Hov Pod Hovercraft Design Philosophy

Introduction

Until now, hovercraft have tended to be backyard vehicles or supplied in kit form, designed by enthusiasts for enthusiasts. Our design approach has been to take a 20th century invention, and create a 21st century vehicle, designed for the demands of the marine leisure market.

For the combination of excitement, ease of use, manufacturing quality, passenger carrying capacity, safety, durability, handling, comfort and serviceability, Hov Pod is the best small hovercraft on the market offering great value for money.

When we introduced Hov Pod to the leisure market, we realised that consumers would compare our product to other marine products available and may ask themselves why they should choose our product over another. This document will help our customers understand our design philosophy and will explain why Hov Pod should be chosen.

The aim of this document is to outline Hov Pod’s superior qualities and explain why the Hov Pod should be chosen over other marine products that are available.

Design and Manufacture

Reliability

Hov Pod uses the very best components and manufacturing processes available.

The following points detail just some of the factors that were considered during the design and engineering of the
Hov Pod:

Durability

For all craft supported by air including hovercraft, planes and helicopters, weight needs to be kept to a minimum. In the design of the Hov Pod we had the desire to keep the craft weight down but we also needed to maintain a high degree of durability and strength.

Where our designers have been able to save weight they have done so without compromising craft quality or durability. We have moved away from glass fibre hull construction because GRP can shatter on impact with stationery objects.

Hov Pod incorporates extensive features to minimise the risk of damage to the craft:

 

Quality

Components

To ensure the highest levels of quality, we have selected components manufactured by long established companies. This ensures that the latest manufacturing techniques and quality standards are adhered to in the component production and design.

Hull Manufacture

The Hov Pod Hull is unique among hovercraft; manufactured from High Impact HDPE (High Impact Polyethylene) This material is very lightweight but extremely strong and buoyant, so superbly suited for construction of hovercraft. This material has been used in the past in the construction of Formula 1 race crash barriers and artificial joints.

Assembly

Assembly of the Hov Pod takes place in using a controlled, repeatable process production line system. Quality control is built into every stage of production. Our objective, through attention to detail, is complete customer satisfaction; and we achieve this by adhering to our company wide ethos to create world class products that every member of our company can be proud of.

 

Operational parameters

Craft use and control

Historically, hovercraft have been difficult to operate and learn how to use so Hov Pod’s designers have addressed these issues and resolved them. Hov Pod has completed thousands of hours trials and test ensuring that the overall balance and set up of the craft make using it very simple, natural and easy to use.

Our designers have worked closely on the interaction of the controls, ergonomics, stability, performance, response and balance, ensuring that first time users quickly become confident and comfortable with craft operation. Most people find that after ten minutes they can control the Hov Pod through long controlled graceful slides and manoeuvres.

The Hov Pod solution to "plough in" - the IAPSS System

Since their first introduction hovercraft have suffered from an operational problem referred to as plough-in (or digging in). In certain operating circumstances, the nose of a hovercraft will dip into the water and if not corrected, cause the craft to rapidly stop. This can cause the occupants to be suddenly thrown forward, and requires the driver to be on guard to prevent this potential hazard. Some hovercraft manufacturers accept this is an operational problem or try to overcome it by adding elevators and additional counter-measure controls. Hov Pod recognised this as a major problem and conducted a year long study to find a solution hoping to eliminate user anxiety during operation. From this study emerged the IAPSS system (Integrated Anti Plough Skirt System) which is designed into the craft. We are proud to report that, to-date, Hov Pod has never suffered plough-in.

Drive Belt

The engine and drive arrangement were carefully considered during the design stage and a belt driven assembly was chosen. Our designers eliminated the need for a gearbox driven fan as this necessitates the engine being raised up to head height and makes the craft harder to control due to decreased stability and increased roll characteristics.

One engine or two?

The Hov Pod uses one engine, which is controlled by a handlebar twist grip throttle the same as a motorbike or personal watercraft giving users immediate familiarity the controls. Increasing engine revs gently brings the craft up and away in whichever direction the handlebars are operated. This deliberate simplicity of use means that you do not have to worry about controlling two engines at once or reducing revs on the wrong engine.
Problems with a two engine hovercraft lowering the wrong engine revs at the wrong time can cause either:

Additional Craft Controls

Many craft incorporate elevators and/or reversing mechanisms but our design philosophy was to keep it as simple as possible to use. By paying particular attention to the operation, feel and responsiveness of the Hov Pod, these extra controls are not needed. In terms of manoeuvring the Hov Pod it can be used to undertake long graceful turns or make tight turns in confined waterways or marinas. The balance and set up of the Hov Pod means that you can turn it on the spot on both land and water.

Inshore salt water use

Hov Pod is designed for inshore salt-water environments using advanced construction methods and materials. This greatly reduces corrosion, increasing longevity and reliability, keeping the craft looking good after use in these conditions.

Standard engine exhaust and engine mount brackets undergo an aluminising process which coats the metal to prevent corrosion and withstand high heat levels. The exhaust is also fitted with its own specially designed rust resistant stainless steel two-stage silencer.

During production the Hov Pod’s engine is stripped down and coated with an anti corrosion spray sealant developed by Boeing.

Hov Pod designers recommend its use in conditions not exceeding force 4. For structural integrity and operational safety the craft has been regularly tested in conditions exceeding this recommendation.

Reduced noise levels

From their introduction, hovercraft have been perceived as noisy, so a major objective for the designers of the Hov Pod has been to find ways to reduce noise levels to a minimum. In comparison to other hovercraft, you will notice that Hov Pod incorporates a high efficiency one-metre duct. Many craft use a small diameter duct that requires a high fan speed to create the necessary performance, resulting in high noise levels. The large duct works to maximise the effectiveness of the fan blades and requires a slower turning fan to produce the same performance.

Another factor affecting noise level was whether to use one or two engines. A two engine craft would have the second engine located at the front of the craft giving additional noise directly in front of the driver.

The Rotax engine has been specifically selected because it is a low revving engine. The Weber 4 stroke engine delivers more power to allow our engineers to pitch the angle of the fan blades to work more efficiently, further reducing the noise from this already quiet 4 stroke engine.

Engine configuration was also given a lot of consideration. It was felt that the main problem with a gearbox driven fan is that it necessitates the engine being raised to head height. Having an engine at head height greatly affects the noise levels experienced by passengers and spectators. The Hov Pod drive is via a belt so that engine noise can be encapsulated behind close fitting engine covers and the double skin surfaces of the hull.

The engine is placed low in the craft to minimise and reduce the disturbance of air into the fan assembly. Any upstream disturbance greatly increases noise at the fan, reducing the overall efficiency of the craft. A reduction in efficiency necessitates a larger engine, thus more noise for the same performance.

The Hov Pod exhaust is directed under the craft with the lift air and this also helps dissipate noise emissions.

To further reduce noise levels the standard engine exhaust is also fitted with its own specially designed rust resistant stainless steel two-stage silencer.

Comfort

The balance and set-up of the Hov Pod are critical to its ease of use and the engineering incorporated to create this ease of use ensures that the Hov Pod ride experience is very stable and smooth.

65 individual tailored skirts give the Hov Pod its unique air suspension system and cushion any impact as you ride off waves and choppy water. In comparison to a boat or personal watercraft users comment that the Hov Pod offers a very comfortable ride.

The upholstered Hov Pod seat is custom made with deep padded cushioning to give the user even greater levels of comfort during every ride. The seat is large enough to seat two adults and two children up to a total payload of 325 kilos or 716 pounds during on-water starts, up to 30 % more weight for on land starts is possible..

The ergonomics of the Hov Pod controls ensure that the simple handlebar operation is instinctive to use. The Pro Grip® cushioned grips are designed for comfort and ease of use.

Carefully balanced rudders make manoeuvring the craft simple as they allow the user to turn the craft using almost fingertip control.

Stylish safety grab handles are conveniently situated for passengers

Set up for on water starts with three adults

A very important factor in the specifications for any hovercraft is the maximum load it will carry and still retain the ability for a start when stationary on water.

Hovercraft can carry a larger load on land than on water due to the fact that displacement on water is less than on land. The Hov Pod load figure of 325 kg or 716 pounds (quoted is for the Weber 120 HP Turbo engine) is a true figure for starting on water, the land-based figure is much higher.

Towing - The "Roll On Roll Off" trailer

The Hov Pod is small enough to be towed easily behind a car, extending customers to visit areas inaccessible to other craft. Hov Pod can be used from any suitable beach, at any tide. The trailer option ensures that you are not restricted to using public slipways. Take Hov Pod at weekends and on vacations to explore rivers, lakes, inland grass areas. Use Hov Pod to reach areas for photography, video filming, hunting, fishing and exploring.

Hov Pod can be used with our fast "Roll on Roll off" trailer so that the craft can be readied for use in less than 5 minutes.

The trailer option also ensures that Hov Pod is the ideal size for rapid response rescue - larger hovercraft are severely hindered by size and the need for large expensive transport solutions. For mud, sand, ice and flood rescue, Hov Pod can reach inaccessible areas quickly in situations where speed and rapid response can make all the difference.

Excitement

Hov Pod has been designed with the emphasis on fun. The choice of 65 or 120 hp engines have been selected for its high power to weight characteristics so that you can be off and away for exploration, fun and excitement (from an on water start if required) with 3 large adults or 2 adults and 2 children.

Hov Pod is the ideal size for handling, ease of use and performance ensuring that you can undertake a whole range of thrilling manoeuvres. Our designers particularly wanted to create a craft that is responsive and easy to control. Also it was equally important that the craft was not too small, slow or under-powered.

Hov Pod has been designed so that that the thrill can be shared with your family and friends.

 

Safety

There are many aspects where safety relates not only to the design and engineering of the Hov Pod but also craft use, operation and handling. The following list details the Hov Pod’s safety features:

 

Component Use

Battery

Hov Pod uses a larger than required, sealed car battery which offers regular and reliable starting and safety against the escape of dangerous explosive gases and burning battery acids.

Drive Belt

The Hov Pod uses a drive belt recommended for our application by Gates®, the leading worldwide manufacture of belts. The Gates belt is world class and offers durability and trouble-free operation.

Slip Mats

The Hov Pod is fitted with stylish colour co-ordinated anti-slip floor mats from Hydro Turf®. This offers the driver and passengers maximum safety against slippage when boarding and alighting the craft in wet conditions.

Towing Eyes

The Hov Pod is fitted with a towing eye which spreads the load from a large backing plate through to the front of the craft using a reinforced GRP unidirectional tape.

 

Service and Maintenance

The Hov Pod has been designed so that access for maintenance and servicing is quick and easy. Engine covers can be removed in seconds to give full access to all areas of the engine and sealed electrical boxes.

Selecting an air-cooled engine has greatly reduced the complexity and problems of servicing, ensuring maintenance and associated cost is at an absolute minimum.

Although it would be cheaper to specify conventional battery terminals, Hov Pod’s battery is fitted with a quick disconnect coupling for ease of removal before undertaking routine or engine work. This is typical of our design philosophy, safety and ease of operation.

The engine control gauge panel has been designed as a sub assembly connected to the main wiring system by quick disconnect IP67 sealed connector blocks. Complete control panel and gauges can be easily removed for bench service work and testing.

 

Styling

Hov Pod’s design attracts a great deal of complimentary attention. The aesthetics of the craft were closely considered at every stage of development and design. Hov Pod owners can expect to be the centre of attention during every outing.

Moulded mirrors are fitted as standard. The mirrors are available in a range of colours, for greater visibility during take-off and operation.

All parts are aesthetically made to marine standards. Hov Pod is an extremely good looking craft and is much sought after for use a tender for the larger quality super yachts.

The Hov Pod incorporates a removable under seat drop in tray for food, drinks and spares. Plenty of storage is available for a picnic, or for supplies for longer explorations. The handy drinks tray can be filled with ice for a cooling drink on a remote beach far from the maddening crowd!

We have provided a sealed compartment directly in front of the driver for, sunglasses, mobile phones, radios etc.

 

User Manual

Hov Pod is supplied with a comprehensive user manual. All aspects of craft use, maintenance and service are covered. The manual includes photo images and detailed routines explaining how to service the craft for optimum operation making it easy for you to understand the craft and maximise your fun.

© Copyright 2008-2010 Aero-X.eu