Friday, December 26, 2008

Can You Build A Simple Hovercraft?

By Rashel Dan

If you build a simple hovercraft, the concept is really basic and easy. Just get lots of air. Hold it for as long as you can and place it below a wooden board. That should lift the board. Voila! You should be sitting on your improvised hovercraft. Simple isn't it? No?

Okay, so air is not tangible. And it's not visible either. Therefore you can't touch it or see it. In short it's not really that easy. Guess again. It still is. If you build a simple hovercraft, you only need a set of the basic plan and these other items:

1. You need a platform. This can be made of plywood, hard foam, or lightweight fiberglass. If there's any other alternative material you can think of, just make sure you can hold a large surface of air below the platform. You build a simple hovercraft by creating air pressure below the board.

2. Use a vacuum cleaner or any gadget that reverses air flow. You have to somehow attach to it to the platform to provide the required air lift. When you build a simple hovercraft, make sure the air pressure created can lift more than the platform weight. Remember, you'll be sitting on it.

3. For the skirt, you can use a heavy plastic sheet. Your basic hovercraft plan should have this in the specifications. As the name implies, this is fastened tightly around the platform in a way that actually looks like a skirt. Because the skirt is made of thick plastic, it regulates the amount air dispersed below. This creates a film of air molecules thus building pressure.

You are only building a hovercraft that is homemade. If you build a simple hovercraft, these items should just be enough. You may work on the details by studying further on other existing plan. But the items above should get you started. Here are other things you need to know about your hovercraft:

- A hovercraft can fit all four seasons. Unlike your cars or motorbikes, you can still use a hovercraft in winter. Because of its smooth air cushion, it can still glide over snow and frozen ponds.

- It's not very expensive to make a hovercraft. And if are a cheapskate, you'd know where to bag in the cheapest alternative materials to buy. Most of them could be in a flea market or a neighbor's garage sale.

- To build a hovercraft is really easy. All you need is the basic skills. A little knowledge in physics is an advantage. But as long as your design kit is complete, it should work for you.

- A hovercraft can be built in a few weeks. Yes it is possible. It's not like you're building the commercial thing.

These are just some of the countless benefits of building and having hovercraft. If by any chance you have a few more bucks to spare, get a decent hovercraft kit. But if you can't set a budget yet, you may settle this for now. The important thing is you tried building it and it works. So now that you know a few things on how a hovercraft works, will you build a simple hovercraft now? - 15437

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