ABSTRACT
The principal means of transportation for the riverside populations of the Amazon are the rivers. In that area, one big problem is the available type of transportation: if the boats are modern, they are costly; if they are more rustic, they are unsafe and inefficient. The aim of this study was to propose an airboat of low-cost acquisition and maintenance, and which can be built and operated safely by the riverside populations themselves. Design spiral methodology was used in the ship design. As a result, a conceptual design for the airboat and possible load simulations were obtained, together with completion of the technical feasibility of the vessel and low manufacturing costs.
Key words:
Riverside Amazon populations; Agricultural logistics; Ship design
