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PO Box 617 sales@hovpod.com
Southampton http://leisurehovercraft.blogspot.com
UK Tel: +44 (0) 7699 391 390
Issued 041108
Hov Pod SPX LM FAQ
Frequently asked questions about local manufacturing of the Hov Pod SPX LM
What is included? The Hov Pod SPX LM is not a kit of parts. The Hov Pod SPX LM is a fully factory
assembled Hov Pod including all parts fully fitted, with the exception of engine,
engine drive shaft assembly, and drive belt, wiring or engine gauges. The Hov
Pod LM comprises Hull, Duct Assembly with Fan Assembly, Guards, Rudders and
full Steering Assembly. One full set of thicker grade black skirts is fitted, also
hard seat pack with drop in tray, and double section engine cover. The nose cone
has mirrors but no gauge panel since different engines require different gauges.
A full set of Hov Pod Graphics is also fitted.
What is the hull made The new SPX hulls are manufactured from HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) This
from and how is it material was chosen because it is lightweight, impact resistant, and far stronger
prepared? than glass fibre. HDPE is also a very buoyant material, so the SPX hull is safer in
marine operation. So far as we are aware, the Hov Pod SPX is the only hovercraft
available to be manufactured from HDPE; no other hovercraft has the strength
and safety characteristics offered by this hovercraft, it is unique. The air feed
holes to the skirts from the hull are already cut. All parts are assembled including
the nose cone, seat and console.
What characteristics Virtually any small engine can be considered, new, used or overhauled. Engines
should I consider when used in many vehicles such as cars, motorcycle, quad bikes, microlights,
selecting an engine? ultralights etc are possible. There are so many manufacturers and suppliers of
possible engines we cannot supply a list but a bit of Internet research can locate
suppliers of engines. The engine can be air or liquid cooled as the air passing
over the main hovercraft fan can cool a radiator. Turbo engines are also suitable.
Diesel Engines tend to be too heavy for the power they give but this is now
changing and several aviation diesel engines could be considered. Ideally engines
should be between approx 35kg to 80kg. The power should ideally be above
about 50HP. More power gives better performance. We supply a fully sealed
engine cover but if using the craft on water wiring should ideally also be sealed.
Motorcycle wiring looms tend to be fairly well water sealed. Alternatively use a
sealed box and/or sealant to contain the main connections components.
Where can I source a Microlight engines are ideal, so search on microlight forum websites, or contact
suitable engine? local microlight clubs. For lists and ideas on over 75 possible examples see:
http://www.usairnet.com/ultralight/engine/manufacturer/
http://www.ultralightmarket.com/results.asp?view=Gruppe&Gruppe=8
http://www.ultraligero.net/Sitios/Motores/motores.htm
http://www.ultralighthomepage.com/clubs_USA.html
http://bestultralightengine.googlepages.com/
http://www.airtrikes.net/engines.shtml
If you explain that you need help building a Hov Pod SPX LM, you might even
find some more customers!
Motorcycle engines can be found worldwide many new or low mileage motorcycle
engines can be found in written off motorcycles. If you can locate an engine that
offers direct drive this is even easier. Several small automotive engines are
possible, larger engines tend to be too heavy but a small and simple car engine
can be considered.
Where can I source a As mentioned above diesel engines are becoming lighter and several engines are
diesel engine? now used for aviation where high power to weight ratio is required. Some
possible examples are detailed below. As the weight increases they become less
suitable.
http://www.ecomotors.com/Technical.htm
http://www.zoche.de/specs.html
http://ppdgemini.com/_PDF/Gemini100_Spec_Sheet.pdf
http://www.dair.co.uk/
Reaction International Ltd. Reg in: England & Wales Reg No. 4132578
All specifications are subject to change without notice. All prices are excluding local taxes and are Ex Works. Prices are subject to change so please contact us for latest pricing. Hov Pod is a
trademark of Reaction International Ltd. All Text and Images are Copyright © Reaction International Ltd. Craft are supplied to specific customer orders, payment terms are 50% non
refundable deposit with order, and balance before delivery. It is the purchaser and/or end users responsibility to ensure the craft meets all local and national regulations and compliance
requirements. Reaction International Ltd reserves the right to make changes to the specifications of the products shown, in accordance with their product research and development
programme. Craft Warranty: The Hov Pod is guaranteed for 12 months. This excludes wear/tear/damage & parts not standard or due to installation/customisation/modification of
parts/systems used outside the design parameters &/or not designed &/or fitted by Reaction International Ltd. Engine Warranty: The engine falls under the engine supplier’s service
agreement. Full terms & conditions are available from Reaction International Ltd. Reg in: England & Wales Reg No. 4132578
Reaction International Ltd. www.hovpod.com
PO Box 617 sales@hovpod.com
Southampton http://leisurehovercraft.blogspot.com
UK Tel: +44 (0) 7699 391 390
What type & This engine is situated low down at the back of the craft. A engine cover set is included.
space is
available for
the engine 8mm thick
aluminum plate
installation. used for
mounting
engine frames
or mounts
Width at base of engine
bay is 820mm
Length from rear of craft
to fuel tank 850mm
Radiators &/or
intercoolers
located in air
path of main
fan to give
engine cooling
Example engine installation. 4stroke 120HP
Example engine installation, 2stroke 65HP
Engine cover top
section adds
approximately
150mm to the
height.
Width at back of engine
cover is 1120mm
Width at front of engine
cover is 980mm
Height from floor to front Height from floor to
of engine cover 450mm back of engine cover
500mm
Reaction International Ltd. Reg in: England & Wales Reg No. 4132578
All specifications are subject to change without notice. All prices are excluding local taxes and are Ex Works. Prices are subject to change so please contact us for latest pricing. Hov Pod is a
trademark of Reaction International Ltd. All Text and Images are Copyright © Reaction International Ltd. Craft are supplied to specific customer orders, payment terms are 50% non
refundable deposit with order, and balance before delivery. It is the purchaser and/or end users responsibility to ensure the craft meets all local and national regulations and compliance
requirements. Reaction International Ltd reserves the right to make changes to the specifications of the products shown, in accordance with their product research and development
programme. Craft Warranty: The Hov Pod is guaranteed for 12 months. This excludes wear/tear/damage & parts not standard or due to installation/customisation/modification of
parts/systems used outside the design parameters &/or not designed &/or fitted by Reaction International Ltd. Engine Warranty: The engine falls under the engine supplier’s service
agreement. Full terms & conditions are available from Reaction International Ltd. Reg in: England & Wales Reg No. 4132578
Reaction International Ltd. www.hovpod.com
PO Box 617 sales@hovpod.com
Southampton http://leisurehovercraft.blogspot.com
UK Tel: +44 (0) 7699 391 390
How many engines are The Hov Pod only requires one engine for lift and thrust. It is mounted low down
required? How is the at the back of the craft. The drive is via a toothed belt and pulleys. The fan needs
engine mounted? to turn at approximately 2288rpm so pulleys will be required to gear down the
engine speed. The final installation is up to the customer but we fit a 8mm thick
aluminum plate bolted to the hull. This aluminum piece can be changed by the
customer if required but for most engines it is suitable to be drilled and taped by
the customer to bolt down engine mounts or frames as required.
What about aircooled The engine covers can be adapted so that cooling air intakes can be cut into it, this
engines. would enable air to be pulled into the engine bay to be drawn over the engine or to
an enginecooling fan (depends on engine type). What is also possible would be to
use some of the air fed from the main fan to the skirts back into the engine bay or
onto the engine.
What working space do I To install and engine and wiring would not require a space much bigger than the
require? What tools do I craft itself. Obviously a bit of working space is required, a medium size garage
require? would be OK as the Hov Pod engine bay is quite large. Tools depend on the
engine you wish to install.
Are engine and drive Yes we can quote you for various engine drive shafts and pulleys if required.
parts parts available
from Hov Pod?
Is full technical help Very little technical help will be required. The craft is supplied almost complete
available from Hov Pod? apart from the engine, engine drive shaft and the wiring. Most wiring is 12volt so
an automotive or motorcycle mechanic and/or a small engineering company
should be all that you need. We are unable to provide full technical assistance to
the degree that we come and build the craft for you as we may as well sell you a
complete Hov Pod! However, we will make available a number of help sheets
covering a wide range of subjects. Local microlight clubs will be able to offer lots
of advice. We do offer training courses.
Is Hov Pod Training Yes it is, we offer the Module One Operator day, the Module Two preventative
available? maintenance day, and Module Three – hovercraft construction day which details
how to assemble the fans and engines etc. If you wish you may attend these
courses to really understand the product, get to meet our technical staff and see
how we assemble the Hov Pod. The threeday course is particularly
recommended for Hov Pod SPX LM constructors who take this opportunity
seriously – delegates receive our manufacturer’s certificate at successful
completion of training course. See price list for costs of attendance.
Reaction International Ltd. Reg in: England & Wales Reg No. 4132578
All specifications are subject to change without notice. All prices are excluding local taxes and are Ex Works. Prices are subject to change so please contact us for latest pricing. Hov Pod is a
trademark of Reaction International Ltd. All Text and Images are Copyright © Reaction International Ltd. Craft are supplied to specific customer orders, payment terms are 50% non
refundable deposit with order, and balance before delivery. It is the purchaser and/or end users responsibility to ensure the craft meets all local and national regulations and compliance
requirements. Reaction International Ltd reserves the right to make changes to the specifications of the products shown, in accordance with their product research and development
programme. Craft Warranty: The Hov Pod is guaranteed for 12 months. This excludes wear/tear/damage & parts not standard or due to installation/customisation/modification of
parts/systems used outside the design parameters &/or not designed &/or fitted by Reaction International Ltd. Engine Warranty: The engine falls under the engine supplier’s service
agreement. Full terms & conditions are available from Reaction International Ltd. Reg in: England & Wales Reg No. 4132578