The Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) is a high-speed means of landing troops from large landing dock ships. It is capable of carrying about 68 tons of payload (up to 75 tons when overloaded). The boat is used to transport weapons systems, equipment, cargo and personnel from the ship to the shore or along the coastline. The main advantage of hovercraft landing craft is that LCACs are capable of navigating swamps and other coastal obstacles while carrying heavy payloads such as the M-1 Abrams tank at high speed, and can be equipped to transport personnel in up to 180 people. The LCAC is capable of performing its assigned mission regardless of water depth, underwater obstacles, shoals or unfavorable tides.

It is capable of floating on a cushion of air despite obstacles up to one and a half meters high and regardless of terrain or topography, including muddy, sand dunes, ditches, swamps, river banks, wet snow or slippery and icy coastlines. Equipment such as trucks and tracked vehicles can be unloaded under their own power via bow and stern ramps, reducing critical unloading time. Thus, the LCAC is capable of landing troops on 70 percent of the world's coastlines, compared to just 17 percent for conventional amphibious assault ships.

LCACs were developed to meet the need for hovercraft capable of delivering troops, artillery, combat equipment, tanks and other essential elements of combat and support equipment to unprepared shores. These hovercraft are based on a custom-built prototype that underwent extensive testing by the US Navy between 1977 and 1981. On June 29, 1987, the LCAC was approved for mass production. In 1989, funding was provided for forty-eight hovercraft landing craft. In 1990, $219.3 million was allocated for the construction of nine more boats, and in 1991, 12 more LCACs were fully funded. In 1992, 24 boats were financed. As of 2001, 91 LCACs had been delivered to the US Navy. The boats were manufactured by Textron Marine and Land Systems/Avondale Gulfport Marine. Shipbuilding company Lockheed was selected on a competitive basis as the second potential manufacturer. LCAC boats 1-12, 15-17, 19, 20, 22-26, 28-30, 37-57, 61-91 were built by Textron Marine and Land Systems; 13, 14, 18, 21, 27, 31-33, 34-36, 58-60 Avondale Gulfport Marine.

LCAC testing was conducted in Panama City, Florida. The LCAC was subsequently tested in California, Australia and Arctic waters. Tests in Alaska in March 1992 included an assessment of the LCAC's operational effectiveness arctic conditions. During the tests, it turned out that LCACs turned out to be ineffective for conducting operations in the Arctic, and even the use of a special kit for cold weather is not able to change the situation. Tests also showed that when low temperatures Engine power is increased to the limit of the gearbox, but icing and sea conditions cancel out this benefit. Since then, LCACs have been used in two Arctic exercises, one of which involved operations in temperatures as low as minus 10°C and difficult weather conditions. Based on these exercises, it was decided that there was no need for further trial operation. LCACs have demonstrated the ability to move around thin ice and open water in a fairly calm sea. The distance traveled per exit varied from 4 to 16 km in one direction. Icing occurring under certain conditions required periodic aborts of the mission to remove ice. During testing in the Arctic, JP-5 fuel was used, which alleviates problems with filter clogging. In addition, the LCAC has taken part in a number of minesweeping exercises, where it has proven itself to be a potentially effective shallow water minesweeper.

The LCAC was first deployed in 1987 when landing craft numbers 02, 03 and 04 were taken aboard the USS Germantown (LSD-42). In July 1987, LCAC 04 crossed Buckner Bay, Okinawa, marking the first LCAC landing on foreign soil. LCAC's largest deployment took place in January 1991, when four squadrons of eleven boats deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Desert Storm.

Landing craft hovercraft users note some similarities between the LCAC and the aircraft. The “pilot” of the boat is located in the “cockpit”, wearing a radio headset. He receives instructions from the air traffic control center located next to the stern gate of the docking ship. While moving, the crew experiences the same sensations as on an airplane during high turbulence. The pilot controls a Y-shaped yoke, his feet are on the control pedals, and he "flies like an air hockey puck." LCAC is also similar to a helicopter, it has six dimensions of motion.

With a machine as expensive and inherently dangerous as the LCAC, common sense and acceptance right decisions play a key role. Concerns about the cost of training, projections for an increase in the number of LCACs and their crews, and high personnel turnover in educational departments led the Navy to recognize the importance of developing more accurate candidate selection methods. Thus, the turnover of operators and engineers has decreased from an initial level of 40% in 1988 to 10-15% today.

LCAC has had successful combat experience in Somalia, Bangladesh, Liberia, Haiti and Kuwait. He also provided invaluable assistance during disaster relief efforts, including tsunamis and hurricanes.

Thirteen years ago, the US Navy decided to modernize its hovercraft landing craft and extend their service life from 20 to 30 years. The real work began in 2005, and to date 30 amphibious assault ships have been upgraded or are in the midst of it (seven LCACs are currently undergoing this process). The amount of modernization is about $9 million each. Another 72 boats are in service, ten are in reserve (as replacements), and two are used for research and development. The entire process will take more than ten years.

During the modernization process, the engine is replaced (in cases where it is possible to avoid replacement, it is subjected to major renovation), structural elements damaged by corrosion are replaced, and new electronics and more are installed auxiliary equipment.

The C4N (command, control, communications, computers and navigation) system underwent a modernization process, replacing the LN-66 radars with more modern and more powerful P-80 radars. New open architecture electronics based on modern commercial equipment provide the fastest integration of precision navigation systems, new communication systems, etc. The new LED screens and LED keyboards use less power than older cathode ray tubes and lamp-type indicators and generate less heat. In combination with the new air conditioner installed in the command room, this provides the hovercraft crew with improved working conditions. In addition, the engines were upgraded to the ETF-40B configuration, which provides additional power and lift (this is especially important at temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius), reduced fuel consumption, and reduced maintenance intervals.

The body elements susceptible to corrosion were replaced with new, more durable ones made of non-corrosive materials. The new air cushion skirt reduces drag, increases performance over water and land, and also eases the requirements for maintenance. After the above procedures and painting, the modernized boats look like new, but with significant improvements. Retrofitted LCACs are easier to maintain, more reliable and offer better performance.

On July 6, 2012, Textron Inc was awarded a contract to develop a replacement for the LCAC, which was approaching the end of its service life. The new SSC (Ship-to-Shore Connector) landing craft will be an evolutionary replacement for the existing fleet of hovercraft. SSC will enhance the tactical capabilities of over-the-horizon airborne assets. They will have increased reliability and maintainability, reduce the total cost of operation, and will also meet the growing payload requirements of the Marine Expeditionary Battalion-2015 program. The program involves the construction of a total of 73 boats (one for testing and training and 72 for adoption). Deliveries are scheduled for fiscal year 2017 with entry into service in fiscal year 2020.

Tactical specifications:
Length without pillow: 24.9 meters
Length with cushion: 28 meters
Width without cushion: 14.2 meters
Width with cushion: 14.6 meters
Height above surface with cushion: 5.8 meters
Height above ground without cushion: 7.8 meters
Pillow height 1.5 meters
Displacement: 88.6 tons empty; 173-185 tons with full load
Power plant: four Avco-Lycoming TF-40B gas turbines (2 for propulsion / 2 for creation lift) with a capacity of 3955 horsepower each
Propellers: 2 four-blade reversible propellers with adjustable pitch with a diameter of 3.58 meters for propulsion; 4 fans with a diameter of 1.6 meters, centrifugal or mixed flow to create lift
Fuel capacity: 19,000 liters
Average fuel consumption: 3,700 liters per hour
Fully loaded range: 200 miles at 40 knots or 300 miles at 35 knots (90 percent fuel)
Speed ​​at full load in sea state 2: 50 knots (92.6 km per hour)
Speed ​​at full load in sea state 3: 35 knots (64.8 km per hour)
Speed ​​at full load on land: 25 knots (46.3 km per hour)
Load capacity: 68 tons (overloaded 75 tons)
Cargo deck: 20x8.2 meters, 168 sq.m
Crew: 5 people
Accommodation of the crew and landing force: on the starboard side on the upper deck there is a commander, flight engineer, navigator, landing director and landing commander, on the lower deck there are 7 paratroopers; on the left side on the upper deck there is a loading specialist, on the lower deck there is a mechanic and 16 paratroopers
Armament: 2 12.7 mm machine guns; automatic 40-mm grenade launcher Mk-19 Mod3; M-60 machine gun
Navigation equipment: Marconi LN 66 navigation radar with a power of 25 kW, I band, satellite and inertial navigation systems
Radio communications: 2 UHF/VHF radios, HF and portable radios

LCAC availability per day (out of a total of 54)
Day one - 52
Day two - 49
Day three - 46
Day four - 43
Day five - 40
Estimated operating time: 16 hours per day
Exit time when transporting vehicles: 6 hours 8 minutes
Exit time when transporting goods: 8 hours 36 minutes
Number of exits per day when transporting vehicles: 2.6
Total: 104 LCAC outputs per day using 40 LCACs
Number of departures per day when transporting goods: 1.86
Total: 74 LCAC outputs per day using 40 LCACs
Landing force: 145 marines or 180 civilians
Vehicles per exit: 12 HMMWV/ 4 armored personnel carriers/ 2 amphibious infantry fighting vehicles/ 1 M1A1 tank/ 4 M923 trucks/ 2 5-ton M923 trucks and 2 M198 howitzers and 2 HMMWVs
To land an infantry regiment you must:
269 ​​HMMWV - 23 outputs
10 5 ton trucks - 3 outputs
To land a tank battalion:
58 M1A1 - 58 outputs
95 HMMWV - 8 outputs

8 fuel tankers - 4 exits
To land an armored personnel carrier battalion:
110 armored personnel carriers - 28 exits
29 HMMWV - 3 outputs
23 5-ton trucks - 6 outputs
8 fuel tankers - 4 exits

Possibility of basing on dock ships:
LSD class 41 - 4 LCAC
Class LSD 36 - 3 LCAC
Class LHA 1 - 1 LCAC
Class LHD 1 - 3 LCAC
LPD class 4 - 1 LCAC

In the vastness of our country, lovers of active recreation do not miss the opportunity to ensure comfortable off-road travel, including water obstacles, at any time of the year. And if you won’t surprise anyone with a snowmobile, jet ski and airboat, then the use military equipment attracts attention. The focus of this article is the hovercraft, its technical characteristics, possibilities of use in peacetime, user reviews and short review prices for this type of transport.

Operating principle

A hovercraft, thanks to the laws of aerodynamics, uses the air flow created by the engine not only for propulsion, but also to reduce friction. The air cushion is a layer compressed air under the bottom of the vehicle, which is supported by the gravity of the vessel. Excessive air pressure leads to its release in the area of ​​contact between the bottom of the vessel and the surface of the earth or water. At the moment of releasing excess air, the friction force between the bottom of the vehicle and the surface of the earth is practically absent - this makes it possible not only to move the vessel using an aeroengine, but also to control it freely.

In addition to static work aimed at overcoming friction, the propulsion-discharge system also creates dynamic work, forcing the ship to move. To do this, a huge fan is installed on the boat’s hull, which accelerates the boat with a powerful air flow. The ceilings located behind the fan allow you to control the air flow, regulating the direction of traffic.

Technical capabilities

The technical characteristics of hovercrafts will not allow active recreation enthusiasts to pass by indifferently.

1. Any surface for movement. A body of water with a wave height of up to 25 cm, ice or snow cover is the native element for the vessel. You can travel on grass, sand, swamp, gravel or asphalt, but in such cases you need to be prepared for rapid wear of the flexible air cushion fence.
2. Load capacity. If we are talking about civil ships, then the carrying capacity, including passengers, is approximately 1000-1500 kilograms. To a greater extent, this parameter depends on the engine power.
3. Travel speed and fuel consumption. The standard is considered to be a fuel consumption of 20 liters per hour at a cruising speed of 60 km/h. Maximum indicators should not deviate from the arithmetic progression. That is, a boat speed of 120 km/h will double fuel consumption, but no more.

Restrictions on use

Small, medium or large hovercraft have a number of limitations that all buyers without exception need to know.

1. If the wave height is more than 30 cm on the water surface, the movement of the boat will be difficult and can lead to flooding, since jerks and impacts on the wave crests reduce the air pressure under the flexible fence, plunging the boat half into the water.
2. Dense and tall vegetation limits the flexible fencing's close contact with the ground, which can also make movement difficult.
3. Hard obstacles over 35 cm (driftwood, stumps, stones) not only reduce the pressure under the bottom of the vessel, but can also damage the flexible fencing. Although repairing boats on site is not a problem if you have an awl and wire, it is, however, an extra time investment.

Where did the interest come from?

In the 20th century, river and sea hovercraft were considered the best transport for walking on the water surface. Enormous speed, excellent maneuverability and high safety attracted not only tourists, but also the local population, who moved on suburban areas and back along the seas, lakes and rivers of our vast country. But the attention of hunters and fishermen was attracted by the landing boat after the screening of the film “Retaliation” at the end of the twentieth century. It was then that the era of small hovercraft arose, because the film clearly presented all the technical capabilities of this type of transport, for which there are practically no barriers.

Landing boats are still in service in many countries around the world. The peace and tranquility of Russians is protected by the world's largest hovercraft called the Zubr. It won’t be much of a problem for him to cross the entire Black Sea with a couple of tanks and a dozen armored personnel carriers on board. In addition to transporting cargo, the ship has cruise missiles on board, which makes it a combat unit in wartime.

Young technician - the beginning of all beginnings

Reproducing the landing craft in sizes acceptable for transportation by the Russian Kulibin did not present any particular problems. By conducting tests and presenting the amphibian production technology to the country's scientific and technical publications, craftsmen made it possible for military technologies to serve for peaceful purposes. If you open any technical magazine of that time, in the photo you can find not only hovercraft or hard-bottomed motor boats. To overcome the expanses of land and water, masters came up with all sorts of symbioses of automobile transport and floating vehicles, vaguely reminiscent of BRDM.

However, all of them remained only on paper, which cannot be said about the most popular transport in the world, for which there are no barriers - the hovercraft. In the media, even now you can find many detailed instructions, confirmed by photos and videos, for the production of watercraft with my own hands from scratch. However, professionals recommend refraining from such proposals, because the SVP is considered dangerous.

Above are only the stars

The Pegasus series boat is recognized as the best hovercraft. First of all, it differs from its competitors in its ability to be used at any time of the year. All new boats have a salon closed type. It is made with a heating system and allows you to maintain comfortable conditions even in thirty-degree frost. In the summer heat, the cabin can be easily transformed, allowing for improved circulation fresh air. Depending on the modification, the craft can carry on board from 5 to 8 people with 350-500 kg of equipment.

Considering the low fuel consumption and good performance range and speed, we can conclude that this is the best boat. The price of such a device can be confusing ordinary person- 30,000 conventional units. However, if you add up the cost of the equipment taken together - a motor boat, an ATV and a snowmobile, it becomes clear that the hovercraft has a very attractive price.

If you are interested in the corporate segment, then the ship of the Neptune series is recognized as the leader here. Having many modifications at its disposal, the device is primarily positioned as a cross-country vehicle for transporting passengers.

Domestic alternative

In addition to "Pegasus" on Russian market The hovercraft “Mars”, “Neoteric”, “Sagittarius”, “Mirage”, as well as sea boats for transporting up to 15 people of the “Aerojet” series have proven themselves. All of them belong to the tourist class, which is why they have a number of restrictions, primarily regarding operating modes. For example, the Mirage vessel can be used all year round, including very coldy, however, its movement over waves and uneven surfaces is limited due to some design features. But the baby “Neoteric” is able to go where no human has gone before, not to mention the low fuel consumption (5 liters per hour) and the enormous speed of the boat. But with load capacity and operation at negative temperatures he has big problems.

An air-cushioned vehicle called “Bug” is considered a miracle of Russian industry. After viewing the hovercraft in the photo, no one will dare to call it a watercraft. It looks more like a hovercraft. The small-sized two-seater device shows high cross-country ability on different surfaces and at large angles.

SVP for fun

Judging by numerous reviews from owners, the Tornado hovercraft has gained great popularity in Russia. It was manufactured by the Ukrainian manufacturer Artel LLC at the Nikolaev shipyard. Initially, the boat is positioned as a watercraft for entertainment and cultural recreation. It is enough to see a photo of the boat to be convinced that it is unsuitable for fishing or hunting. Small dimensions and low load capacity enable the hovercraft to violate all the laws of physics and aerodynamics, both in speed and maneuverability, and in passing all kinds of obstacles. Why did he interest the Russian buyer?

1. Low price. For just ten thousand conventional units you can buy yourself universal remedy movement.
2. Possibility of modernization. SVP boat Perfectly convertible for both hunting and fishing for two people.
3. Spare parts Russian production. In addition to the RMZ-550 engine, all components can be found on the domestic market.

The inexpensive, but also low-power hovercraft Hov Pod SPX, presented by the English plant, is the most popular watercraft in Europe. It is also in service in two dozen countries around the world and is in demand in UN rescue missions. On the retail market, the boat is positioned as transport for the whole family - fishing, tourism, active recreation, picnics - all this is within its control. The manufacturer claims that simplicity, convenience and safety are the main attributes of this vessel, and a child can be trusted to operate the boat.

English high-tech devices and mechanisms have always been distinguished from their competitors by their impeccability. The Hov Pod SPX hovercraft is made of a unique composite material, which is used to make fences in Formula 1. The steering wheel is made from of stainless steel Teleflex. The base of the body, the engine protection, and all metal components in the body structure are chrome-plated. Thus, the manufacturer makes it clear to its customers that boat trips are not prohibited.

Need of government agencies

In addition to active recreation and entertainment, hovercraft have found their purpose in the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Emergency Situations. For example, the Sever watercraft is used by transport police to search for and detain crime suspects. The hovercraft not only shows excellent speed characteristics (150 km/h on water), but is also able to overcome long slopes of up to 30 degrees. This vessel was noticed in service with the fishery inspectorate. Excellent tactical and technical characteristics will always attract attention.

For the repair of bridges and structures, maintenance of oil production platforms, carrying out all kinds of diving work, as well as if it is necessary to repair boats, yachts and cargo ships anchored in the roadstead, the Shelf series hovercraft is used. Huge engine power and big sizes allow you to place up to two tons of cargo on the ship without taking into account 20 workers. 360 degree rotation without displacement allows you to easily maneuver in any hard-to-reach place.

Japanese engines

Mostly all hovercraft are equipped with engines from Japanese automotive giants Honda and Subaru. This choice is not accidental. Unlike usual motor boats, where the priority is the number of revolutions per minute of the propeller shaft, high power is more important for boats with a propulsion system. Naturally, fuel efficiency is always a priority for any owner. Two-liter and 130-horsepower Honda D15B and Subaru EJ20 engines have found application on air-cushioned boats.

And if initially their choice was justified by high productivity and durability during operation, then at the moment their popularity lies in the possibilities of modernization. Craftsmen not only increased the engine power to 150 horsepower, but also made them significantly lighter by replacing some components. The result is a very fast hovercraft.

Legality of use

A hovercraft is classified as a small craft, which means it is subject to registration with the state inspectorate with the appropriate name. To operate a watercraft, it must also be registered and receive special licenses. These procedures are very simple and do not cause any problems. The only thing that can cause trouble is getting a medical certificate to test your license. After all, it’s not every day that doctors see owners of small boats. Judging by the numerous reviews of SVP owners, when passing the commission, it is recommended to talk about the usual test for driving a motor vehicle. Thus, the owner will significantly speed up the passage of the commission and save himself from questions and jokes from the medical staff.

Finally

As it turns out, the hovercraft market is not empty. A large number of models of both domestic and imported production have an affordable price and open up a wide range of possibilities. When making a choice among models, you first need to outline the areas of use - walking, entertainment, travel, hunting, fishing. After this, it is recommended to decide in what season the boat will be used. The price of the watercraft greatly depends on this choice.

You need to decide on the number of passengers and carrying capacity. But the choice of engine, fuel system and steering does not play a special role, since most devices have very similar characteristics, which will have little effect on the price. Unless a potential buyer decides to give his preference to an English car, which has a 65-horsepower engine and is not capable of accelerating over 70 km/h.

It all started with the fact that I wanted to do some project and involve my grandson in it. I have a lot of engineering experience behind me, so simple projects I wasn’t looking, and then one day, while watching TV, I saw a boat that was moving due to the propeller. "Cool stuff!" - I thought, and began to scour the Internet in search of at least some information.

We took the motor from an old lawn mower, and bought the layout itself (costs $30). It is good because it requires only one motor, but most similar boats require two engines. From the same company we bought the propeller, propeller hub, air cushion fabric, epoxy resin, fiberglass and screws (they sell them all in one kit). The rest of the materials are quite commonplace and can be purchased at any hardware store. The final budget was a little over $600.

Step 1: Materials

Materials you will need: polystyrene foam, plywood, kit from Universal Hovercraft (~$500). The kit contains all the little things you need to complete the project: plan, fiberglass, propeller, propeller hub, air cushion fabric, glue, epoxy resin, bushings, etc. As I wrote in the description, all materials cost about $600.

Step 2: Making the frame

We take polystyrene foam (5 cm thick) and cut out a 1.5 by 2 meter rectangle from it. Such dimensions will ensure buoyancy of a weight of ~270 kg. If 270 kg seems not enough, you can take another sheet of the same type and attach it below. Using a jigsaw, we cut out two holes: one for the incoming air flow and the other for inflating the pillow.

Step 3: Cover with fiberglass

The lower part of the body must be waterproof, for this we cover it with fiberglass and epoxy. In order for everything to dry properly, without unevenness and roughness, you need to get rid of any air bubbles that may arise. For this you can use industrial vacuum cleaner. We cover the fiberglass with a layer of film, then cover it with a blanket. The covering is necessary to prevent the blanket from sticking to the fiber. Then we cover the blanket with another layer of film and glue it to the floor with adhesive tape. We make a small cut, insert the trunk of the vacuum cleaner into it and turn it on. We leave it in this position for a couple of hours, when the procedure is completed, the plastic can be scraped off from the fiberglass without any effort, it will not stick to it.

Step 4: Bottom Case is Ready

The lower part of the body is ready, and now it looks something like the photo.

Step 5: Making the Pipe

The pipe is made of styrofoam, 2.5 cm thick. It is difficult to describe the whole process, but in the plan it is described in detail, we did not have any problems at this stage. Let me just note that the plywood disk is temporary and will be removed in subsequent steps.

Step 6: Motor Holder

The design is not tricky; it is made of plywood and blocks. Placed exactly in the center of the boat hull. Attaches with glue and screws.

Step 7: Propeller

The propeller can be purchased in two forms: ready-made and “semi-finished”. Ready-made ones are usually much more expensive, and buying a semi-finished product can save a lot of money. That's what we did.

The closer the propeller blades are to the edges of the air vent, the more efficiently the latter works. Once you have decided on the gap, you can sand the blades. Once the grinding is completed, it is necessary to balance the blades so that there are no vibrations in the future. If one of the blades weighs more than the other, then the weight needs to be equalized, but not by cutting the ends, or by grinding. Once the balance is found, you can apply a couple of layers of paint to maintain it. For safety, it is advisable to paint the tips of the blades in White color.

Step 8: Air Chamber

The air chamber separates the flow of incoming and outgoing air. Made from 3 mm plywood.

Step 9: Installing the Air Chamber

The air chamber is attached with glue, but you can also use fiberglass; I always prefer to use fiber.

Step 10: Guides

The guides are made of 1 mm plywood. To give them strength, cover them with one layer of fiberglass. It’s not very clear in the photo, but you can still see that both guides are connected together at the bottom with an aluminum strip, this is done so that they work synchronously.

Step 11: Shape the Boat and Add Side Panels

The outline of the shape/contour is made on the bottom, after which a wooden strip is attached with screws according to the outline. 3mm plywood bends well and fits right into the shape we need. Next, we fasten and glue a 2 cm beam along the upper edge of the plywood sides. We add a cross beam and install a handle, which will be the steering wheel. We attach cables to it extending from the guide blades installed earlier. Now you can paint the boat, preferably applying several layers. We chose white; even with prolonged direct sunlight, the body practically does not heat up.

I must say that she swims briskly, and this makes me happy, but it surprised me steering. At medium speeds turns are possible, but at high speed the boat first skids to the side, and then by inertia it moves backwards for some time. Although, after getting used to it a little, I realized that by tilting my body in the direction of the turn and slightly slowing down the gas, I could noticeably reduce this effect. It’s difficult to say the exact speed, because there is no speedometer on the boat, but it feels quite good, and there is still a decent wake and waves left behind the boat.

On the day of the test, about 10 people tried the boat, the heaviest one weighed about 140 kg, and it withstood it, although of course it was not possible to achieve the speed that was available to us. With a weight of up to 100 kg, the boat moves briskly.

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This boat is a high-speed vessel, capable of moving over smooth water and over any flat, hard surface: swamp, sand, snow. The idea of ​​a hovercraft dates back to the 18th century. But it was only in 1926 that the Russian scientist and inventor Tsiolkovsky developed the principle of hovercraft. And almost 10 years later, engineer V. Levkov designed the first such device. Unfortunately, the project was completely destroyed during the Second World War. The “floating apparatus”, on the basis of which all modern ships are built, was created by the British inventor Cockerell. The first ship, the SR-N1 model, built in 1959, crossed the English Channel in just 20 minutes. Nowadays, boats are used for military purposes, on expeditions to hard-to-reach places, in difficult climatic conditions, and also as an entertainment attraction for tourists.

Operating principle of an air cushion

The cushion is formed as a result of the accumulation of compressed air under the bottom of the ship. He lifts the boat above water and land. Thanks to the supplied air, the friction force is reduced. This allows the device to move unhindered over surfaces.

There are several types of air cushion:

1. A type in which air currents, collected by a propeller, freely envelop the bottom around the ship. Strong air currents make the boat float higher.
2. Skeg boats are equipped with narrow hulls called skegs. They save air. Such a vessel can sail exclusively over water.
3. Boats with a nozzle type move due to the accumulation of air from special nozzles. The pillow is protected by jets of water generated in the nozzles.

Pillows are also divided according to the method of formation:

1. The static device is generated using an external fan;
2. A dynamic air cushion is a product of increased pressure in the bottom, which is formed when the boat moves above the surface.

Technical capabilities

The technical characteristics of the boat are quite extensive. Such boats are suitable for active recreation, research expeditions, and participation in military operations.

1. High speed with low fuel consumption. At a cruising speed of about 60 km/h, fuel consumption is 20 liters.
2. The boat can move on almost any surface: water, sand, swamp, snow and even grass and asphalt.
3. The average carrying capacity of a passenger boat is 1-1.5 tons.
4. The boats can operate at any time of the year and in any weather conditions, even during ice drift.

Landing boat “Squid”

With such characteristics, the boat still has limitations in use. Firstly, this vessel cannot overcome solid obstacles over 35 centimeters. For example, a collision with a snag or log will cost a shipping apparatus a decrease in pressure in the bottom or damage to the flexible fencing of the vessel. Secondly, the boat cannot withstand high waves. This makes movement difficult and can even sink it. Thirdly, walking through dense and high thickets can also cause movement difficulties.

Amphibious boats

Amphibious vessels are compact vessels that are usually propelled by propellers. They are located on top of the body. Thanks to the screw ring nozzles, the noise from their operation is reduced and the traction force is increased. To make the ship move faster, the amphibian's hull is lightweight. It is made of aluminum, and the control room is made of fiberglass. The power plant is usually diesel or gasoline and is air cooled. A light hull with a powerful power plant makes the boat fast. Prominent representatives of amphibious boats can be considered:

• Neptune 3 with Rotax-582UL engine;
• Pegasus 4M – Rotax912 model;
• Khivus-4 with a VAZ-21213 power plant;
• The Cayman is powered by a Subaru engine. Its power is 260 horsepower;
• Cheetah with a 3M3-53-11 engine installed.

Boat “Gepard”

Development of Russian boats

The development of Russian boats can be divided into several stages. The first stage begins from 1937 to 1940 with the design of “L” series boats by engineer Levkov. Unfortunately, the weight of the built and tested ships could not withstand the harsh combat conditions of the 1940-1945 war, and were destroyed.

An important stage in the development of ships is the design idea of ​​the English professor Cockerell, who proposed in 1955 to pump air using nozzles. Subsequently, the main ships designed were based on his invention.

The leading shipbuilding bureau Almaz became the main place for the development of Soviet hovercraft. The first production boat of the organization, which was created in 1969, was the Skat landing attack aircraft. Then it became the basis for the “Moray eel” and “Omar” modifications. In the following years, the Kalmar landing craft was created.

Landing hovercraft "Zubr"

In 1988, the largest speedboat in the world, the Zubr, was created with a carrying capacity of 150 tons.

All technologies used in the construction of military ships were also taken into account in civilian boats. But later, after analyzing all previous experience in creating swimming facilities, the designers came to the conclusion that the project was unprofitable. And it was decided to use more economical diesel engines.

Representatives of civil courts

The Bars boat is designed for search and rescue operations and transporting passengers to hard-to-reach places. Its length is 6.8 meters and width is 3.5 meters. The boat accommodates from 6 to 8 people with a driver. It reaches speeds of up to 80 km/h. It has one gasoline engine model M-14B26 with a power of 325 horsepower.

The Gepard hovercraft is a four-seater aluminum vessel. Used by rescuers, river police, postal services. The power plant includes a ZMZ-53-11 automobile engine and two propellers with a ring nozzle, which makes the boat low-noise. Develops speeds up to 60 km/h.

Representatives of military courts

Landing boats have a military purpose and are designed to land troops, military cargo, weapons in hard to reach places. These can be marshy or snowy areas, hidden beaches and coves. Tactical vessels can carry out armed strikes and provide fire support to other vessels.

The Project 1205 Skat landing craft is the first serial project of the Almaz design bureau. The ship is designed to carry 40 soldiers. The length of the ship is 21.4 meters, width - 7.3 meters, and draft - 50 centimeters. The Skat is equipped with two TVD-10M and one TDV-10 gas turbines. The boat reaches speeds of up to 49 knots. The cruising range is 200 miles. The ship's crew is 4 people. The landing craft is armed with four 30-mm BP-30 “Plamya” grenade launchers and two 7.62-mm Kalashnikov machine guns. Also on board is Kivach-1 radar equipment.

Hovercraft “Zubr”

The Zubr hovercraft landing craft is so far the largest boat of its kind. It is designed for the release of troops, cargo, as well as for the transportation and laying of mines and fire support for other ships. He is able to move on land and swamps, bypass ditches and minefields. The length of the vessel is 57 meters and the width is 25.6 meters. Thanks to five gas turbine engines total capacity 50 thousand horsepower, it reaches maximum speed up to 60 knots.

Armament is:

1. Two A-22 Ogon launchers with unguided missiles
2. Two 30-mm AK-630 mounts and an MP-123 fire control system
3. Eight sets of the Igla anti-aircraft missile system.

A boat hull usually consists of an outer and an inner shell. The outer shell consists of sides inclined at 50 degrees without a bottom. They are flat across the width and slightly convex at the top. The bow of the boat is rounded. There are open boats and boats with a closed cabin. Steering equipment and communications equipment are installed inside the cabin.

Landing craft have more powerful gas turbine engines various models. For example, the Kalmar is equipped with the AL-20K model, and the American LCAC is equipped with the Allied-Signal TF-40B. Small passenger boats are equipped with automobile diesel or gasoline engines of various models. These are VAZ-21213, and Subaru, and Rotax and ZMZ-53.

Hovercraft have propellers mounted on the hull. Depending on the size of the vessel, they are: 4, 6 and 9-bladed with a fixed pitch. The number of screws varies from 1 to 4.

The soft fence or “skirt” is quite elastic. These are separate parts, sewn from dense, but light fabric. The canvas has water-repellent and waterproof properties and does not freeze. Usually rubberized nylon is used.

Anti-noise protection of the vessel is provided by:

1. Engine damping
2. Availability of elastic couplings
3. Exhaust silencers
4. The cabin structure has three layers
5. Using soundproofing material between the passenger compartment and the fuel tank compartment.

The case material can be either aluminum or composite. Military hovercraft are made of durable aluminum alloys. Passenger hovercraft are made from high-tech and durable composite materials. All fasteners and metal elements are made of stainless steel.

Usually small boats are quite easily repaired by specialists or crew. It is possible to do minor repairs yourself. To do this, you must have a special repair kit on board. Larger ships are repaired by a specially trained team of ship repairers.