Introduction: Very Fast RC Hovercraft

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About: Just an average teenager passionate in the field of RC planes and quads! Along with the creation of the projects, presentation is my second hobby! I enjoy video editing and adding anything that can make the ov…

After walking into my workshop and seeing the spare RC plane parts i knew i had to use them for something. I wanted to be able to use it in my yard, but my yard is very small which excluded a plane. I then thought about a Hovercraft!! I knew that it would only need one EDF because of the ample amount of power one can give out. So i decided to start with a smaller scale model to prove my concept. On the small scale Hovercraft i used a 64mm EDF and it worked perfect! So i decided to build the bigger and faster 75mm EDF with a 4cell 3000mah LIPO battery. That same EDF had previously powered an RC jet that hit speeds of 60 - 70 mph!!

The hovercraft is very agile, fast, and can turn on a dime. It's Possibly one of the fastest RC hovercrafts on Instructables

This Instructable will be more of a guideline to how i built my hovercraft and will hopefully be an inspiration to others to build one of their own.



Step 1: Parts

I used 

Electronics:
70mm EDF 
60amp ESC 
1x 9gram servo 
4cell 3000mah LIPO Battery 
Deans extension
Turnigy 9x  TX/RX

Materials:
Dollar Tree foam board
Clear Packing tape
Heavy duty black garbage bag
Rubber Foam with sticky side
Bamboo skewers 
Paint (optional)

Tools:
Hot glue gun with glue
Hobby knife
ruler 

Step 2: The Base and Mounting the EDF

The base is probably the easiest part in the build of the hovercraft. I decided i did not want a rounded front end so i went with a sharp cut nose. I also painted the base before putting the skirt on to prevent getting paint on the skirt. 

The entire body of the Hovercraft is constructed of Dollar Tree foamboard

Motor is a 70mm EDF used on RC jets
60amp ESC also used on RC planes

Step 3: The Skirt and Air Splitting Duct (directs Air Into Skirt)

The Skirt is constructed of a heavy duty garbage bag. Circular holes were cut in the center to release the air from the skirt. The bag was glued to the upper side of the base and the taped down to make it air tight. A small hole was made in the center of the bag. A small circle of foam was then glued to the foam board holding the center of the bag up creating an air pocket when the skirt in inflated.

The air splitting duct is a rectangular hole in the base behind the EDF with a flap sticking up to direct air into the skirt.

Step 4: Rudders and Servo

The rudders are small control surfaces behind the EDF to direct air which then turns the aircraft. 

I used a 9 gram servo to control the rudders which were connected to move when the servo moved 

Step 5: Skirt Cover and Bumper

Using Dollar Tree foam board i constructed a piece to cover the skirt to make the Hovercraft neater. Using Rubber foam with a sticky side i lined the edge of the Hovercraft to make a bumper to protect the body.

Step 6: Capsule and Electronics

Again using foam board i constructed a capsule to conceal the electronics.

I then made a holder for the battery in the body. (Balance the Hovercraft before placing the battery holder)

To balance the Hovercraft start the motor up enough to float the body off the ground. If the nose is pointed down move the battery back. If the nose is pointed up move the battery forward.

I then hinged the capsule to  body 

Connect all the electronics and align the rudder if needed

Step 7: Done!

Now go out and have fun with your hovercraft! Hoped this helped/ inspired anyone making a hovercraft!!

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