Authors
Konrad Kozaczuk; Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation
Konrad.kozaczuk@ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Krzysztof Szafran; Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation
Krzysztof.szafran@ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Marcin Janiszewski; Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation
Marcin.janiszewski@ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Robert Jaśkiewicz; Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation
Robert.jaskiewicz.@ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Artur Słodziński; Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation
Artur.slodzinski@ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Wojciech Krauze; Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation
Wojciech.krauze@ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Aim of the project
The PRC-650 Hovercraft has been designed for rescue and patrol operations in inland waterways, especially in winter conditions, on fragile ice, and in shallow bodies of water.
- Designed to be transported by a helicopter or in a sea container.
- Stable and safe handling.
- Easy planning on the water.
- The cushion’s thrust can be reduced without changing its pressure while still maintaining full control over maneuverability.
Short description of the problem addressed by the project
Rescue and patrol missions are conducted by the services when lakes are frozen every winter. Designing a new hovercraft presents an opportunity to address various challenges and improve existing solutions. Potential problems addressed by the project are:
- Maneuverability (thrust reverser)
- Stability (wide cushion)
- Noise reduction (single engine and fan)
- Payload capacity (effective weight distribution)
- Accessibility (easy to control)
Addressing these problems and challenges can lead to innovative hovercraft designs that are more efficient, maneuverable, stable, environmentally friendly, and safe. By focusing on these areas, designers have created a hovercraft that better meet users’ needs and the demands of various applications.
Main results and achievements
Various aspects of the design process and the outcomes achieved were the subject of extensive testing of the hovercraft. It turned out that PRC-650 is reliable and meets the goals set at the beginning.
Conclusion
The PRC-650 Hovercraft has been designed to meet the needs of various rescue units, such as police, border guards, fire brigades, and water rescue services. Due to its unique parameters it can also be used by military units.
The prototype was tested, and compliance was experimentally demonstrated. The license for the hovercraft’s production was sold to a Polish private entity.
Acknowledgements
Special acknowledgments to
- Legionowskie WOPR
- Farada Group
- JP Marine
Thank you for your assistance in the implementation of the project.
