RC hovercraft
RC hovercraft are going to get a mention in this website simply because they're great fun! A hovercraft is a very versatile machine - the land based equivalent to the helicopter, you could say.
They are supported by a rubber 'skirt' that inflates with air. This air is pushed out the bottom of the skirt and lifts the craft up, clear of the surface. The surface can be pretty much anything that's not too bumpy, which is why hovercraft are so versatile. They can be driven over water, sand, snow, marshes and mud.
The motor and a caged airplane-style propeller sit on top of the body at the rear and push the craft along. Steering is controlled either by one or more rudders positioned immediately behind the prop, or by the whole prop assembly being turned.
Because the hovercraft is sitting on a cushion of air with no ground contact, it can be turned very sharply, and even spun round 360 degrees.
RC hovercraft have become popular toys and models, they're cheap to buy and great fun for racing around.
A popular example of an RTR (Ready To Run) rc hovercraft is the Megatech Megastorm, shown above. The Megastorm has twin electric motors giving complete maneuverability, and its 9.6V motor battery pack pushes it a long at a very reasonable pace.
Real life hovercraft can be used for a variety of reasons such as personal use for recreation or competition, commercial use such as Search and Rescue, patrolling areas, public transport and of course many hovercraft are in use by the military in many parts of the world.
If you have a back yard with a pond, an rc hovercraft could well be an entertaining little thing to have!
Related pages
RC hydrofoams - when rc hovercraft just aren't enough.
