THE HM500 SERIES OF SIDEWALL HOVERCRAFT

An account is given of the design and development of the HM527--the 27 meter 200 passenger prototype sidewall hovercraft. The paper compares its transport efficiency relative to other forms of high speed craft and its performance predictions with trials results. Engineering descriptions of hull, machinery and electrical systems are provided. Following trials of the prototype craft (Series 1), a modified design (Series 2) to carry an increased payload with a small speed penalty has been proposed and the engineering changes involved are described. As with its smaller forerunner the HM200 Series, the HM500 Series is being applied to passenger ferry operations. However, the larger HM500 Series will be more adaptable to patrol craft applications for coastguard and paramilitary use as well as other special purpose commercial uses such as crewboat and firefighting requirements. The basic hull cross section will be suitable for lengths up to 39 meters and will cover passenger capacities up to 400.