Hovercrafts
Quick Link - Good Points - Bad Points - Tips - Costs - Resources
Introduction
These machines are not your everyday mode of transport! Used by the army and enthusiasts alike, hovercrafts can travel over land and water, and can reach some of the most inaccessible places in the world. But, interestingly, you can also race them!
It all began when Sir Christopher Cockerell filed his own patent, and made the first proper hovercraft in 1955.
The Isle of Wight features in the hovercraft history books, it is the home of the first SRN1 Hovercraft, and enthusiasts created The Hovercraft Club of Great Britain there in 1966.
Technical
The "hover" of the hovercraft is created by air being channeled to the bottom of the craft and being trapped by a flexible "skirt". The craft is always on top of the surface, and the skirt is flexible to iron out bumps and undulations on the surface, always maintaining a cushion of air.
A top mounted propeller forcing air out the back of the craft creates the forward motion of the hovercraft. Rudders controlled by the pilot, turn left or right to direct the air, which enables a method of steering.
Racing
A popular form of hovercraft racing uses relatively small one man crafts which can top speeds of 70 mph, and with a low driving position close to the surface - that's fast!
The fastest class of all is formula one, below are the criteria for national classes:
Formula 1 - Engine capacity over 500cc
Formula 2 - Engine capacity between 250cc and 500cc
Formula 3 - Engine capacity under 250cc
Formula Junior - Engine capacity under 250cc
Formula 25 - Engine capacity 25hp max
Hovercraft racing tracks are purposely challenging and often incorporate changes in terrain like you might find around a lake. A basic layout is marked out, but the width is much wider than normal race circuits because of the gradual and delayed turning nature of the hovercrafts.
As with all things motorised, cost is a factor, so costs and maintenance efforts are required to keep a racing hovercraft up and running.
Summary of Hovercrafts
Unique sport with nothing to compare it to.
Very fast feeling of speed as you are so close to the ground.
Existing racing scene already happening.
Require all the means to transport a hovercraft.
Need a place to store and maintain a hovercraft.
Not a common method of transport, so not that cheap
Go to hovercraft races to find owner/enthusiasts who can answer any questions you may have.
Find out about nearby clubs before you buy one, and also investigate if anyone is selling one second hand.
An idea is to get a group together (class / scouts / friends) and build your own hovercraft.
Try hovercraft racing by hiring out the crafts, at around �125 per day.
Light single seater racing hovercraft cost between �1,000 - �10,000.
That's cheap when by comparison, for a commercial 20 seater Hovercraft, you can expect to pay around �1.5 million!
Running costs are comparable to a car, as similar components (E.g. engine) are taken from cars and often used in hovercrafts.
(Click to open in new window)
Hovercraft.org.uk - The Hovercraft Club of Great Britain was formed in 1966 for anyone interested in the development of light Hovercraft for recreational purposes.
Hovercraft Links - Ping's Hovercraft links page.
Related sports featured on Adrenaline-Sports.net include: Jet Skiing, Sailing and Rally Driving.
All Rights Reserved
Good points
Bad points
Tips
Costs
Hovercraft Resources
Adrenaline-Sports.net users are looking for reputable businesses to purchase from. Your business can be featured right here!
Wildcat Hovercraft - A multi-activity corporate entertainment business, includes hovercraft racing, shooting, and team building tests. Long list of satisfied clients.
Copyright Adrenaline-Sports.net © 2000 - 2004
