PROJECT PROPOSAL

Designing a Hovercraft
Department of Mechanical Engineering
University of Moratuwa

Table of Content

Page

01

1. Introduction

Page Number
02

2. Project goal

02

3. Objectives

02

4. Why a hovercraft?

03

5. Department of Mechanical Engineering of UoM

03

6. Feasibility

04

6.1Technical feasibility
6.2Social feasibility
6.3Ecological feasibility
4.4 Financial feasibility

04
04
05
05

7. Project outline

06

8. Cost Analysis

07

9. Hovercraft

09

10.Benefits

10

10.1.1Qualitative benefits
10.1.2Quantitative benefits

10
10

11.Sponsorships

12

12. Annex

16

Page
1.

Introduction

02

A hovercraft, as known by the world today, is a type of an air-cushion vehicle (ACV) with the
capability of traveling on both land and on water. It had been in use for over half a century and
gone through various modifications since then, to apply its unique features to modern day
transportation needs.
We, a team of 2nd year engineering undergraduates of the University of Moratuwa, Department
of Mechanical Engineering, would like to inaugurate this transportation technology to Sri Lanka
by proposing a project to design and build a dual-seat hovercraft.
The designing and adding modifications to the hovercraft will be carried out in such a way that
it will best suit the transportation needs and topography of Sri Lanka.
The project will be conducted under the supervision of,

2.

Dr. PalithaDasanayake ( Head of Department Mechanical Engineering )

Dr. Nirosh Jayaweera ( Senior lecturer )
Mr. Sasiranga De Silva ( Lecturer )

Project Goal

As engineering undergraduates of DOME UoM, Our goal is to conduct a study on Hovercraft

technology and ultimately design and manufacture a cost effective working model, using the
knowledge and skills of the finest undergraduate talent in the island and the facilities of our
very own country.

3.

Objectives

To design and build a hovercraft to be presented at exhibitions such as Deyata Kirula,

Techno Lanka, INNOMECH and EXMO.
To analyze the potential capabilities of designing and building hovercrafts locally and to
assess the advantages of such a conveyance to Sri Lanka.
To identify potential research areas related to hovercraft technology and implement
upon completion of the project.
To introduce an energy-efficient way of travelling and search for other utilities of
implementing this technology.
To understand the applications of basic engineering principles learnt as a mechanical
engineering student and to improve professional and teamwork skills.
To get hands on experience with various manufacturing methods and engineering tools.

Page

03

4. Why a Hovercraft?
The Hovercraft is internationally renowned for its ability to travel on diverse terrains. As a
vehicle which can be effectively deployed on land, water, ice and marsh lands, the Hovercraft is
a true masterpiece of engineering technology. They are now used throughout the world as
specialized transports in disaster relief, coastguard, military and survey applications as well as
for sport or passenger service.
Although it holds high potential to provide efficient solutions to many transport problems in the
island, the concept of the Hovercraft is still new to Sri Lanka.
The design and development of the hovercraft will be carried out in such a way that it best
adapts and addresses the applications unique to our country.

5. Department of Mechanical Engineering of UoM

University of Moratuwa is undoubtedly the best technological university in Sri Lanka. Currently,
the university is home to over 4000 undergraduates and 600 academic staff. Apart from the
academic prestige it is renowned for, the University exposes its students to a variety of sports,
clubs and other cultural activities.
The Department of Mechanical Engineering of University of Moratuwa throughout its 37 years
history has moulded its undergraduates and graduate students into dynamic world class
engineers. With over 300 students and 30 research faculty and lecturers the department has
cemented its place as one of the nations top Mechanical Engineering Programs.

6. Feasibility

Page

04

This study evaluates the feasibility of manufacturing a hovercraft in University of Moratuwa

premises by 2nd year mechanical engineering undergraduates. As this project consumes lot of
resources, checking for the feasibility is essential. This study shows that this project is workable
and also it highlights the benefits of undertaking this project.
6.1 Technical feasibility
A hovercraft, also known as an air-cushion vehicle or ACV, is a craft capable of travelling over
land, water, mud or ice and other surfaces both at speed and when stationary. Hovercrafts are
hybrid vessels operated by a pilot as an aircraft rather than a captain as a marine vessel. This is
an existing technology which has been tried and tested before. Therefore the risk of failing is
minimal. The project will further carry out research in improving the maneuverability of
hovercrafts. This will include several innovative design concepts which will initially be tested in
university laboratories before testing them under actual circumstances, which will again
minimize the risk to the pilot.
The idea is to build up the whole hovercraft in house with only the engine and the skirt material
being imported. More research is expected to be done, in conjunction with the Department of
Chemical Engineering and the Department of Textile and Materials Science, to investigate the
possibility of manufacturing the skirt material locally. Support from Sri Lanka Navy will also be
given, to use their fiberglass manufacturing plant and research facilities in order to build the
platform of the hovercraft. As mechanical engineering undergraduates the technical knowledge
and skills required are developed during the academic years. University of Moratuwa is fully
facilitated all the required machinery workshops. The project will be undertaken with the
guidance of senior lecturers. Hence the knowledge and support is utilized.
The above facts show that the project is technically feasible.
6.2 Social feasibility
The engineering students who are undertaking the project and the users are taken into
consideration under social feasibility. As the undergraduates carryout the production with great
knowledge under supervision, the safety is 100% assured. This is a vehicle which is capable of
travelling over land, water, mud or ice and other surfaces both at speed and when stationary.
So the users will have multiple advantages. As it is guaranteed by University of Moratuwa, the
safety of the user is assured.
These facts prove the social feasibility.

6.3 Ecological feasibility

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05

A hovercraft minimizes the required force to propel it forward by two main methods in
compared to other road and marine transportation systems. One is, by moving on a cushion of
air, it makes very little or no contact at all with the surface that its traveling on, hence
producing a minimum amount of friction. The other is, by minimizing the area of hull contact
with the water, thus reducing the drag force considerably when compared to boats. These
factors lead to less fuel consumption in hovercrafts and lower the harmful gas emissions to the
environment. Also due to that minimum contact with surface, the damage to shore
environment, such as beaches, mud flats and vegetation is virtually nil.
Considering Sri Lanka, A hovercraft can be used to best advantage in shallow water and drying
areas such as wetlands, swamps, and river delta which inhabits varieties of species and
indigenous birds. In these sensitive areas, nearly no transportation means are available. Yet
hovercrafts are able to operate in these areas in an environmentally friendly way. Another
advantage is that, it creates virtually no underwater noise or sea bed erosion and requires no
docks, piers or dredged channels to operate off many beach sites. Hence fish or marine life is
not affected.
The hovercraft hull is a sealed unit. Therefore any accidental discharges and leaks are fully
contained within the hull structure to be pumped out at an appropriate shore facility.
Additionally, there is no exhaust discharge into the water as with most conventional water
craft, thus eliminating the pollution of the marine environment by oil and fuel particles
Considering these facts, it is obvious that hovercrafts have significantly lower the
environmental impact than any other watercraft currently operating.

6.4 Financial feasibility

A thorough research was carried out to analyze the financial feasibility of this project.
The budgeted costs which can be categorized as capital costs and revenue costs are analyzed to
evaluate the full estimated cost of the hovercraft. The quantitative and qualitative benefits are
then analyzed to see whether this project is favorable in financial aspect.
The following sections will discuss the financial feasibility in detail.

7. Project Outline
Page

April
Sponsorship gathering and
preparation
Fluid flow analysis
2D sketches and dimensions
CAD design and drawing finalization
3D model simulation
Purchasing the selected components
Hull and skirt manufacturing
Assembling
Testing and evaluation
- Land
- Water
- Marshy lands

May

June

July

Aug

06
Sep

Page

8. Cost Analysis

Initial costs
Item

Qty

Prize(USD)

Research costs
200
-

Skirt designs
Air flow (models)

Capital costs
Item
Lift Engine (Rotax 277, 27HP)

Qty
1

Prize(USD)
1900

Trust Engine(Rotax 503, 48HP)

2900

Fuel Tank and pump

100

Skirt material (Urethane-Coated

Nylon Fabric)
Hull (Fiber glass)

60sq.mtr.

800

Lift propeller (24 4 fiberglassreinforced polyamide blades)

Trust propeller(31" 3 fiberglassreinforced polyamide blades in a 6blade hub)

300

300

Total

2350

8650

07

Page
Revenue costs
Item
Machining
Shafts
Pulleys
Gears
Other
Rudders
Assembling costs
Welding
Nuts and bolts
Rivets
Batteries (12V 12AH sealed lead
acid)
Rudders (mechanism)

Qty

08

Prize(USD)
230

260

100

100

Miscellaneous

200

Fuel (Testing )

250

Total

1140

Initial costs (USD)

200

Capital costs (USD)

8650

Revenue costs (USD)

1140

Total estimated cost (USD)

9990

Average price of a dual seat hovercraft with separate lift and thrust engines currently costs over
USD 20,000 in the market. Additional taxation should be added, if imported to Sri Lanka.

9. Hovercraft

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09

10. Benefits

Page

10

Considering the benefits of this project qualitative benefits play a significant part over
quantitative benefits. Even though qualitative benefits are monetary non-measurable these
benefits make the project more favorable.

9.1 Qualitative benefits

Rescue purposes of hovercraft

Hovercraft has the ability to hover above land, thin ice, and water, even during flood
conditions, is a lifesaving asset to both victims and rescuers. Due to their unique capability to
safely access areas that no other rescue vehicle can reach, hovercraft are used in a diversity of
rescue scenarios. These include, but are not limited to
- Rescue operations on rivers, lakes and oceans in ice, swift water and mud
- Search and rescue missions in floods, shallows, wetlands, bogs, marshes and sand
- Rescue operations in Tsunami
- Dive team recovery missions
- Aircraft crashes
These services provided are priceless benefits.

9.2 Quantitative benefits

Tourism

Sri Lanka Tourism has surged to a new high record of 654,476 arrivals in 2010, surpassing the
previous all-time high hits due to the post conflict peaceful environment.
The foreign exchange earnings increased by 62.0% from Rs. 40,133.00 million to Rs. 65,018.00
million. Foreign Exchange (FE) receipts per tourist per day recorded an increase of US $ 6.2,
from US $ 81.8 in 2009 to US $ 88.0 in 2010.

Out of these more than 75% falls under the purpose of pleasure.

Page

Purpose of Visit 2009 - 2010

11

Purpose
2009
2010
Pleasure
80.00% 78.90%
Business
8.60% 12.70%
Visiting Friends & Relations
5.20%
5.40%
Convention & Meetings
1.40%
1.00%
Religious & Cultural
2.00%
0.80%
Others
2.80%
1.20%
http://www.sltda.lk/sites/default/files/Annual_Statistical_Report_2010.pdf

One of key areas in which the use of hovercrafts will be highly beneficial is the growing industry
of tourism. The ability of a hovercraft to travel on both land and water will pave way for a
whole new experience for passengers. Riding the hovercraft will not be just another cruise at
sea. It will have the unique feel of being part airplane and part speed boat. Tourists will be able
to get up close with aquatic wildlife and enjoy the excitement the ride has to offer.
These facts shows that hovercrafts play a significant role in tourism hence directly increase the
revenues from tourism.
Cost-benefit analysis
From the above analysis, considering the costs and benefits, the benefits highlight over the
costs. So this project can be classified as financially feasible.

10. Sponsorships

Page

12

Our Hovercraft sponsors will be a valuable part of our successful effort. The estimate for the
Hovercraft Project totals to 9990 USD (1.26 million LKR).Therefore the success of this project
will depend heavily on the commercial partnerships built with our esteemed sponsors. This will
aid us in obtaining the necessary items and services for making the hovercraft a reality.
Sponsors will benefit from the national/international exhibitions, public appearances, press
releases, website, and news coverage. The craft will travel nationally for exhibitions, where
engineers and students from around the world will see them. We hope that you will be a part of
our project which is going to be the 1st hovercraft project by a university in Sri Lanka.
You will gain:
Brand awareness
Your company will be able to approach and present itself to a number of leading
professionals and young engineering talent. Your will be given the opportunity to
market your brand name and logo on the final product, all printed material, banners and
other visual material. These will be on display during the launch, operation and various
other exhibitions.
Unprecedented reputation of enriching the future leaders of the nation
Being a university, the University of Moratuwa is at the forefront of nurturing the finest
innovators and leaders. Therefore your involvement will not only benefit the
undergraduate students, but also the nation at large.

Opportunity to exercise in Corporate Social Responsibility related projects.

Being well equipped with engineering knowledge and laboratory facilities, the only
restriction in successfully completing this project is lack of funds. Therefore, our
aspiration is to overcome that hurdle and achieve our targets.

A sponsorship scheme which has been drawn up to obtain the required funding has been
attached herewith.

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Platinum Sponsor | 200,000 LKR

Your company will be considered our main partner for Hovercraft project. You will be
benefitted with increased brand awareness during all the public appearances of the
Hovercraft. This would include,

High-Profile placement of your company name and logo on the Hovercraft

forehead
Your companys name on our Hovercrafts audio visual presentation
Printed logo and name on the hovercraft will be displayed on electronic and
printed media
Invitation to a Hovercraft ride at University premises and Bolgoda Lake
Promotional appearance of the Hovercraft at your location
Company logo prominently displayed in the backdrop
Company logo on every promotional material including banners, backdrops and
posters
Ability to display a video presentation of your company in the launching
ceremony and distribute fliers and brochures of yours products
Company logo and link to your company website on the University website
Your companys name on the show case at the Mechanical Engineering
Department premises
Your companys name on the team casual t-shirt
"Thank You" Signage Your company logo will be featured on sponsor
appreciation signage throughout the launching ceremony, with all sponsoring
companies logos listed

Your company will be given priority in future public appearances of the Hovercraft

Gold Sponsor | 150,000 LKR

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14

Your company will be benefited with increased brand awareness during all the public
appearances of the Hovercraft. It includes,

Your Companys name and logo on the Hovercraft side panels

Printed logo and name on the hovercraft will be displayed on electronic and
printed media
Invitation to a Hovercraft ride at University premises and Bolgoda Lake
Ability to display a video presentation of your company in the launching
ceremony and distribute fliers and brochures of yours products
Company logo and link to your company website on the University website
Your companys name on the show case at the Mechanical Engineering
Department premises
Company logo on every promotional material including banners, backdrops and
posters
Your companys name on the team casual t-shirt
"Thank You" Signage Your company logo will be featured on sponsor
appreciation signage throughout the launching ceremony, with all sponsoring
companies logos listed

Silver Sponsor | 100,000 LKR

Your company will be benefited with increased brand awareness during all the public
appearances of the Hovercraft. It includes,

Your companys name and logo on the Hovercraft rudders

Printed logo and name on the hovercraft will be displayed on electronic and
printed media
Company logo and link to your company website on the University website
Your companys name on the show case at the Mechanical Engineering
Department premises
Your companys name on the team casual t-shirt
Company logo on every promotional material including banners, backdrops and
posters
Fliers and brochures of the company can be distributed on the day of the
launching ceremony
"Thank You" Signage Your company logo will be featured on sponsor
appreciation signage throughout the launching ceremony, with all sponsoring
companies logos listed

Bronze Sponsor | 50,000 LKR

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15

Your company will be benefited with increased brand awareness during all the public
appearances of the Hovercraft. It includes,

Printed logo and name on the hovercraft will be displayed on electronic and
printed media
Your companys name on the show case at the Mechanical Engineering
Department premises
Your companys name on the team casual t-shirt
Company logo on every promotional material including banners, backdrops and
posters
Fliers and brochures of the company can be distributed on the day of the
launching ceremony
"Thank You" Signage Your company logo will be featured on sponsor
appreciation signage throughout the launching ceremony, with all sponsoring
companies logos listed

Banner Sponsor
One banner 10,000 LKR
Three banners 25,000 LKR
We will be happy to work with donations of all kinds, large or small. We want your
sponsorship to benefit your company as much as possible. Let us know what we can do
to make your donation worthwhile.
Please draw the cheque in favor of MECH ENG SOCIETY
Account number: 0000307736
Branch code and name: BOC 030 KATUBEDDA BRANCH
Our intent is to be in the upper echelon of competitive universities. Your participation in
this exciting and challenging educational experience will be greatly appreciated and
used with accountability to our advisers and University of Moratuwa.
For more information about our project, please visit our website at:
http://www.mech.mrt.ac.lk/projects/hovercraft
If you have any questions or comments, please dont hesitate to contact us:
Mr.Sasiranga De Silva Lecturer (Project supervisor)
Tel: 0777358765
Email: sasiranga@mech.mrt.ac.lk
Mr. KishanTalawatta
Tel: 0714597360
Email: kitsooftlk@gmail.com

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11.Annex

16

Maritime Security and National Defense in Sri Lankan seas

Sri Lanka is an island nation strategically located in

the center of the Indian Ocean. We have
sovereign rights for over 500000km2 of the ocean
and a coastline 1770km long. Containing several
bays and shallow seas, Sri Lanka has a huge
influence over global maritime trade routes as
well as global security and defense. And in recent
times, controlling the rising piracy issues and
human trafficking along these naval lines will be a
positive measure for global security as a whole
and for the betterment of global trade lines along
this route.

Figure: Sri Lankan maritime boundaries

Feasibility of employing hovercrafts for Sri Lankan maritime defense

Its rapid deployment capability with the ability to converge on an enemy target with
minimum delay
Higher energy efficiency compared to conventional buoyant watercrafts ( i.e. ships and
boats) due to fluidic resistance from contact of water
Improvement of coastal defence efficiency will eventually decrease the number of
security units that needs to be deployed to maintain coastal defence
Ability to maneuver land based terrain along with oceanic floors

In combination, we believe that hovercrafts are the most suitable crafts to be used for maritime
defence in Sri Lanka and this region. It will not only improve defence and security in the region,
but will reduce the costs on maritime defence making an impact on the overall defence budget.