MOTOR UNIT Russian patent published in 2007 - IPC B63B35/34 E01D15/14 

FIELD: bridge crossing equipment; ferries and floating bridges.

SUBSTANCE: proposed motor unit includes displacement hull with joints in sides, engine mounted inside hull and water-jet propeller, two hinged pontoons which are articulated with hull and mechanism for opening and folding the pontoons. Each hinged pontoon is provided with torsion-loaded swivel hydrostatic shield on external side which is articulated with hinged pontoon in area of its bottom; hinged pontoons are also provided with mechanism for turning the shield; this mechanism is made in form of hydraulic cylinder with rod secured in hull of hinged pontoon. Thrust roller secured on end of rod is received by guide of hydrostatic shield.

EFFECT: reduced resistance of shuttle ferry due to improved streamlining of projecting lower part of motor unit.

5 dwg