Building a Hovercraft Model
By: Arjun Chopra, Ian Bede, and Robert
Hovercraft Models
Hovercrafts are devices that move with little friction using thrust and lift generated from a fan. Hovercraft models can be created to produce movement or used for display.
What You Need
Hovercraft models can come in kits with many pieces and complicated instructions, but can also be made at home with the right materials. You can create a small-scale hovercraft model using lightweight cardboard, duct tape, a foam/inflatable surface, and two miniature fans. If you are making a working hovercraft model, you will need battery-powered fans. If your hovercraft is for display, then this is not necessary.
Making Hovercraft Models - Five Procedures
The Balloon Hovercraft
Procedure
Materials
- CD
- Balloon
- Tape
- Hot Glue
- Paper
- Scissors
- Use paper as a body for your hovercraft.
- Using a piece of tape cover the hole of the CD and poke about 6 holes in the tap with a small nail. This will slow the air flow.
- Hot glue the cap to the center of the CD. Make sure not to leave any spaces.
- Blow up a ballon and hold the end of it to prevent air from escaping.
- With the pop-top closed, fit the neck of the balloon over the pop part of the cap.
- your hovercraft is ready now. Put it on a surface and let air out to make your hovercraft move!
Balloon Hovercraft (Second Design)
Procedure
Materials
- CD
- Balloon
- Tape
- Hot Glue
- Cardboard
- Scissors
- Use cardboard as a base for your hovercraft.
- Hot glue the cap to the center of the CD. Make sure not to leave any spaces.
- Blow up a ballon and hold the end of it to prevent air from escaping.
- With the pop-top closed, fit the neck of the balloon over the pop part of the cap.
- Add small balance blades on either side of the CD. This will balance the CD.
Cardboard Hovercraft (Double Layered)
Procedure
Materials
- Balloon
- CD
- Tape
- Hot Glue
- Cardboard
- Scissors
- Cut a circle out of cardboard.
- Smooth an edges with scissors.
- Make a small hole in the middle of both of your circle.
- Slip a balloon through the circle.
- Blow the balloon and pinch the end of it.
- Let the air loose to watch your hovercraft move!
http://m.wikihow.com/Make-a-Hovercraft (not Wikipedia)
Cushioned Hovercraft
Procedure
Materials
- CD
- Balloon
- Tape
- Hot Glue
- Cardboard
- Foam Square
- Scissors
- Cut a cardboard circle. The thinner the cardboard, the better results you will get.
- Use a circular foam piece slightly larger than the carboard circle.
- Hot glue the foam cushioning to the bottom of the cardboard circle.
- Cut a small hole through the cardboard and the cardboard.
- Slip a balloon through the hole.
- Blow the balloon and pinch the end to prevent air from escaping
- Let go of the balloon end to make your hovercraft move!
Fan - Powered Hovercraft
Procedure
Materials
- Batteries
- Fan
- Duct Tape
- Marker
- Cardboard
- Use a battery powered fan to trace a square in the middle of a paper plate.
- Cut the tracing you made in the paper plate.
- Duct tape the fan into the hole you traced and cut.
- Tape your batteries attached to each end of the plate.
- Switch your fan on and watch your hovercraft move!
Models Created by Others
Display Hovercraft
Hovercraft Model in Action
Notice the round roof of the hovercraft.