coupland bell

Coupland Bell

Coupland Bell Ltd
The Venture Centre
University of Warwick Science Park
Coventry, West Midlands CV4 7EZ
tel: +44(0)1926 863563 - email: web_enquiry@couplandbell.com

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We help our clients improve their products and designs by reducing cost, improving reliability and eliminating noise and vibration.

Coupland Bell celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2007.


 
 


Marine products and services

We have expertise in advanced propeller design, marine propulsion and sound emission. We have recently designed and tested a supercavitating marine propeller. This type of propeller is still effective when cavitation is unavoidable - such as under novel hull forms and when accelerating hard. Unlike surface-piercing propellers, it has no vulnerable stern gear, so can be used with a robust shaft drive and inboard engine.
Eco XR24

Saving weight is vital for marine design. We can help clients reduce the weight of their craft, using finite element analysis and optimisation. We can help manufacturers to design hulls in accordance with ISO 12215, to meet the Recreational Craft Directive.

Recent experience 

  • Model testing of novel hull design.
  • Design and testing of a supercavitating marine propeller.
  • Design of steerable thrust reverser.
  • Design, stressing and prototyping of a folding inflatable structure.
Marine noise and vibration control 

We have worked on other marine projects in addition to the amphibious RIB, including sea trials to confirm the performance of a silencer on a frigate in Holland. Our experience in marine technology allows us to apply our noise and vibration expertise to marine projects, including helping clients meet the noise requirements of the European Recreation Craft Directive (RCD). Click here for more information on our noise control and acoustics expertise..

Collaboration or partnerships wanted with boat builders and agents - see below


Craft available for licensing

1 - Environmentally friendly RIB - Eco XR24

This fast lightweight 7.2m RIB is derived from the XR24 that triumphed in the Round Scotland Race and other gruelling long distance events in the 1990s. The Eco XR24 gets back to basics - excellent performance, good looks with superb fuel economy. The all-new design has many improvements to meet, and exceed, current regulations. Every Eco XR24 will be unique, with its layout built to its owner's requirements, including a choice of outboard engines, up to 250hp. A new website is being developed for the Eco XR24.

Trade enquiries from boat builders and sales agents, particularly in Europe, Middle East and India are now welcome.

2 - Amphibious Rigid Inflatable Boat

Applications 

Water testing Coupland Bell's Amphibious RIB
  • Rescue - in floods, estuaries and shallow water
  • Aid agencies - for disaster relief and routine transport
  • Commercial operators - in remote areas and to access harbours in any tide.
  • Leisure - the exclusive high-tech accessory for the waterfront.
We are looking for partner companies interested in developing, distributing or manufacturing this craft.

The craft will be licenced for various applications and geographic areas. This is an exciting business opportunity for innovative marine companies or entrepreneurs to sell a new niche product. The craft is a fully-functioning, robust rigid inflatable boat with the amphibious features of a hovercraft. It can negotiate mud, shallow or fouled water in bad weather.

The 6m long, Amphibious RIB (rigid inflatable boat) is designed for rescue, commercial applications and disaster or flood relief.  It will carry six passengers or half a tonne of cargo along with a crewmember.  It can be towed by a 4x4 car.

The craft has all the advantages of a hovercraft, allowing it to be launched from a beach or riverbank.  Unlike conventional hovercraft, it may be transformed into a planing boat on the move.  It can then operate in winds to Force 6 and remain safe to Force 8.

The lightweight propulsion system provides good acceleration and manoeuvrability while still enabling the craft to resist high winds.

The innovative aspects of the design are protected by patents.
 
Coupland Bell's Amphibious RIB The Amphibious RIB uses conventional materials such as GRP (glass re-inforced plastic) and a standard turbo diesel truck engine.  The construction, ease of maintenance and low retail price make it ideal for applications in the developing world.

Mark Evans, Director of Coupland Bell and the Chief Designer of the Amphibious RIB, said:  “We see our new craft as being robust enough to tackle disaster relief in the developing world but also able to compete in the commercial market in the UK.  Is there another craft which can launch a rescue from a 1m high river bank, a beach carpark or over a sandbank and still be safe in a Force 8?”

For the latest news on water testing please see news.

Hovercraft improved weather performance - opportunity for manufacturers

The hull and skirt-folding technology developed for the amphibious RIB can be applied to larger hovercraft, allowing them to operate in much worse weather conditions. This patented technology is available for licensing on larger machines.

Hovercraft improved manoeuvrability - opportunity for manufacturers

The thrust reversers and turning vanes technology developed for the amphibious RIB give it exceptional manoeuvrability and allow it to be steered in reverse, as well as when stopping. This patented technology is available for licensing on hovercraft.

 

Please contact us to discuss your requirements - tel: +44(0)1926 863563 - email: web_enquiry@couplandbell.com

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West Midlands engineering consultancy offering marine design optimisation, weight and cost reduction, peformance improvement, finite element analysis, noise, stress and vibration analysis. We specialise in renewable energy, marine, gas turbines, failure analysis, R&D and technology licensing.