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How do hovercraft work?
Hovercraft use fans or propellers to generate two streams of air,
one for forward thrust and one for lift. Lift air is contained under
the craft by a flexible skirt, enabling the hovercraft to lift clear
of the surface. Thrust air is used to propel the hovercraft forward
and moving the thrust air with rudders controls hovercraft direction.
What types of surface will a hovercraft fly over?
Hovercraft can travel over all types of surfaces including grass,
mud, muskeg, sand, quicksand, gravel, water, snow and ice. Hovercraft
prefer gentle terrain although they are capable of climbing slopes
up to 20%, depending on surface characteristics, slope length, payload
and run-up. Obstacle clearance is determined primarily by the effective
hover height of the hovercraft.
What can a person use a hovercraft for?
As technology improves performance and reduces noise levels, hovercraft
are becoming increasingly popular as recreational machines. From
accessing cabins year round, to cruising, fishing, diving, hunting
and racing - the possibilities are endless.
What types of businesses and organisations use hovercraft?
The unique capabilities of hovercraft are recognised and appreciated
by a diverse group of end users. Hovercraft are in use worldwide
with Search & Rescue Groups, Fire Departments, Airport Emergency
Response Units, Military Units and Scientific Research Teams. Hovercraft
are an integral part of numerous commercial operations including
diving, tourism, water taxi, ferry service, ice breaking, goods
delivery, survey, environmental monitoring, film & television
and guide outfitting.
What is it like to fly a hovercraft?
Hovercraft are very exciting to fly and the feeling of effortlessly
travelling from land to water and back again is unique!
Do hovercraft float on water?
Our hovercraft are designed to float like a boat with the engine
turned off. Hovercraft make excellent diving tenders and superb
hunting and fishing platforms.
How do you stop without brakes?
Reducing engine RPM will reduce the air cushion height and increased
drag between the skirt and surface will slow and stop the hovercraft.
Alternatively, the hovercraft can be turned 180 degrees and the
engine accelerated till the craft stops. In an emergency situation
on most surfaces turning the engine off will stop the hovercraft
immediately.
What advantages does a hovercraft have over a boat?
Hovercraft are true four season machines and offer a number of potential
advantages over boats. A hovercraft travels over the surface of
the water without concern for depth or hidden obstacles and will
travel against the current of a river with no reduction in speed.
Hovercraft are unaffected by small waves and offer a comfortable
smooth ride. Hovercraft do not create wakes and are safe around
swimmers as there are no propellers in the water. Many hovercraft
have sufficient cushion height to pass right over a person in the
water. Having a hovercraft eliminates the need to launch from docks.
Are hovercraft environmentally friendly?
Hovercraft ride on a cushion of air and depending on the model,
the hover height ranges between 8'' and 18''. The air cushion enables
our hovercraft to operate over environmentally sensitive areas such
as muskeg or mudflats without disturbing the surface. The ground
pressure exerted even by a fully loaded hovercraft is so low that
the craft can pass over bird eggs without breaking them. The lack
of a wake on water minimises the potential for bank erosion and
does not disturb swimmers or canoeists. Unlike many boats, engine
exhaust fumes are not directed into the water and poisonous anti-fouling
compounds are not required on hovercraft.
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