AIR INDUCTION SYSTEM FOR MARINE VESSEL Unmet Need: Efficient high-speed hull configurations and structures The demand for high-speed littoral vessels for military and commercial use continues to build. Shallow broad-beam hulls continue to be desirable for coastal shipping capacity and port logistics in applications such as automobile ferries, but require high power propulsion and offer a limited range. Alternatives such as hydrofoils and wave-piercing hull forms each have recognized shortcomings, including limited payloads and low-speed operations. The Technology: Air induction system for marine vessel hulls A system and vessels are presented which introduce air under pressure into under-hull cavities, converting the kinetic energy of water flowing under the vessel in a controlled manner to compress air or gas and release the air or gas to reduce hydrodynamic drag and to maintain an equilibrium pressure to provide buoyancy. Applications: Coastal and ocean-going ferries, barges, utility tenders, and naval combatants and auxiliaries Advantages: Minimized marine growth and corrosion at the bottom of the hull Reduced maintenance of the marine vessel Enables more economical high-speed operations Intellectual Property: United States Patent No. US 6,575,106 Learn More Eric Wannamaker Technology Licensing Associate Washington State University (509) 335-5004 eric.wannamaker@wsu.edu Reference No: TECH-20/3364 Bookmark this page Download as PDF Inventors Phillip Whitener Key Words