The 'Mustang' is a versatile craft designed primarily for
passenger
carrying in a commercial role but is replaced by : Hovercraft :
RIVAC 680
This file is for informational purpose only since without the
past the would be no future.
Applications include private use, commercial passenger
carrying, search
and rescue, military patrol and military command and control. Survey to
international standards is available.
The 'Mustang' has an optional fully enclosed cabin with heating and
air-conditioning; cabin access is provided by twin gull wing doors.
Controllability and efficiency have been enhanced by the installation
of a twin ducted thrust system with power assisted elevators.
This
unique system has been well proven on our larger Pioneer model and has
no parallel when it comes to the ease of dynamic pitch and roll
control.
A proven, fuel injected General Motors V6 provides ample power for
all systems through parallel hydrostatic transmissions.
Wherever possible 'off the shelf' components are used in engineering
the Mustang's mechanical systems. Careful matching of the component
capabilities
and craft requirements provides a well balanced mix of components
reducing
the use of specialist items.
Technical Details
Description
Metric
Imperial - US
Length - O.A.
6.52 m
20.5'
Length - Hull
6.2 m
20.3'
Width - O.A.
2.97 m
9.7'
Width - Hull
2.4 m
7.8'
Skirt cushion height at bow
360 mm
14"
Skirt cushion height at stern
310 mm
12"
Isolated obstacle clearance
335 mm
13"
Wave height clearance
750 mm at a pitch of >
12 meters
29.5"at a pitch of >
39.3'
Max. recommended speed
35 knots
Planing speed
7 to 10 knots (=minimum wash)
Max. full load wind speed
20 knots gusting to 25 knots
Max. light load wind speed
25 knots gusting to 30 knots
Crew
1 operator / pilot
Accommodation
6 passengers
Payload
650 kg
1433 lb
Engine
3.8 liter V6 GM with E.F.I.
Fuel consumption
17 liters per hour (cruise)
4.5 gal per hour (cruise)
Fuel capacity
62 liters
16.4 gal
Surface contact pressure
1050 to 1450 Pascal's
Hull construction
Glass reinforced composite / PVC foam sandwich
Skirt type
Pressurized tapered bag and fingers
Lift system
Single stage axial flow fan, variable speed
hydrostatic transmission
with automatic control
Thrust system
Twin ducted propellers, toothed belt mechanical
drive with clutch
Control system
Integrated servo assisted with dynamic pitch roll
and yaw control
surfaces on each thrust unit
Area of operation
All USL class E waters + some class D
Hull and
Superstructure
The hull, deck and superstructure are a vacuum formed
laminated sandwich
composite with a PVC core and high tech knitted bi-axial fabric
reinforced
resin. This construction has superior stiffness and is very tough. An
excellent
strength to weight ratio and very low maintenance requirements are also
achieved. In the event of damage, the hull is easily repaired. Thermal
and sound isolation properties are excellent for this construction
system.
All laminating is conducted with active quality control procedures to
ensure
the highest quality. The hull construction complies with or exceeds the
Australian U.S.L. requirements.
The hull is built in two parts and bonded together with sealed buoyancy
compartments for maximum safety. Parallel automatic and manual bilge
pumps
are provided. A three point rubber cushioned landing pad system is
fitted
under the hull for operation off hard surfaces.
Engine
Mustang is powered by a reliable General Motors, fuel
injected V6 motor
of 3.8 liters capacity. This engine is governed to deliver 123 kW at
only
4200 RPM. Typical cruise speed for the engine is 3000 RPM to 3500 RPM
resulting
in a low fuel consumption of only 17 liters per hour when cruising.
This
smooth running engine combines excellent performance, durability,
efficiency
and low maintenance.
The closed circuit cooling system incorporates aluminum water to air
heat exchangers with high capacity hydraulically driven fans. The
cooling
system has been engineered for extreme climate operation.
Propulsion
System
Propulsion is provided by two propellers mounted at the
rear of the
hovercraft and operating within aerodynamic fiberglass ducts as seen . on
this image The propellers are of the
wide blade slow speed type for quiet operation.
Fixed pitch propellers are standard, however both adjustable pitch
and variable pitch types are available to specification. Propellers are
manufactured by Airlift Hovercraft.
Power transmission to the propellers is by shaft and toothed belts.
An automatic clutch dis-engages at low speed to stop propeller rotation
at engine idle for safety and to ensure smooth engine start/stop cycles.
Lift System
and Hydraulic
Transmission
Lift is provided by an axial flow
fan mounted
directly under the bonnet at the front of the craft.
Take
a
closer look
It is driven by an low maintenance
hydraulic
motor. Oil is supplied to the hydraulic motor from a crankshaft
driven
variable displacement pump.
An adjustable controller senses the
lift fan
speed and automatically adjusts the hydraulic pump out put to
compensate
for variable fan load and variable engine speed, thereby maintaining
the
fan at a pre-set constant speed. This unique system allows the operator
to use more or less power for thrust as required without concern for
over
or under supply of lift air unlike constant ratio mechanical systems
which
must always compromise. The hovercraft is therefore both easy to drive
and efficient to operate.
The hydraulic system parts are
selected from
world-wide manufacturers standard inventory. Service for this equipment
can be provided by any local competent hydraulic serviceman. All fluids
are S.A.E. specified and commonly available. A high rating ‘tropical’
cooling
system is fitted to the hydraulic circuit.
Controls
The Mustang is the first craft to be fitted with our
innovative integrated
control column (patent pending). As seen
on this picture
This system provides a simple and ergonomic crew interface to the
control
systems and integrates steering, pitch and roll control. All
control
systems have proportional hydraulic servo power assistance and
incorporate
aerodynamic rudders and elevators mounted in the thrust air stream.
The propeller clutch is preset to operate at a safe engine speed
to allow the 'Mustang' to hover for ground handling without the
propellers
running. A foot operated throttle with hand operated over-ride controls
the engine. Lift fan speed is pre-set by a small hand wheel on the
dashboard.
Skirt
The skirt is a fully pressurized tapered bag and finger
system. This
skirt system provides the best hard structure clearance and stability
due
to the semi rigid nature of the pressurized bag, performance is
outstanding
in difficult conditions and rough weather.
The fingers are bolted on with nylon fasteners and are easily changed
without lifting the craft. Rubberized fabrics are of custom manufacture
to optimize wear and durability.
Electrical
System
System voltage is nominally 12 volts DC. Power is
generated by a 14
volt 85 amp engine mounted alternator. Circuits are protected by mil
spec
re-set able circuit breakers. Electrical cable is 105oC rated tinned
copper
and routed within conduits and fully sealed where appropriate.
A windscreen wiper is provided for the front windscreen. A water
reservoir
with pump provides screen washing to the wiper. The wiper and washers
are
controlled by a column switch.
The navigation lights comply with the requirements of the Australian
U.S.L. code and international shipping regulations. Ample provision is
made for accommodating communication and navigation aids. Other system
voltages are available to special order.
Fire
Detection and Suppression
The engine bay is protected by a fire detection system
operated from
the control position. The cabin is equipped with a portable fire
extinguisher.
The internal surfaces of fire zones are treated with fire retarding
finishes.
Communications
and Navigation
The communications radio is normally an VHF marine type.
UHF, HF, and
27 MHz radios may be fitted as well as a mobile telephone and an
internal
P.A. system if required. Compact marine radar and G.P.S.systems may be
fitted according to the customer's specifications, provided it is
compatible
with the craft's electrical system.
Optional
Extras
Air-conditioning.
Rear cabin and gull wing doors.
Wrap around low level windscreen assembly for use when front part of
cabin is removed.
Cold climate kit, cabin heater, screen de-misters, bigger battery,
radiator freezing inhibitor.
Arctic conversion, separate fueled cabin heater, smaller windows,
de-icing
equipment, cabin insulation, cold starting equipment, battery heaters,
dual battery system.
Marine VHF radio, 27Mhz radio, GPS, Cellular Phone.
Storage cover, complete version, covers complete cabin and deck to
top of skirt.
Road trailer, basic towing frame (lift or float off).
Road trailer, complete flat deck with tilt for hover on and off.
Survey to U.S.L. class 2E