High performance marine technologies

RESEARCH SHARK

The skin of the Shark and the other hydroskimmers has got a crenated surface, spread, dependant on the necessity and the size of the craft, from the border of attack, over the upper side. This transforms the phenomenon of turbulence into a laminar fluid.

Dossier W.D.S.

A model on scale of the SHARK has been tried with succes and a video shows its behaviour. After having seen this video, one can conclude that the transition from inoperative state to flowing state takes place in a very soft way. There is no instability that would require the not wanted interaction of the pilot, even when the angle of attack is very small. The modell on scale presents a high grade of manoeuvrability at high and low speeds.

                                                        Ing. Dirk de vis
                                                        Ing. John Zeischka
                                                        5 June 1989

Those interviewed were selected because of their knowledge of the naval industry. All persons without exception were strongly impressed by the vehicle's stability and manoeuvrability. They were also surprised by the undoubted speed and its capacity of stopping, which is higher than in any known vehicle.
All agreed that the SHARK is the the most innovative craft that has been seen since long.
Guy Dixon
Marine Consultant England

Evaluation of the qualities of the vehicle in operation.
It may be said that the design of the vehicle is based on very sound principles of flow mechanics.We are convinced that this vehicle provides very high qualities of stability, manoeuvrability and agility.

Prof. Ing. H. Somerling
Rijksuniversiteit Gent.

A structural analysis confirms the integrity of the design. To be mentioned also the report by Rijksuniversiteit Gent, who acted as consultants on flow theory. On the whole, this report confirms our opinion.
Louvain Measurements Systems

Ing. Jef Vandenhout. Director.

As they move in ground-effect, they cause little wake and swell. At the same time they are low enough to execute unobtrusive manoeuvres.
- other vehicles that need to be observed can be reached easily.
- during rescue operations it is possible to stand on the wing without capsizing.
- quick mooring and easy stepping in and out.
- during repairs of other objects, the wing lies low in the water and can serve as a platform.

In comparison to wings and air-cushion vehicles,
they can be steered much better and with more precision, higher speed, more reliability and more operational possibilities. They are not hampered by extreme weather conditions. They are much more economical in construction and consumption.

In general,
the dynamic stability wigs are very economical and require no costly maintenance personnel, especially for the mechanical and engine parts. Consequently, possible defects or failures during operation can be repaired quickly by the crew. Their production cost is low, even for small series.

Conclusions:
On account of their particular way of operating, their extremely high cruising speed, their exceptional manoeuvrability, flexibility and safety, these vehicles offer possibilities hitherto unknown.

Market combination:
The vehicles can be adapted:
- as a vehicle for more passengers
- as a vehicle for freight transport

The use of the ground-effect offers enhanced loading capacity without hampering the great action radius, the stability, manoeuvrability and the rapid execution of operations.

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