Airboat known as fanboat, it is a
flat—bottomed vessel/jon boat propelled in forward direction by aircraft—type
propeller and it is powered by an aircraft or automotive engine. Airboats are very
popular means of transportation in Florida Everglades and part of Indian River
Lagoon, Kissimmee and St. Johns Rivers and Louisiana Bayous where they were
used for eco- tourism bowfishing and fishing.
The propeller and engine were enclosed
in protective metal cage that prevents objects from coming in contact with the
whirling propeller that could cause devastating damage to the machine and
traumatic injury to the operator and passengers.
The airboat propeller produces rearward
column of air that propels the boat forward. The steering is accomplished by a forced
air passing across the vertical rudders. Airboats have no brakes and are
incapable of traveling in reverse, unless the prop design is collective pitch.
Stopping, reversing direction dependent upon good operator skills, some designs
use a clam shell reversing device but it is intended for braking or backing up
very short distances. These systems are not commonly used.
Philippine Army acquired 21 brand
new airboats from Australian government under JPAAW (Joint Philippines-Australia
Army Watercraft) Project. The airboats and their ancillary support and
maintenance equipment arrived at Port Polloc, Parang, Maguindanao September of 2010.
Under the said joint project,
Australia and Philippines developed an Army of watercraft capability to support
AFP’s conduct of the counter terrorism and humanitarian operations in Liguasan
Marshes.
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