Introduction: Very Fast RC Hovercraft
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!!

Finalist in the
Remote Control Contest
62 Comments
5 months ago
Hi do you have any plans and measurements for the build? If so please can you post them.
Thanks
2 years ago
weres the plans theres no plans for any of the models you show at all
Question 3 years ago
please can anyone tell me about elf and its full form
7 years ago
i will give you 20 $ for it (seriosly)
7 years ago
Would a 30amp ESC work.
8 years ago
How much was the 60amp ESC that you used
8 years ago
Can this be used on water?
8 years ago on Introduction
Looks amazing, I have some questions though.
1. Where and How can i mount a second fan so I can have the one you have for speed, and the second for lift only?
2. What would you recommend for a lift fan? I was thinking about some cheaper motors I have around my shop, but what specs do you think would work?
3. When I install the lift fan, is there anything you think I should alter BEFORE trying it out? (aka weights and such)
4. When I mount a second fan, should i hook up a second set of electronics for it, and if so, do you have any recommendation of where and how I should set that up?
5. I have almost everything you require here except for Dollar Tree Foam board. I have plenty of foam though. What is the width of the board you use and what are the measurements in square you recommend? (aka 2feet x 2feet, etc etc. I would like to have a bit extra on the same board so I can make replacement parts if needed.)
Thanks for the amazing instructable!
8 years ago on Introduction
How do you use a servo
8 years ago on Introduction
Hi firstly A lot of thanks for this valuable post. Sir I am from India (Hazaribagh , Jharkhand) I read you post found it the most interesting topic for science fair but I facing a lot of problem in buying materials required for it could you please tell from where can I buy these all. Thanks in advance for helping .Waiting for yoiur reply.
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Hobbyking.com
8 years ago
Can you yous any economic remote
.
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
You want a 2.4ghz RC transmitter and reciever.
8 years ago
Can you yous blue tooth on it .
9 years ago on Introduction
Hi Could you tell me the steps for the electrics and what I need to buy? The descriptions don't make much sense to me. I need to help my son make one for a school project. Thanks
9 years ago on Step 7
can I get the part numbers for the electrical?
10 years ago on Introduction
Would this design be able to carry any weight?
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
try using two fans if it weights more
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
Probably not, the single motor set up does not provide much lift.
9 years ago on Introduction
can it hover over water??