Build a Hovercraft

Hovercraft can glide over a smooth surface by hovering on a cushion of pressurized air. They have engines that power fans which produce a large volume of air underneath the hovercraft to lift it off the ground. This lift is caused because of the pressure difference between the higher-pressure air below the hovercraft’s hull and the lower-pressure air above it. To move the hovercraft forward, the engine also creates thrust (forward motion) by producing an air current which pushes it forward.

Hovercrafts can travel over land, water, mud, ice, and other various surfaces. As a result, they are considered amphibious vehicles because they can travel over both land and water. Because of this versatility, hovercrafts are often used for rescue, commercial, and military applications.

Did you know?

• Dr. Christopher Cockerell is credited with inventing and patenting the hovercraft in 1956. His idea came from an experiment of using air to lift kitchen supplies.

• In 1995, according to Guinness World Records, Bob Windt achieved the fastest speed in a hovercraft with a top speed of just over 85 mph.

Materials:

• 1 - Balloon

• 1 - Bottle pop top

• 1 - CD

• Glue

• Markers

• Stickers

Build Instructions:

1. Use the markers and stickers to decorate your hovercraft!

2. Glue the bottle pop top to the center of a CD. Push the top down to close. (See Figure 1)

3. Blow up the balloon and twist it closed. (See Figure 2)

4. Carefully keeping the balloon twisted, stretch the end over the pop-top. (See Figure 3)

5. Now pop open the top and watch your hovercraft travel! Use a smooth surface like a floor or countertop. (See Figure 4)

6. Try experimenting with how much you open and close the bottle pop top. Does it impact how far your hovercraft travels?

Build instructions provided by Little Bins for Little Hands.

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