How can i make a hovercraft?

Question

Whats the best way to make an amature made at home, single man hovercraft? I want to show up everyone with gokarts by making a hovercraft.

Answer 1

There are simple plans for relatively inexensive homebuilt hovercraft that you can purchase. Or research at the local library for books on hovercraft. The principle is relatively simple using a ducted fan to force air under the hovercraft resulting in the same high pressure/low pressure air distribution that allows an airplane to fly. HOWEVER, motion and control of the hovercraft are not as simple as steering with wheels. Essentially you have to fly the hovercraft using another fan for propulsion and rudders and elevators for directional control.

Check out Popular Mechanics for plans. It will take some work and money, but you can do it. Will it be cheaper than a go-cart? Probably not. More interesting? Most definately. A go-cart couldn't go over water or ice like a hovercraft could!!

By the way, don't forget to GOOGLE the Internet for "hovercraft design" or "hovercraft plans". I found the link below and thousands of others. At one time I encountered several good personal websites of people who had built their own hovercraft.. Real good if you want to find out which hovercraft is better, cheaper, easier, etc.

Answer 2

I remember in the old Bazooka gum comic, there was an add for instructions on how to build a hovercraft.

Answer 3

You need a very high power fan tipped output side up.

The rest is details

BP

Answer 4

Take an inflatable bed and slide it on a smooth floor.