Hov
Pod, the hassle-free Hovercraft
Hovercraft, while versatile and practically unstoppable, are known
for their unpredictable handling and user unfriendly maintenance requirements.
The Hov Pod attempts to rectify this and make hovercrafting accessible
to the everyday person.
While its highly unlikely anyone will buy a Hov Pod to do their weekly
shopping, the vehicle is far more practical and much easier to operate
than anything before. Training takes only around 15 minutes after
which most people are sufficiently skilled to safely maneuver the
craft on either land or water.
Billed as a recreation vehicle, the Hov Pod hovercraft fights for
sales against the likes of small speed boats and jetskis,
but with the added feature of dune buggy abilities.
The three seater Hov Pod is powered by a 52 horsepower two-cylinder
Hirth 2-Stroke engine. This gives the craft a top speed of 40 mph,
although it is more comfortable cruising along at 20 mph. The passengers
are seated in a motorcycle position, with steering and speed controlled
by a jetski-style handlebar and twist grip throttle.
Maintenance and upkeep of the Hov Pod is far more simple than other
hovercraft. Its construction, and the low mounted engine means it
is far less susceptible to tipping (a problem with some smaller hovercraft).
IT is also positively buoyant, allowing it to safely stop on water.
Another benefit to the Hov Pod is its air skirt construction. It's
made from 65 different segments, so any damage sustained is limited
to that area, and only that section need be replaced, saving considerable
money. Additionally the Hov Pods underside is protected with aluminium
runners and aluminium and Kevlar impact sheets, preventing any damage
due to running, or landing, on hard surfaces.
Similar and Related Vehicles
Flying
Hovercraft from New Zealand
Volkswagen
Aqua Hovercraft concept
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