University of Guyana Faculty of Technology Department of Civil Engineering
University of Guyana Faculty of Technology Department of Civil Engineering
University of Guyana Faculty of Technology Department of Civil Engineering
FACULTY OF TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL
ENGINEERING
HOVERCRAFT
As modes of transportation have evolved over the
years, finding more efficient and economic ways
of movement have been the chief goals of
developers. It is from this evolution that the
hovercraft arose.
OUTLINE OF PRESENTATION
Introduction
History
Models
Elements of a Typical hovercraft
Design Configurations
Operation of the Hovercraft
Design Considerations
Use of the Hovercraft
Environmental Impact
Hovercraft in Guyana
Conclusion
INTRODUCTION
What is a Hovercraft?
A hovercraft is an amphibious vehicle that can
move with equal ease on both land and water
or any other terrain. It is also known as an air
cushion vehicle.
INTRODUCTION
Hovercraft on land
Hovercraft on water
HISTORY
1716 Emmanuel Swedenborg (Swedish Designer &
Philosopher)
He first conceptualized the idea of supporting a vehicle on a cushion
of air but his project was short lived and his craft never built.
Mid 1870s Sir John Thornycroft (British Engineer)
He developed the air cushion effect idea further by building and
testing a number of models but no applications were found since
the technology to implement the concept did not exist at the time.
1952 Sir Christopher Cockerell (British Engineering)
He invented the hovercraft. He found the missing link that everyone
else missed. Developed the hovercraft principle further and got his
idea patented in 1955. With diligent work he was able to bring his
idea to reality with the first commercial hovercraft in 1959. From
there on the idea took with numerous developments with the
vehicle.
Models
SRN1
Models
Models
Other developments led to larger and more efficient
hovercrafts which can carry passengers such as the SRN2 to
SRN6.
SRN4
Models
Other developments led to larger and more efficient
hovercrafts which can carry passengers such as the SRN2 to
SRN6.
SRN6
Models
Vickers VA-3
This was the first true passenger carrying hovercraft.
Models
Many companies continued the
development of the hovercraft.
British Hovercraft Corporation
(Saunders Roe & Vickers)
UK Cushion Craft
Hovermarine
Skirt
This is the flexible wall that is attached all around
the bottom of the craft. The skirts prevents the
pressurized air from escaping from the plenum
chamber.
Control System
This consists of a set of rudders that steer the
craft by directing the air from the thrust system
toward either left or right which consequently
steers the craft.
Air Box
This is a box like structure at the rear of the
hovercraft located behind the propeller. It diverts
some of the thrust air underneath the hovercraft.
DESIGN CONFIGURATIONS
They can be designed with one or more engines.
One is used for driving the lift fan and the other
used for driving the thrust fans.
Some Hovercraft use the principle of ducting to
allow one engine to perform both lift and
propulsion by directing some of the air to the skirt
and the rest of the air is passed out of the back for
thrust.
Brakes
Hovercraft have no braking system. Simply reduce power
until the craft no longer hovers. Thrust reversers can be
used.
other
But it
boats
range
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
Carrying Capacity
Pressure = Force/Area
A bigger hovercraft, one with a bigger overall area
can carry more weight than a smaller hovercraft
with a fan the same size. Therefore, the surface
area should be kept as large as possible reducing
the pressure needed.
Aerodynamic Drag
This is the force that the thrust must overcome.
The drag can be reduced by reducing the frontal
area of the craft.
DESIGN
CONSIDERATIONS
Thrust
The propellers used must be able to overcome the
aerodynamic drag.
Skirts
Depends on the usage of the hovercraft.
Stability
The location of the various components and
loadings so as not to overload any particular area
which may make the craft unstable.
Mass Transportation
Passenger ferries (goods, vehicles)
The Hovertravel service between the Isle of Wight and mainland England
is currently the only public hovercraft service in the United Kingdom
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
The air cushion enables a hovercraft to operate over
HOVERCRAFT IN GUYANA
Can Hovercrafts replace speed boats?
Given that:
1. Can travel over the surface of the water without
concern for the depth or hidden obstacles
2. Can travel against the current of a river with no
reduction in speed
3. They are unaffected by small waves and offer a
comfortable smooth ride
4. Have sufficient cushion height to pass right
over a person in water
5. Can come right up to the shore even if there is
no water
HOVERCRAFT IN GUYANA
CONCLUSION
The hovercraft is in operation today
throughout the world for a variety of
purposes and its use is growing giving
raise to new and improved designs
resulting in greater applications.
With its safety and adaptability it can
become one of the most important and
economical means of transport in the
future.
THANK U!