Hovercraft Research Queestions

1. What is a hovercraft?

A vehicle that can travel above land or water using compressed air

2. Explain the operation of several types of hovercraft designs and the advantages of each.

Bag skirt - covers the hovercraft's perimeter.
Segmented skirt - has different segments that press together when they are inflated.
Jupe skirt - bases are attached to the bottom of the hovercraft.
Skirts allow the hovercraft to pass obstacles. The hovercraft can pass larger obstacles if the skirt is made higher, but if it's too tall, it can deflate


3. Where and why are hovercraft used?

They can be used for fun, sport, or rescue. They also fly over land and water, and can allow you to reach areas that normally aren't possible with normal cars. They are also more safe and efficient.

4. What are the alternatives to hovercraft and where are they used?

Boats and trains are alternatives. They are used on water and land wen other vehicles arent available

5. What is the history of hovercraft design and applications?

The creator of the hovercraft was Sir Christopher Cockerell, and built the 1st one with a cat food can, coffee can, and kitchen scales. It has been used for rescue operations, transporting troops and passengers. the designs are getting better each year.

6. What are some of the most recent hovercraft developments?

A recent hovercraft creation is one by a New Zealand inventor. It is actually able to take off from the ground and fly in mid-air

7. A published article of a recent event concerning hovercraft.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/14/video-zero-wheels-all-awesome-homebuilt-kiwi-hovercraft/

8. What is the environmental impact of hovercraft?

They have little or no effect on the environment. It is much more fuel efficient, and it doesn't create as much pollution as others do. The pressure that hovercraft uses doesn't damage the environment at all

9. How have hovercraft impacted society?

Hovercraft have became more of an alternative use for vehicle choice. It is shown to be more efficient and safe to use than boats. It has also gained other uses, such as being used to transport people or rescue them.

10. Who: Individual/Organization who has made a significant contribution to the Hovercraft field.

World Hovercraft Organization

11. What: Biographical information (date of birth, family background, education,etc.)

Non-profit hovercraft organization that was created in 2003. Founded by Chris Fitzgerald.


12. When: Year(s) idea, product, or process was first used.

Founded in 2003, running through 2011 and onwards.


13. Where: Location of center of work (this should include the country, state or province, and city).

Official website: http://www.worldhovercraft.org/


14. Why: Reasons for developing the idea, product, or process.

The World Hovercraft Organization's purpose is to provide more information and resources in the hovercraft world.


15. How: Describe working conditions and obstacles that had to be overcome.

There aren't really obstacles that the company had to overcome, it is a non-profit organization, and it has it's own magazine about hovercraft.


16. Money: Did the individual or organization profit from the ideas?

Its a non profit organization

17. Impact: What other events occurred as a result?

The organization has a created a magazine called HoverWorld Insider, that gives updates and news about the hovercraft world.