A multi segment articulated Surface Effect Ship. Flexible air seals are
formed between hull modules with a gas cushion contained between the side
hulls under the entire length of the ship. In one embodiment the cushion
formed may act as one continuous gas cushion whereby air cushion pressure
generated or flowing from a leading car, or modular segment, flows
rearward to supply or augment the cushion pressure necessary to support
the following modules at the required operational draft. Hull
configurations adaptable to the multi-unit, articulated surface effect
ship described in the invention include conventional and air cushion
assisted catamaran, trimaran and quadramaran designs and configurations.
The ability to vary the cushion pressure at any point or area underneath
the length of the ship gives the craft unique and novel passage-making
abilities and extreme shallow draft capabilities that can be easily
altered while underway to suite the routes and areas it serves in
addition by dynamically adapting to varying sea states or other wave type
and wave height conditions encountered during transit.