Techsec Notes 8th July

In the last few weeks some time has been spent to scan and load the papers from two of the Society’s major conferences:

♦  The Third International Hovercraft Conference, held in November 1981

♦  The Fourth International Hovercraft Conference, Held in May 1987

Up until the end of July there are two locations to access these conference proceedings – both in the open library and in the members library. After the end of the month access will be limited to the members library. Until then I hope that this material can give visitors a feel for THS, and encourage them to register on the site, and to become a member to support us and the industry.

This period of the 1980’s and 90’s was one when much technological development was going on. ACVs, SES, and indeed hover platforms were meeting new challenges and showing their value in many areas. Much was being learned about cushion dynamics and its control, and stability in a seaway. As we came into the 1990’s the period of high activity developing the High Speed Craft Code at IMO began, and Andrew Blyth’s work played an important part in that. His initial studies are documented in his paper to the Fourth Conference.

On the operational and construction side, the marine aluminium hull and diesel powered BHC AP1-88 came into its own as both a ferry between Southsea and Ryde on IoW, and as a utility craft for Search and Rescue as well as Icebreaking, like the craft shown in the header for the Canadian Coastguard. Griffon and Air Vehicles were busy, and on the other side of the world in Shanghai, the Marine Research and Design Institute of China went through a major R&D programme on skirts and craft dynamics.

One might initially think that the work back in the 1980’s might not be relevant today, but in fact it is. Operational experience is always valuable, while analytical and experimental work allows us to refine our designs and their performance.

Do take a look at the conference proceedings via the menu at the top of the page!

This work does take a while, but our intent here at our site is to slowly add as much as we can of the experience and R&D from the 1970’s to the present. This is to support the present generation of engineers and enthusiasts working with Air Cushion Technology.

Alan Bliault

Technical Secretary