This patent discloses an apparatus and method for providing propulsion to naval vehicles by using one or more suspended belt drives to consistently engage the water proximate to the surface using a variety of belts with multiple attachments, tires, or variable lugs.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing propulsion to naval vehicles by using one or more suspended belt drives to consistently engage the water proximate to the surface using a variety of belts with multiple attachments, tires, or variable lugs. The drive belt system incorporated the use of a linear air bearing surface to minimize the belt friction of the drives. This invention also involves the use of open-bottomed enclosures to insulate the propulsion system from adverse water conditions that might otherwise prevent the belt drives from consistently and efficiently engaging the water.