Importance

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Abstract

Presented is an air lubricated ship that offers improved efficiency and stability over the prior art. Features of the preferred embodiment of the invention include: 1) a submerged bow that is generally proximal in depth to the stern, 2) a hydrofoil at the bow that not only adds stability but also allows the pressurized air layer(s) to extend further forward under the hull thereby reducing wetted area friction, 3) use of more than one air layer in series which is generally accomplished by water deflecting steps at the air layers forward portions, 4) special positioning of propulsors so that they do not interfere with the air layer(s) by aspirating pressurized air from the air layer(s), 5) optional outrigger hulls to aid to stability and to also increase useful deck area, 6) optional configurations that allow for use of more than one air lubricated hull where such hulls are connected by structure in a catamaran type hull arrangement, and 7) Configurations of the preceding that do not utilize the hydrofoil.

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First Claim