Type 716 air cushion boat

In 1962, the National Science and Technology Commission Shipbuilding Group included the development of hovercraft technology in a 10-year planning project. The results of this project were the 716 air cushion boat. This was designed by the 708 Institute and built in 1978 by the Hudong Shipyard. This is China's first self-developed military hovercraft. The total weight of the boat is 16 tons, the designed payload is 2 tons, and the speed is 100 km/h. However, there is a problem. The main engine is an aviation piston gasoline engine, which is very dangerous. In 1983, 708 and Hudong Shipyards switched to three Deutz high-speed diesel engines, which is an improvement.

In 1962, the National Science and Technology Commission Ship Professional Group organized the 10-year ship science and technology development (1963-1972) plan to include the development of hovercraft technology in the planning project. The National Defense Science and Technology Commission decided to focus on the seven hospitals and continue to organize research. jobs. During this period, through the test of multi-type test boats, Chinese researchers began to grasp the basic laws of air cushion technology applied to ships from practice, and created conditions for practical application.

In the late 1960s, in order to meet the transportation needs between coastal islands, the General Logistics Department of the People's Liberation Army commissioned the 708 Institute to design a prototype full-lift air cushion transport boat type 716. It was built by Hudong Shipyard in 1978. This is China's first self-developed military hovercraft. The total weight of the boat is 16 tons, and the designed payload is 2 tons. It was tested in Dianshan Lake at the same time and the speed was 100 km/h. It was then transferred to the South China Sea for trial use. Because the main engine is an aviation piston gasoline engine, the high-volatility gasoline used is prone to accidents and finally stops using.

In 1983, 708 and Hudong Shipyard jointly modified the 716 full-lift raised air cushion transport boat. The main engine was switched to three Deutz high-speed diesel engines with a total power of 950 kW, which was replaced with a ducted propeller, and the pad lift, propulsion system and apron were redesigned. After repeated debugging and sea trials, all technical performances have reached practical requirements.