| |
Bertram31.com General Bulletin Board
Re: New Volvo maybe not bonehead propulsion system
Posted By: Chiles In Response To: Re: New Volvo bonehead propulsion system (Capt. Dave Kosh)
Date: Monday, 10 January 2005, at 6:39 p.m.
I like reading about new toys and really like to see anyone with tons of resources coming out with new ideas. Hey, I even still like Rotary power, it still has yet to catch on. :)
I don't ever see me owning one of IPS systems, but the more I think about it, the more It's growing on me. The idea of the fan being in front with exhaust being in the back has been around for a while. Commercial jets are designed to have an engine sheer of before damage can occur to a wing or fuel cell. Thrust vectoring has also been around for a while with military jets.
Some other things I read and like about it...
1. Facing forward prop means clean undisturbed water for more efficient propulsion.
2. Since exhaust is rearward facing, it can be made smaller then traditional thru hub exhaust. Smaller profile means less drag.
3. Smaller surface area on rudder means less rudder cavitation when turning at speed.OK, so I'm comparing it to aviation, but turn the thing sideways and you could say it reminds me of a small Turbo-Prop wing with the power plant protected from the environment. The biggest advantage I see is unlike traditional inboards, it appears that the problem with having a strut getting pushed up thru the hull and water getting into the boat has been eliminated. This drive hangs no lower then normal drive gear. Many are saying that a skeg in front of it help protect it, but at a performance cost. Who knows?
I cannot find any information on the steering components, except that in the patent documents mention standard hydro-piston steering for an early design (2001).
Just my thoughts, bring on the comments.
Chiles
| |
Bertram31.com General Bulletin Board is maintained by Patrick McCrary with WebBBS 5.12.