Multidisciplinary Applied Research and Innovation Vol. 3 No.

1 (2022) 672-678
© Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia Publisher’s Office

MARI
Homepage: http://publisher.uthm.edu.my/periodicals/index.php/mari
e-ISSN :2773-4773

Portable Hovercraft Concept 3.0

Ahmad Muizzuddin Ahmad Sharainon1, Aniq Harith Khairol
Afandi1, Danial Haqiemi Saifuddin1, Muhammad Hanafi
Asril Rajo Mantari1,2*
1
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Centre for Diploma Studies,
Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (Pagoh Campus), Pagoh Education Hub,
KM 1, Jalan Panchor, 84600 Panchor, Johor, MALAYSIA.
2
Product Research and Development Group (PreRed), Centre for Diploma Studies,
Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Pagoh Education Hub, 84600 Pagoh, Johor,
MALAYSIA.

*Corresponding Author Designation

DOI: https://doi.org/10.30880/mari.2022.03.01.080
Received 30 September 2021; Accepted 30 November 2021; Available online 15 February
2022

Abstract : Hovercraft types of vehicles that are lifted above the surface of land or
water by an air cushion created by downward-directed fans. It is also classified as Air
Cushioned Vehicles (ACV) owing to their capacity to travel through a cushion or
skirt filled with air that causes the board to hover above the ground. This concept
utilize a single propeller that can provide sufficient lift and also propel the hovercraft.
There is fivemain parts of this portable hovercraft which is chassis, fan, duct, skirt,
and engine. Aluminum Alloy 6061 was chosen as its chassis. Umbrella mechanisms
were used to make the portable chassis. It is easy to fold and unfold. Next, the
propeller is made from wood and connected directly to the engine, without the need
for belts or chains for power transmission. The 5-blade design with 35° pitching angle
is used to propel forward and lift the hovercraft. Fabric skirting from neoprene-coated
nylon was used to contain air laterally and is shaped like an open tube with very low
air pressure coming from the propeller. Neoprene-coated nylon was chosen as skirting
material. It seems that there is a resilience from being scratch or tears. To increase
the propeller's efficiency, a fan with a non-rotating nozzle called a duct was
constructed from the fiber. Additionally, it serves as a replacement for the rudder,
resulting in increased thrust in a more compact package. A 6.5 hp single cylinder
four-stroke petrol engine was selected to power this hovercraft.

Keywords : Hovercraft, Portable Vehicle , Amphibious Vehicle, Motion

1. Introduction
Hovercraft is a kind of vehicle categorized as an Air Cushioned Vehicle (ACV), which is uplifted
by an air cushion and pushed forward, overland, water, and the paludal zone [1]. Hovercraft make use
*Corresponding author: mhanafi@uthm.edu.my
2022 UTHM Publisher. All rights reserved.
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A. M. A. Sharainon et al., Multidisciplinary Applied Research and Innovation Vol. 3 No. 1 (2022) p. 672-678

of blowers to generate a huge volume of air underneath the hull, or an air cushion slightly above
atmospheric pressure. The skirt formed a pocket for the compressed air that provides the lift necessary
for hovercraft to operate. The Saunders-Roe SR.N1 through SR.N6 watercraft, built on the Isle of Wight
and deployed by the United Kingdom's combined forces, was the first hovercraft invented [2].
Due to the Monsoon season, floods are a common natural catastrophe in Malaysia, occurring
almost every year. Peninsular Malaysia's east coast is particularly prone to flooding during the
northeast season, which runs from October to March [3]. This portable hovercraft may potentially
help a huge number of people in dire need. This product was designed to be readily stored; it took up
the same amount of space as a motorbike. This vehicle may be used in lieu of a motorboat, allowing
everyone to own and store one.

2. Materials and Methods

In hovercraft development, a careful selection of material was needed in order for the hovercraft fully
operational as expected. As a result, several parameters must be considered during the development
process. Among the constraint of the material of the body chassis is low density, suitable tensile strength
and durability to support the hovercraft and suitable for outdoor and indoor usage. Next, the material
constraint of the propeller is low density, workability and high strength qualities like elastic but not
excessively hard. Lastly, the constraint of the skirting material is perfect airtightness suitable for
hovercraft skirting development, fireproof, acid resistance, UV resistance, water and radiation
insulation.
2.1. Properties of Materials
2.1.1. Hovercraft’s Chassis
The chassis of the hovercraft is made from Aluminum Alloy 6061 that has a tensile strength of 780
Mpa. The Aluminum Alloy 6061 was chosen as the chassis for this hovercraft. The mechanical
properties of Aluminum Alloy 6061 is low density, strong build and suitable for outdoor usage. In
addition, Aluminum Alloy is accessible in other words can be easily obtained in most hardware shops.
2.1.2. Hovercraft’s Propeller
The hovercraft's propeller that is made of Yellow Birch wood composed of several distinct layers,
was chosen due to its low density, ease of work and high strength features such as elastic and robust but
not exceptionally hard for the propeller development by using wood lamination that minimizes propeller
warp tendency. Typically, hovercraft propellers are ducted propellers. Hovercraft propellers are
produced in aviation, with GE's MT-propellers, Hoffman and DowtyRotol generating some of the more
popular and well-proven versions [4].
2.1.3. Skirting
The skirting of the hovercraft is made from Neoprene coated nylon. Neoprene was selected as the
preferred fabric due to its perfect airtightness which is suitable for the development of the skirting of
the hovercraft and is widely used in the manufacture of inflatable structures of all sorts. Besides that,
Neoprene coated nylon has been tested for fireproofed, acid resistance, UV resistance, water-resistance
and isolation from radiation. It also has a non-skid surface to keep the hovercraft from skidding away
while in motion. While maintaining skirt form under operational conditions necessitates a reasonably
high internal skirt pressure, this pressure can also result in a significant rough water drag [5].

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2.2 Equations
2.2.1The theoretical power requirement
Lift Area and Perimeter

𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 = 𝜋𝑟 2 Eq. 1

= 𝜋(1.1)2
= 3.6 𝑚/ 12.47 𝑓𝑡
𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 = 6.9 𝑚/ 22.64 𝑓𝑡 Eq. 2
The 22.64 ft perimeter will not include the outside hull slope. A perimeter of 90 percent was utilized to
take into consideration the wasted space since the hover gap centerline is between the slope of the outer
hull.

Perimeter = 22.64 ft x 90% = 20.376 ft Eq. 3

Hover Gap
Hovercraft hover gaps usually range from 1/2 to 1/1. At least 1⁄2 is necessary for proper lubrication
under the hull, which reduces skirt scraping.
3 1ft
x = 0.0625 ft Eq. 4
4 22in

𝐻𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑎𝑝 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 = 0.0625 𝑥 20.376 = 1.2735 𝑓𝑡²

Cushion Air Pressure

𝐿𝑖𝑓𝑡 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 = 12.47𝑓𝑡 𝑥 90% = 11.223 𝑓𝑡²

Estimated total weight (with passenger) = 110kg/ 242.5 lb
242.51 1𝑓𝑡²
𝑥 = 0.1500 𝑃𝑠𝑖
11.223 144𝑖𝑛²
Air velocity
0.150 𝑥 115.3
𝐴𝑖𝑟 𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 = 0.109
= 158.67 m/s Eq. 5

𝐴𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑎𝑖𝑟 𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 = 158.67 𝑥 60% = 95.196 m/s

3. Results and Discussion

The concept of portable hovercraft was able to function as targeted from the objective. The
performance of the hovercraft’s compartments adapts well with the hovercraft’s specifications in terms
of strength, durability, and low density. This project analyses some major factors that have a significant
role to the performance, which is the hovercraft chassis material selection, mechanical properties of
chassis material, thrust, power requirement for static lift and portable hovercraft design.
3.1 The Chassis of the Hovercraft
3.1.1 Weight Estimation

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There are two suggestions materials that met the requirement for this part and that is aluminum
alloy and stainless steel 304. The chosen material must have a low density due to the objective of this
project is portable design. This project was thoroughly examined to determine the most suitable material
for the hovercraft's body chassis.

Density of aluminum alloy 6061, ρ = 2700 𝑘𝑔𝑚−3 [6]

Volume of body chassis, 𝑚 = volume of lower chassis + volume of upper chassis Eq. 6
= [(1 𝑚 𝑥 0.03 𝑚 𝑥 0.015 𝑚) + (0.9465 𝑚 𝑥 0.3 𝑚 𝑥 0.015 𝑚)]

= 0.0475 𝑚3
𝑚
𝜌= , m = ρv … Eq. 7
𝑣

𝑚 = 2700 𝑘𝑔𝑚−3 𝑥 0.0475 𝑚3

𝑚 = 128.25kg assuming full material without holes
Density formula has been used to calculate the total mass of the body chassis by determined the
density of aluminum alloy 6061 (2700 𝑘𝑔𝑚−3 ) and total volume of body chassis which is the volume
of upper chassis and lower chassis parts. Based on Figure 1 the lower chassis has 1.0 m length, 0.03 m
width and 0.015 m height while the upper chassis has 0.9465 m length, 0.3 m widths and 0.015 m
height.
Therefore, it is stated that using aluminum alloy 6061 is considered the best material for the
hovercraft’s body due to its low density and capability to hold the hovercraft. By the calculation above,
this result proves that aluminum alloy 6061 is most suitable for body chassis material due to the low
density of the material.

Figure 1: Full hovercraft body chassis

3.1.2 Mechanical Properties

The type of metal selected for the body chassis has a significant impact on how long it will last in
any type of weather. Aluminum alloy 6061 and stainless steel 304 are two of the best metals to use in
this part of the project but only one material will be selected. The metal used to make hovercrafts has
been compared to a new type of metal that will be used. The metal will be more durable and stronger
to hold the hovercraft in place. Table 1 compares both metals to prove which one is the suitable material
for meet the objective.
Table 1: Comparison between aluminum alloy 6061 and stainless steel 304 [6]

Properties Aluminum Alloy 6061 Stainless Steel 304

Density (kg/m) 2700 8000
Elastic modulus (Gpa) 68.9 210
Poisson’ ratio 0.3 0.3
Tensile strength (MPa) 310 515

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Ultimate strength (MPa) 275 360

Maximum allowable stress (MPa) 93.75 176.25

The tensile and ultimate strength of aluminum alloy 6061 is lowered compared with Stainless Steel
304. On the other hand, Aluminum alloy 6061's density almost one third compared with Stainless steel
304 If the material selected is high density, the possibilities for hovercraft to lift is low. This is the main
reason why aluminum has been selected as the most suitable material.
3.2 Thrust
One of the most essential factors in hovercraft development is thrust. A hovercraft may sail at a
reasonably high speed on the surface of the water or on the land due to the thrust value of an air propeller
installed on the hovercraft [7].

1𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝑇 = (𝑅𝑝𝑚𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑝 x 0.0254 x 𝑝𝑖𝑡𝑐ℎ x 60sec
)² Eq. 8
Hovercrafts can travel at a high speed on the surface of the water or on the ground. The thrust
generated must always be 2 times the entire mass exerted to move the hovercraft. The force and thrust
relationship must be directly proportionate in every hovercraft design.
1𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝑇 = (3600 𝑟𝑝𝑚 x 0.0254 x 35𝑖𝑛𝑐ℎ x )²
60𝑠𝑒𝑐
𝑇 = 2845.16 𝑁

To estimate t𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 w𝑒𝑖𝑔h𝑡 of the hovercraft:

50 kg 𝑝𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑟 + 20 kg chassis + 15 kg engine + 8 kg 𝑠𝑘𝑖𝑟𝑡 + 7 kg propeller + 10 kg air duct = 110kg

To move the hovercraft, the minimum thrust calculated was 2845.16 N, which is somewhat less
than the entire mass. Supposedly, this thrust value can carry the total weight of hovercraft 110 kg or
1078.73 N which is below the thrust value. The chosen engine has set aside some of its power for
propulsion.
3.3 Theoretical Power Requirement for Static Lift
Calculating the necessary power for static lift result. If we assume that all of the air flowing through
the propeller flows into the air cushion and apply the Bernoulli equations to estimate air flow while
ignoring frictional losses [8], For a variety of reasons, including its simplicity and ability to provide
valuable insight into the balance between pressure, velocity, and elevation, the Air Velocity equation is
very helpful. The following formula:
Minimum Lift Air Volume Requirement
Actual air velocity = 95.196ft/s
𝐻𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑔𝑎𝑝 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 = 1.2735𝑓𝑡²
95.196𝑓𝑡𝑠 −1 𝑥 1.2735𝑓𝑡 2 = 121.23𝑓𝑡 3 𝑠 −1 = 7273.8 ft3/minute
Total cubic feet per minute (CFM) will create around 30,000 normal cruising speeds. Since only
30% has been sent to the lift system, only 9000 CFMs at typical cruising speed will be created [9]. 6000
CFM will still produce a suitable 1⁄2 hover gap for safety issues [5].
Theoretical horsepower requirement

3 −1
144𝑖𝑛2
2
120.89𝑓𝑡 𝑠 𝑥 0.150𝑙𝑏𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥 = 2611.224𝑓𝑡𝑙𝑏𝑠 −1
1𝑓𝑡 2

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2611.224
= 4.7 ℎ𝑝
550

The minimum power required is 4.7 hp, however the project has put aside a 6.5 hp engine. Based
on the vehicle's size and mass, it is feasible to determine the volumetric flow rate required by a
hovercraft fan in order for the vehicle to hover using Air Velocity equation [10]. In the case of
incompressible flow, we may determine the amount of power needed to pressurize the cushion at a
given clearance height for a given weight load on a certain area deck by multiplying the mass flow rate
of the leaving air by the kinetic energy of the outgoing air.
3.4 Portable Hovercraft Design
This design of portable hovercraft makes use of the concept of lightness, which is a large surface
area, to reduce the amount of pressing factor that is applied, Bernoulli's principle of pressing factor, and
the concept of static thrust. The static thrust that has been mentioned complies with the law of hovercraft
development, and a hovercraft engineer or manufacturer needs to understand this rule before
constructing a hovercraft. This is due to the fact that hovercrafts utilize an air cushion, and therefore
need a sufficient quantity of air to be contained inside the air cushion. 3D computer-aided design (CAD)
has been used to create this prototype design of hovercraft as shown in Figure 2. This is the place where
all the design work is completed. Starting with a sketch, then design corrections, and finally the finished
design.

Figure 2: The design of portable hovercraft

This design can be easily assembled for any first-time user every detail of the design were made to
make it user-friendly which is the body chassis used umbrella mechanism. The craft of the portable
hovercraft can be broken down into five pieces: body chassis, skirt, 1 engine with propellers and a seat.
Every craft can be perfectly fit into the boot of a reasonable-sized family car.
4. Conclusion
In conclusion, the power from the engine is enough to produce a thrust to moving forward and lift
the hovercraft. The engine with 6.5 horsepower can produce up to 3600 rpm. The minimum power
required is 4.7 horsepower.
The thrust produced from the engine to the fan is one of the most essential factors in hovercraft.
The propeller with 5 blade and 35° pitch angle that was made from wood is suitable to generate trust.
The accelerating duct increases the propeller's inflow velocity and efficiency. The force and thrust
relationship directly proportionate in every hovercraft design with value 2845.16 N.
The total weight of hovercraft with a passenger is 110 kg or 1078.73 N. To travel at high speed on
the surface of the water and on the ground, the thrust must generate 2 times the entire mass. The
minimum thrust calculated was 2845.1 N, which is somewhat less than the entire mass. The design of
this portable vehicle is portable enough because of the chassis of the hovercraft that can be folded and
unfold easily. The whole hovercraft also can be loaded is the car boot. The umbrella mechanism of the

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chassis is the main part to make it look very portable. Its patented structure can be folded and install
without tools in a few minutes by one person. All the component is just plugged and play looks like.
Safety is one of the most important part of to the design of any project.
Generally, four-stroke engines are much quieter than the two-stroke engines used by many
manufacturers. Low revving four-stroke engines operate quietly and smoothly. As a result, it is possible
to produce less vibration. External vibrations from existing hovercraft are dominated by those generated
by the propeller, and emphasis is given to the fact that real measurements demonstrate that this noise is
significantly larger than theoretical projections would anticipate. To minimize vibration, it is critical to
use a propeller made of wood because it is a viscoelastic material and the more blades it has, the less
vibration it produces [11].
Acknowledgment
The authors would like to express deepest gratitude to the Centre for Diploma Studies, Universiti
Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia for its support.
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[11] R. L. Wheeler and G. F. Donno, "The hovercraft noise problem. Journal of Sound and
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