Textron Corporation

Kirk A Magnusen

W Keith Dubose

Wrapped-cone fingers for use in an air-cushion vehicle (ACV) skirt system are described. Wrapped-cone fingers may include an inner cone that is 'wrapped' or generally enclosed by an outer finger. The inner cone may include an inner cone opening through which air may travel. The outer cone may include a back face opening. When inflated, the inner cone blocks the back face opening in the outer finger, allowing for increased air pressure in the outer finger and thus inflating the inner cone and outer finger of the wrapped-cone finger. Wrapped-cone fingers according to the present invention may be lightweight, inexpensive and resistant to scooping and snagging. Embodiments are also directed to ACV skirt systems and methods of manufacturing wrapped-cone fingers for use with an ACV skirt system.

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Slidell, LA, United States of America

Kirk A Magnusen