What is a hovercraft and how does it work?
Hovercrafts, also called Air Cushion Vehicles, Surface Effect Vehicles, or Ground Effect Machines, were, invented in the 1950's. There are many types of hovercraft from the Military and Commercial to Recreational/Sport. The hovercraft is a vehicle which is supported by a cushion of air trapped under it by a skirt system. The amphibious hovercraft can travel at speeds up to 70 mph. The hovercraft "hovers" at a height of 9 to 12 inches from the surface. The recreational hovercraft can carry from one to four people. There are currently two types of recreational/sport craft in wide use, these are the integrated and non-integrated.
WHY BUY AN AMPHIBIOUS HOVERCRAFT?
Hovercrafts as a recreational vehicle are relatively new. Hovercrafts are fun. and the excitement from being able to go from land to water is what draws people to this sport. Hovercrafts offer fast, easy travel in a wider range of environments.
WHAT IS THE HULL MADE OF?
The hull can be constructed from fiberglass or plastic. The hull also must have flotation, which is accomplished by installing foam inside the hull.
WHAT ARE THE SKIRTS MADE OF?
The skirt is made from flexible waterproof material, its purpose is to retain the cushion of air. The finger, or segmented skirt, is several skirts attached to the craft. The material used for skirt construction must be able to withstand adverse conditions such as stones, logs, salt water, and sand. It also must be flexible so that it deforms easily over obstructions.
WHAT IS THE LIFTING SYSTEM FOR?
Some hovercraft use a separate engine drive fan at the front of the craft, while other crafts are designed as an integrated system and use some of the air from the propulsion fan, which is ducted under the craft. This provides a pressurized air bubble the craft floats on, reducing drag and spreading the weight of the craft evenly over the entire surface of the crafts cushion.
WHAT IS THE PROPULSION SYSTEM FOR?
The craft is driven by an engines via a belt and pulley system or a gearbox attached to a fan or propeller. For top performance and safety a fiberglass duct is used around the fan. Steering is done by rudders attached to the rear of the duct.
WHAT TYPE OF ENGINES ARE USED?
Many different engines have been tried over the years, but the main requirement has been to get a good horse power to weight ratio. The two cycle engine has proved to be both reliable and produce good power. The 4-cycle lawn mower type engine works well for smaller craft. Cruising craft speeds are from 30 to 50.
HOW BIG AND HEAVY ARE THEY?
The size of the craft is governed by the weight and the design cushion pressure, in most cases this is l-10 Ib./sq. ft. Small one person craft are around 9.5 ft long by 6 ft wide. Any weight which can be saved in construction of the craft, will buy extra payload or speed. Some single engine craft weigh an average of 350 lb. Larger craft with separate lift and thrust systems weigh from 500-700 lb. The lighter the hovercraft is per square foot the better it will perform.
IS IT DIFFICULT TO DRIVE?
Like any motorized vehicle, it takes practice to maneuver a hovercraft. The controls are very simple; usually a throttle controls the engines and a handlebar controls the rudders. With only a few hours of practice you can maneuver the craft and be out hovering.
WHERE CAN I USE MY HOVERCRAFT?
There are many areas a hovercraft can be used. On lakes, rivers, snow covered fields, frozen lakes, upstream, mud, marsh, and even on the ocean depending on the conditions. Check with local/county authorities on regulations in your area.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
The price for recreational crafts are comparable to other personal watercraft and can go on land!
WHAT ABOUT HOVERCRAFT AND THE LAWS?
Hovercraft should be registered as a boat. Check with your state and local governments for requirements.
WHAT ABOUT SAFETY?
As hovercraft enthusiasts, we are always concerned with safety in the operation of hovercraft. Our manufactured craft are built with safety in mind. READ YOUR OWNERS MANUAL!
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