Importance

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Abstract

A small-sized air cushion vehicle includes a hull having a planar bottom surface with an upstanding lower flange disposed at a predetermined angle with respect to the bottom surface. A plurality of apertures are formed in the peripheral flange. An upper hull is mounted on the lower hull and includes a centrally located occupant area. The upper hull engages the lower hull to form a hollow plenum chamber extending internally around the periphery of the upper and lower hulls. A plurality of inflatable members are mounted on the exterior surface of the peripheral flange and are each disposed in fluid flow communication with an aperture in the peripheral flange. A motor driven fan is mounted on the upper hull and directs a portion of an air stream rearward of the vehicle to propel the vehicle and another portion of the air stream into the plenum chamber to inflate the inflatable members and to lift the vehicle a short distance above an underlying surface. A steering mechanism includes a control lever mounted in the occupant area which is connected by a linkage to rudders pivotally mounted on the hull rearward of the fan to control the position of the rudders and the directional movement of the air cushion vehicle. A pivotal canopy with a removable roof covers the occupant area.

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First Claim