Published online by Cambridge University Press: 17 April 2017
This paper develops a method to determine the lift-drag ratio of air cushion craft and specifically the maximum value of the lift-drag ratio, its associated design speed, and related performance and economic measures. The method works from well-established equations for drag and power for air cushion craft. Such values are required to determine the performance and economic efficiency of the craft in many modes of operation. The method covers both amphibious and non-amphibious craft of the types used in both military and commercial operation. A basis is developed for an optimisation procedure to design future craft for maximum efficiency.
This is a companion paper to the paper, Induced Drag of Wings in Ground Effect, published by the same author in the December 2016, (Vol 120, No 1234) issue of The Aeronautical Journal.