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Prev: SRN4 Cockpit Next: SRN1
This page is intended as a brief diagramatic overview of three important control systems on the SRN4. The basics of these systems can be applied to all types of hovercraft, with subtle differences in some case such as the orientation of the lift fan, or bigger changes in the case of separate drive and lift engines, or even single fan setups with bleed air from thrust going to feed lift (such as in single engine racing hovercraft). The systems on this page fit in with those talked about previously in the Cockpit Tour and the Features Tour, so be sure to check those out before reading this page if you want a better understanding of the concepts demonstrated here.
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A sample of the various configurations of pylons and fins on the SRN4. The red arrows show the resultant direction of motion of the craft under each condition. Assume all thrust is normal for forward motion (positive pitch). |
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Here can be seen a side cutaway view of the components of the thrust system. Note the splitter gearbox attached to the engine driveshaft, leading to the centrifugal lift fan and the main drive propeller. |
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This diagram shows the components of the lift system from a transverse cutaway view. Note the two air ducts leading to the lift fan, and the motion of air as it enters the skirt from the plenum chamber.
The two emergency doors shown are those described in the Features Tour, automatically slamming shut in the event of engine failure causing escaping lift air. |
And that's it for the theoretical part of the tour! The next few pages are case studies of the development of the hovercraft, from its early days with the SRN1 and VA-3, to the present day's AP1-88 services. I hope you have found this informative and interesting so far, any questions or suggestions feel free to contact me!
If you have any comments, questions or issues regarding this website, its content, or anything about hovercraft or Concorde, please use the Contact Form.
James' Hovercraft Site is not affiliated in any way with any organisations, such as The Hovercraft Museum, Hoverspeed, Sea Containers, British Airways, etc. Please note that I am not connected with sellers of hovercraft featured on the Buying Page of this site, I am just hosting their craft for their own use.
The intent of these two sites (Concorde and Hovercraft) is for them to be built up by contributions from viewers: photos, pictures, data, information, stories, video captures and more are all very welcome.
Website design, layout, background and non page-credited images, including main logo are © James Rowson 1999 - 2008. If I have missed crediting an image that is not mine, I apologise and please contact me using the contact form regarding the matter. James' Hovercraft Site is not responsible for the content of externally linked pages and website.
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