The Rodolf, a 48-foot surface-effect vessel built by Bell-Halter of New Orleans for the Portland (Oregon) District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, began service with a tour of the Gulf and Atlantic Coasts to demonstrate its operational and hydrographic surveying capabilities.
Two 350-bhp GM Detroit Diesel 8V-92N engines power twin four-bladed propellers, and a Detroit Diesel 105-bhp 4-53N engine drives the 30-inch-diameter lift fan. The widely spaced propellers make the craft highly maneuverable at all speeds, both cushionborne and hullborne.
As a result of the surface-effect vessel's unique design, the Rodolf is expected to improve significantly hydrographic and surveying technology through its high-speed capability and minimal wake. The boat rides on a cushion of air contained by catamaran style side hulls and flexible bow and stern skirts. At cruising speed the center portion of the hull is clear of the water, supported on the air cushion, thereby reducing resistance, providing higher speed, and improving ride and stability qualities.
Bell-Halter is a joint venture of Bell Aerospace Textron and Halter Marine formed to design, construct, and market air-cushion craft for commercial service.