Page 51 - Theory and Design of Air Cushion Craft

ACV and SES development in China 35

commercial SES type 'Jin Sah River' (Fig. 1.5) was completed in Shanghai Hu Dong
Shipyard, and was delivered to Chong Cheng Shipping Company in April 1971. Three
high speed Chinese manufactured diesels were installed for lift and propulsion. The
craft could accommodate 70-80 passengers and operated at a speed of 57 km/h. The
craft has now been operated on Jin Sah River for many years.
Since then the division which was responsible for research and development of
ACV/SES/WIG, the Hovercraft Research and Design Division, was formed in
MARIC. The division established the first static hovering laboratory of China in
1971-74, and completed the first Chinese water jet propelled SES, version 717
(Fig. 1.33), as well as the first Chinese amphibious test landing craft, version 722,
which could accommodate about 150 passengers.[133]
During the investigation and operation of the ACV and SES mentioned above it
was found that although China had commenced her ACV/SES research undertaking
early, it was difficult to develop the ACV/SES from test stage to a more practical stage

Fig. 1.33 First Chinese water-jet propelled passenger SES series 717.

Fig. 1.34 Small air-cushion vehicle design 7202.