What is a hovercraft?

A hovercraft is one of the children of the air cushion vehicle (ACV) family that flies above the earth's
surface on a cushion of air. It is powered by an engine that provides both the lift cushion and the
thrust for forward or reverse movement. The hovercraft is a true multi-terrain, year-round vehicle that
can easily make the transition from land to water because it slides on a cushion (bubble) of air with
the hovercraft skirt slightly brushing the surface.
How does a hovercraft work?
To understand how hovercraft work, it is necessary to realize that the dynamics are more closely
related to aircraft than to boats or automobiles. Hovercraft float on a cushion of air that has been
forced under the craft by a fan. This causes the craft to rise or lift and fly above the surface.
Hovercraft are the amphibious member of the air cushion vehicle family and are the most novel
among vehicles that are supported by pressurized air. See a diagram and read a detailed explanation
of how hovercraft work.
How is a hovercraft different than an airboat?
Hovercraft use less fuel, make less noise, are dynamically safer, are more maneuverable and versatile
and are better at amphibious tasks than airboats. Hovercraft are flying machines that travel above the
surface on a cushion of air. Airboats are simply flat-bottomed boats with a huge two- to six-bladed
propeller; their entire weight planes across the surface like a ski. On water, airboats create a wake;
hovercraft do not because they fly several inches above the water. Both are amphibious vehicles but
the hovercraft, since it rides on a bubble of air, is better on dry terrain. Unlike hovercraft, airboats
cant operate very well over mud, sand, pavement, gravel, grass or other dry surfaces. The airboats
flat hull is usually coated with plastic to reduce friction and help protect its hull when crossing such
terrain. Airboats are even limited to fairly smooth water because their hulls contain minimum flotation
and are easily swamped. The airboats tall propeller also limits its usefulness in areas with overhead
obstructions, which are often found in flood conditions. The airboats propeller runs close to the speed
of sound and generates twice the noise of a hovercraft.
Airboats have a high thrust-to-weight ratio, close to 1:1, so airboat thrust is equal to gross weight.
Hovercraft thrust is only 1/10 the gross weight. Since energy consumption is related to thrust, an
airboat consumes two to three times more energy than a hovercraft, therefore uses more fuel.
The airboats high center of gravity makes them prone to flipping over. Hovercraft are also more
maneuverable than airboats, especially Neoteric craft whose patented reverse thrust system lets them
back up at speed.
Which is correct: hovercraft, hovercrafts, hover craft or hover crafts?
Even though you may see it spelled hovercrafts, hover craft, hover crafts, or even hoovercraft, there
is only ONE correct spelling: hovercraft - whether singular or plural. You may have one hovercraft or
you may have twelve hovercraft. It follows the same rule as the word aircraft: You may have one
aircraft or twelve aircraft, but you never have any aircrafts, air craft or air crafts.
What are hovercraft used for?
Hovercraft are so versatile that their applications are as diverse as the people who use them. They are
most often used to reach areas that are inaccessible on foot or by conventional vehicles. A partial
listing of present uses includes:
Exploring the vast number of shallow and narrow waterways that cannot be reached by boat
Rescue work on swift water, ice, snow, mud flats, deserts, wetlands, shallow water, swamps, bogs,
marshes and floodwaters.

 Affordable, safe way to fly without a pilot's license.

Transport in environmentally sensitive areas where habitat, erosion and soil compaction are a
concern
Wildlife conservation and research
Transportation or "island-hopping" with clients for real estate purposes
Fishing anywhere ... including ice fishing
Traveling from land to water where there is no boat dock
Military services
Dive recovery teams
Retrieving birds from tailings ponds at mining sites
Water management
Port authorities/drug enforcement
TV and film companies
Entertainment at Disney World water shows
Agricultural spraying
Survey work
Forestation
Heavy load movement across difficult surfaces
Mosquito abatement
Environmental testing
Charter operations
Oil spill cleanup
Removing leaves from Pecan farms
"Bird hazing" chasing geese from lakes in the vicinity of airports
Do hovercraft hurt the environment?
No. The unique characteristics of the hovercraft make it one of the most environmentally friendly
vehicles in the world. One of these characteristics is the hovercraft's low "footprint pressure." The
pressure a hovercraft exerts on its operating surface is conservatively 1/30th that of the human foot!
The average human being standing on ground exerts a pressure of about 3 lb per square inch (20
KPa), and that increases to 25 lb per square inch (172 KPa) when walking. In contrast, the average
hovercraft exerts a pressure of only 0.33 lb (2.2 KPa) per square inch - even less as speed increases.
This "footprint pressure" is below that of a seagull standing on one leg! Hovercraft have literally flown
over a pedestrian without inflicting harm.
Environmental Impact of Hovercraft
How safe is a hovercraft?
Over the hovercrafts half-century of existence it has proven to be quite possibly the safest vehicle
ever built. Unlike boats, hovercraft never sink; their plan-form area must be large for lift purposes, so
they carry lots of flotation compartments or foam, which prevents sinking. Because they travel above
the surface on a cushion of air, hovercraft fly over obstacles rather than colliding with them. As an
example, a hovercraft can fly over a person on dry land without harming them and can even fly over
eggs without cracking them! And because hovercraft tend to operate where no other vehicle can go,
the risk of vehicle-to-vehicle crashes is extremely low.
Are Neoteric hovercraft less noisy than other hovercraft?
Yes, they are. Noise is generated whenever air moves and all vehicles that consume large quantities of
air create noise. Shape your lips into a small circle. Gently blow through this circle and youll barely
hear any noise. Now insert your tongue close to the circle and youll hear a whistle. This is caused by
the air tumbling and creating vortices which impact each other and generate a sound wave. The high

velocity air flowing upstream and downstream from a hovercrafts fan impacts the fan and its
stationary blades, which generates vortices that produce noise. Vibrating structural components also
contributes to hovercraft noise. Minimizing the number of vortices and the amount of vibration will
result in less noise.
Neoteric hovercraft are specifically designed and engineered to produce a vehicle that minimizes noise.
Smooth intake air flow, no loose or vibrating structural elements, and properly designed engine intake
and exhaust give the Hovertrek one of the lowest noise signatures of any hovercraft on the market.
Will a hovercraft float?
Yes. The Neoteric Hovertrek hull utilizes composite construction with US Coast Guard certified closed
cell 2 lbs/cu. ft. (32 Kg/cu. meter) density BASF polyurethane foam. A total of 17 cu. ft. (0.48 cu.
meters) of foam provides over 1,000 lbs. [454Kg] of positive buoyancy. In addition, the cockpit area
affords an additional 1,000 lbs. [454Kg] of floatation. When totally swamped with water, the
hovercraft remains floating and stable.
See a cross section of a Hovertrek Hull
Are hovercraft easy to operate?
First, it is necessary to understand that you are actually flying -- low to the ground, but flying
nonetheless. Therefore, you will need proper pilot training to ensure safe, enjoyable hovering. At
Neoteric, great care is taken in preparing you for your first "hover". Before your first flight, you are
schooled in the principles and preventative maintenance of hovercraft. Then, you will spend several
hours hovering on land and water until you achieve sufficient pilot experience to receive Neoteric's
certification of competency.
How is a hovercraft steered and stopped?
Hovercraft are flying machines that fly close to the Earths surface, so their controls are much like the
controls of an airplane. Steering is achieved through the use of a system of rudders behind the fan,
controlled by handlebars up front. Steering can also be controlled by the pilot and passenger
displacing their body weight, a skill achieved through practice. Neoteric hovercraft offer another option
for steering and stopping: patented reverse thrust buckets. This is the only system available today
that lets the hovercraft pilot reverse at speed, hover while stationary and brake (a must on ice).
Can a hovercraft be driven on the road?
Its first necessary to understand that roads are designed to be used by cars and have a camber, or
slightly convex surface. This causes very unstable driving conditions for hovercraft. Also, the
abrasiveness of the road's surface causes excess skirt wear. Therefore, while road travel is possible, it
isnt recommended.
How fast will a hovercraft go?
Depending upon the effects of terrain and weather, the average speed of hovercraft is 35 mph (56
km/h), faster on ice or when going downwind, slower when on dense grass or rough surfaces, or when
there is a headwind.
What is the gas mileage of a hovercraft?
As with most vehicles, the mileage is affected by climate conditions and the way in which it is driven.
Generally, you can expect to get as little as 2-3 gph (7.6-11.4 l/h) of fuel consumption.

What is the payload?

The Hovertrek is designed to carry four people with an average weight of about 170 lb (78 kg) each.
Payload can be increased dramatically depending on the experience of the driver and the condition of
the terrain. For example, when flying over smooth ice, up to 1200 lb (546 kg) could be carried.
Can a hovercraft operate on ice?
Unlike most other vehicles, a hovercraft flies safely and easily over ice even thin or broken ice
because it hovers above the surface on a cushion of air. The hovercraft is becoming increasingly
popular as an ice fishing vehicle. And first responders worldwide recognize the hovercraft as the only
rescue vehicle able to perform fast, safe rescue operations on swift water, thin or broken ice, flood
waters and snow. A hovercraft keeps rescuers above the danger not in it and lets them access
areas a boat or helicopter cant reach.
Can a hovercraft be used on swift water and rough waves?
Since the hovercraft hovers on a 9 in (228mm) cushion of air, the ride is very smooth and small waves
are not noticed. Larger waves can be handled providing their crests are spaced well apart. Operation
in surf, and even in Class 5 whitewater, is possible with an experienced driver, but hovercraft operate
best on sheltered water and over smooth ice.
Do you need a license to pilot a hovercraft?
No. Hovercraft come under U.S. Coast Guard jurisdiction. When you buy a hovercraft, you will be
assigned a Coast Guard hull identification number (HIN). These numbers are free and, if you decide to
purchase a partially assembled Hovertrek, your number will be provided by Neoteric. Using this
number, you then register your vehicle as a boat. Some states may require an ATV license as well.
Overseas customers should consult your local hoverclub or marine authority.
Do you need insurance to operate a hovercraft?
Some people add hovercraft to their Home Owner's Insurance. It's important to call it a 'boat' and not
a 'hovercraft' when talking to insurance companies. Legally, hovercraft are boats, and under US
Federal Law, Neoteric Hovercraft, Inc. is considered to be a boat manufacturer. Keep in mind that it
will always be less costly to add your hovercraft insurance to an existing policy or policies than it
would be to purchase a stand-alone policy.
Contact the following companies through your agent:
Markel American Insurance
P.O. Box 906 Pewaukee, WI 53072-09066
800-236-9283
Fax: 262-548-3288
Who invented the hovercraft?
During the 1950s, an Englishman by the name of Christopher Cockerell developed and patented the
first hovercraft. For his contribution to the British people and the Queen, he was knighted and named
"Sir" Christopher Cockerell. Soon after, British Hovercraft Corporation developed the first commercial
hovercraft for passenger transport across the English Channel. With the ability to carry up to 400
passengers and 50 automobiles, these passenger hovercraft have operated since 1968 and have
carried more than 30 million passengers and 5 million automobiles.
How large of a "step" can a hovercraft handle?
With an experienced pilot, it is possible for the Hovertrek to handle a 24" (610mm) drop. Stepping

up is usually limited to the hoverheight of 9" (229mm). If the step is gradual, greater heights may be
traversed.
What slope can a hovercraft climb?
The Hovertrek will accommodate a gradient of 1 in 6 (16.7%) [Note: a 45 slope = 100%], standing
start, smooth surface, 400 lb (181 kg) payload. It can climb much more easily when the slope is
approached at a running start than if standing still. Generally it is easier to ascend than to descend.
What does "Neoteric" stand for?
Meaning novel and contemporary, this word was chosen to exemplify our company's clientele, for they
are individuals who want the latest and most unique technology.
What does "Hovertrek" stand for?
With 'hover' meaning to remain suspended in air above a surface, and 'trek' meaning to make a
difficult journey, Neoteric invented the name Hovertrek to symbolize their clientele's ideal: accessing
hitherto unreachable terrain. This, of course, does not exclude its use for any purpose its owner may
conceive.
Can you buy a hovercraft kit and build it yourself?
Yes. Not only does Neoteric offer fully assembled hovercraft, we also sell the only production
hovercraft available in do-it-yourself, partially assembled hovercraft kits. This lets you save 25% and
enjoy the process of building a hovercraft with your friends or family.
How difficult is it to assemble the hovercraft?
The basic partially assembled hovercraft takes about 40 hours to finish. Most of the work has already
been completed at the factory. The machinery module is fully assembled and tested, along with the
wiring harness, instruments, etc. The hull and body are already bonded. All you need are basic
workshop skills, a work area the size of a one-car garage, and common hand tools such as electric
drill, a pop rivet gun, sets of open-ended and allen wrenches, and a set of screwdrivers.
How is a hovercraft transported?
The Hovertrek is trailer-able and can be hitched up by one person in less than two minutes. Simply
hover up to the end of the trailer, attach the winch cable to the craft, lift the trailer tongue and place
the rear rollers under the front of the craft. Crank the winch until the craft is completely on the trailer.
Fasten the locking arms at the rear, hitch the trailer to your vehicle, and go.
What are other safety and legal aspects of owning a hovercraft?
All Neoteric hovercraft comply with all U.S. Coast Guard boating laws. Our craft also comply with the
regulations of the World Hovercraft Federation as well as with the Hoverclub of America, Inc. and the
Hoverclub of Great Britain Ltd. "Requirements for the Design, Construction, Operation and
Maintenance of Light Hovercraft". Hovercraft should be operated in areas where the public, personal
safety, and ecology are not placed in danger.