Trans RINA, Vol 154, Part C1, Intl J Marine Design, Jan - Jun 2012


The crew would require a forward cockpit with a clear view of the road ahead, achieved by raising the cockpit area above the structure. The exterior form was given a dynamic aesthetic to give the hovercraft a sense of motion even when stationary. The form was inspired by the prototype (Le Mans) racers, and also nature –nose intended to echo raptor-like “beak”. The exterior form development is shown in Figure.1; the challenge was to connect the fore and aft structural forms separated by the large void (Cargo deck). This was address by using graphics flowing along the side and wrapping around rear.


Proposals for loading cargo are considered in Fig.2, including the idea of a roll on/off boarding ramp at the rear.


It was decided as infrastructure to load/unload


vehicle already existed along the Ice Road it would just be unnecessary extra weight, thus reducing maximum payload.


Figure 3: Exterior CAD render


port & starboard lights and there is a rear storage compartment to store equipment to secure cargo to deck.


Figure. 2: Cargo loading consideration 4.2 FINAL DESIGN


The exterior CAD render is shown in Figure.3 with 3 full size TEUs on the cargo deck. In order to address the Canadian Coastguard legislation that an ACV must carry life rafts for 110% of


Figure.4 : External life rafts and rear storage areas the intended occupancy. The


hovercraft carries two four-person external life rafts one on either side of the cabin entrance, as shown in Figure 4, thus exceeding the legislative requirement. It also carries four external lifebuoys, two at the bow and two at the stern, again meeting legislation. To facilitate the crew during loading the bow “Wing” contains deck spot lights,


The hovercraft is capable of carrying up to 54 tonnes of cargo on its deck, research indicated that the average truck payloads on the Ice Road was 32 tonnes, giving the 22 tonnes of above-average capacity. Research identified that a small proportion of oversized loads that while not necessarily above average weight, were very large single items the 128 square metre deck shown in Figure.5 allows for these items to be accommodated. A series of recessed hard points across deck are used to secure cargo, either with TEU pins or cables.


©2012: The Royal Institution of Naval Architects C-5


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