AIR CUSHION VEHICLES AND SURFACE EFFECT SHIPS FOR GREAT LAKES AND GREAT RIVERS TRANSPORTATION

A brief introduction to air cushion vehicle (ACV) and surface effect ship (SES) technology is presented, with past and present examples, to show that this technology may now be considered mature. Applicatibility of ACVs and SESs to transportation on the Great Lakes and rivers of Canada and the U.S. is discussed, with some emphasis on year-round service in the regions affected by ice. An indication of present design capabilities is provided with some examples of application to typical sets of requirements. Future developments are outlined in the light of the rapid expansion of air-supported ferry operation in other parts of the world, and military and Coast Guard applications in the U.S. and canada