HOVERCRAFT

HOVERCRAFT

ABSTRACT

The air cushion vehicle or “HOVERCRAFT”, as it is popularly known is the newest vehicle in today ‘s transport scene. As well as being new, this vehicle is different from other more conventional, terrestrial vehicle in that it requires no surface contact for traction and it is able to move freely over a variety of surface while supported continuously on a self-generated cushion of air. Though the concept is new, the rate of development of hovercraft has been outstandingly faster than that of any other mode of transport. Although many investors had previously proposed air cushion vehicles, hovercraft began serious practical development in ENGLAND when CHRISTOPHER COCKERELL, who was later knighted for his achievement, began experimenting with the hovercraft concept in 1955.
           Cockerell thought on the lines of improving his design from the aspect of reducing the wave and frictional resistances encountered by a craft moving in water. He struck upon the idea of using air as a lubricant, which would separate the hull of the craft from water. To reduce the wave resistance one must increases and vice-versa. Most normal designs are a compromise between the two. He imagined that if he could introduce a film of air between the hull and water, skin friction would be negligible and be free to design entirely around the problem of wave resistance.