A radial vane fluid motor or pump has an open ended tubular rotor having a
cylindrical outer surface rotatably mounted in a tubular stator having
its inner surface contoured to provide successive portions of increased
and decreased spacing relative to the rotor body. A plurality of
elongated movable vane assemblies are mounted on and project outwardly
from the rotor surface to continuously contact the stator surface.
Bearings support the rotor within the stator, and seals are provided for
sealing the space between the rotor and stator. Pressure inlets and
exhaust ports are provided in the stator to permit the flow of pressure
fluid into or out of the device. Mounting the vanes on the cylindrical
rotor surface enables production cost reduction and simplifies
maintenance. A conventional propeller mounted in the cylindrical rotor
provides an improved shrouded propellor propulsion system for marine
vessels. Mounting the system on a vessel for rotation about an axis
perpendicular to the axis of the rotor enables steering of the vessel
without use of a rudder.