Hovercraft

Step 2 The Lift Engine

The lift engine and fan were added next. Here is what I used, a 4hp lawnmower, a 20in dia. fan that I think came off a air conditioner, angle steel, a piece of sheet metal, some nuts and bolts.

I cut a big hole in the base with a jig saw and then added the engine. The angle steel as seen in the picture is in a u-shape that lifts the engine so the fan is not below the bottom level of the base. I welded these pieces together but they could be bolted together with a bunch of L-brackets. They are bolted to the base and connected with a piece of sheet metal. The sheet metal has a large hole cut in it with smaller holes around it for the bolts that hold on the engine. The larger hole is so the engine sits flat on the sheet metal. The fan is just bolted onto the engine shaft just like blade was when it was on the lawnmower. Then some 1x2s and more L-brackets were used hold on some aluminum flashing to make a fan shroud. You can get aluminum flashing at any hardware store, its used for roofing but all it is, is aluminum sheet metal. A bike brake and cable of an old bike was used to control the motor.

Comments

[PickPacket]

That looks safe..

[pufferboytbh]

THIS IS IN NO WAY SAFE. For our cadet's "Pioneer's" platoon (building stuff), we built 3 full sized hovercrafts for use. The prototype on it's first run tore itself apart, srapel flying everywhere, nearly killing myself and many other cadets. In building these hovercrafts, ensure that there is a metal mesh over the air intake (and outakes) and that the propellers are insulated in metal. Depending on your propller speed. Have fire equipment ready. Being 14, I don't want me or my cadets to die.

[Jaredicus]

What branch JROTC are you? I am army JROTC.

[pufferboytbh]

By the way... The same thing happened about a month later. With the metal, the propeller stayed in the engine housing, causing only damage to the engine, housing and propeller. The hovercraft remained floating, while we remove the two year seven cadets from the craft, set up a perimeter, and killed the engine. The craft didn't even sink! MUCH SAFER.

[threewingwonder]

You could build your own fans from wood, all you would have to do is check out Universal Hovercraft with a search. I have built a hovercraft from plans that I got from them. turned out to be a very versital craft.Mine was 6ft x 12 ft and had a 5 hp lift motor and a 30inch home made lift fan and 2-5 hp thrust motors with 48inch homemade thrust fans. I now have plans for a little bigger craft for exploring. You should really check out :Universal Hovercraft, they are based in Cordova Illinois. A very good place to start a hovercraft adventure.They have plans,supplies and advice/tutorails for hovercraft builders.Great ible though

[nibbler125]

you need a real fan that metal one has no airfoil and you could easy double youre lift with a good wood one it will cost allot more tho up to 200$

[ss2pheonix]

or just make one yourself, assuming of course you have basic air foil knowledge and the ability to carve

[dracoaliamin]

 Ok now that fan is a great idea but there are much more safer cheaper and more efficient mays to make that fan that puts air into the skirt. There are two main problems with your design. The first is safety. Did you consider what would happen if someone got there foot in there? The second problem is air escaping. It would be a good investment to put a skirt around the fan so that air could not escape. However the best way if you are building another one then it would be good to stick a leaf blower in a hole and seal the edges.

[ninanjijo]

hey bro can u tell how should i decide the size of fan blades to be used in hovercraft

[deqwer]

wow

[the gizmoman]

you cac also use a leaf blower & pvc piping

[dbc1218]

yes you can check out xinventions.com