amphibious capabilities, enabling movement on shallows and ice, and the ability to independently reach unimproved shores. The trend of combining hovercraft propulsion principles with the positive effects of the ground effect has rapidly developed in recent decades and is primarily driven by the desire to achieve high cruising speeds and cargo capacity with moderate power-to-weight ratios. The problem of classifying aerodynamically assisted vessels that utilize a combination of different propulsion principles stems from the need to develop scientifically sound approaches to their design, including design requirements and calculation methods that take into account operational safety requirements. The paper provides an overview of the architectural and structural types of hovercraft, ekranoplans, and vessels that combine movement on an air cushion with the use of the positive influence of the ground effect, proposes a classification of high-speed amphibious vessels, and some solutions aimed at developing rules for the construction of high-speed amphibious vessels that are not taken into account in the current rules for the construction of hovercraft and ekranoplans.