PARV Concept
Power Augmented Ram (PAR) Vehicles are promising transportation means of new generation.
These are amphibious, high-speed (>100 knots at full scales), compact machines with
simple structure. They can carry heavy payloads with high weight efficiency (payload-to-weight
ratio about 50%) at reasonably low power (thrust-to-weight ratio about 20%). PARV can operate
on the water, ice, snow, mud, and relatively flat rigid surfaces. This is an economic solution
for advanced high-speed landing operations and patrol, rescue, and other missions,
where amphibious capabilities are required.
The main vehicle components include two hulls with a raised platform between them and stern
vertical struts carrying a stabilizing wing. The platform can be made either open or in a wing shape.
There are two propulsion systems. The front propulsors generate high-momentum air jets directed
(at low speeds) under the platform, where the deceleration of these jets leads to formation of
a pressurized skirtless air cushion that
carries a dominant fraction of the vehicle weight. The flap at the lower side of the platform
regulates the pressure in the cushion and the momentum of the thrust-producing jet exiting downstream
under the stern flap. The stern propulsors located on the vertical struts generate thrust with high
efficiency in the fast forward motion.
The PAR systems were originally introduced and extensively used as take-off assistance means on
Russian Wing-In-Ground (WIG) craft with displacements up to 500 tons. A simple potential-flow
theory for a static PAR system was developed by Dr. Roger Gallington in the 1970s. In contrast to
WIG, a PARV has significantly higher payload-weight ratio, and its side hulls are supposed to
retain minimal contact with the water/ground surface. Some research (little published)
has been done on the PARV concept in Russia back in the 1980-1990s, where these craft were
named as Transport Amphibious Platforms.
The main objectives of our research is to advance the fundamental knowledge of PAR and WIG principles,
to develop new transportation concepts that address modern industry and naval needs, and to build and test
demonstration craft. We are also investigating several performance-enhancing innovations that can benefit
these vehicles.
The initial phase of this project was partly supported by our industry partner
Art Anderson Associates.