E-Hovercraft competition ideas
Its a well known saying “that racing improves the breed” and that was certainly true about the original petrol powered hovercraft. When we began racing back in the early 1970s the craft could barely complete a lap without some human intervention to overcome some obstacle, but fast forward a few years and we were flying round the course as the power to weight ratio improved and we all learnt to make a proper skirt.
So to improve our new electric powered craft we have come up with some competitive events that will test the hardware ( the craft ) and the software ( that’s you )
Once we have 4 to 6 operational craft we could start our competitive events. It is not the same as racing around a land and water course that the National series use, but rather more measured timed event around a land based course playing to the strengths of the Electric power, but exciting none the less. For details of the event format ideas see below.
To collect together a number of similar craft to make it possible to run a competitive event we need craft built to a similar specification and to this end a spec has been drawn up of the style of craft we need. To help level the competition, a lift and thrust system has been set in the regulations. These are the units used successfully in Keith Oakley’s craft, Sound Of Silence. Details of the ideas for a competition craft specification can be found below
Event format ideas
Hover Chase 1
This is the simplest form of competition where 2 craft starting on opposite sides of an oval
coarse. 2,3,or 4 laps, with each craft being timed, quickest is the winner, no overtaking.
The format allows for multiple heats leading to a knock out to find the winner. This would
be suitable for ‘demonstrations’ at outside shows with limited space. Small arenas will mean a
small number of marshals and officials.
Hover Chase 2
2 craft start together in separate lanes, the craft ( A) on the inside lane takes a twisty slow
speed circuit first, while the other (B) takes a fast section. After one lap Craft (A) leaves the
slow section and takes the fast section and the craft (B) on the fast section first, now takes
the slow section. On exiting the slow part both craft should arrive at the finish together. 2
laps are needed, no overtaking, and can provide a thrilling finish. The format allows for
heats and a knockout to establish the winner. The craft are effectively separated by the
slow section. This format will suit arenas where a bit more space is available
Hover X
When we have enough craft then we can try Hover X similar to Rally X with 4 or 5 craft
starting at once on a similar course to the Hover Chase 2. The race is run over 4 or 5 laps with each craft having to do the slow section on one lap. The driver can choose when to take the
slow lap. This will require much more organisation in terms of marshalling and
timekeeping, not to mention circuit construction
Craft Spec ideas
Specification for Type A competition craft
General – Type A refers to a competition craft built to take part in events that take place over land only and as such do not have any buoyancy requirement.
As the craft will be in a competition environment it will need to comply with certain safety regulations, they can be found here
Hull Construction – Any hull shape and construction method may be used but the hull must incorporate the driver/ battery safety cell ( see EHG construction regs appendix F)
Max length of craft hard structure 3 meters
LIFT SYSTEM
The craft will all have the same lift system comprising of a standard 400mm centrifugal fan with a motor and controller as per Appendix E
Thrust System
All craft will have a standard 12 blade wingfan hub running 7Z blades with the motor and controller as specified in Appendix G
Any duct size is allowed, up to a max 1.25M diameter
Max tip speed of the fan shall be 90m/sec
Skirt System – Free choice of skirt design
Safety cut off – The electric power system must be fitted with a clearly visible on/off switch, accessible from inside and outside the craft positioned half way along the right-hand side of the craft. A clearly visible warning light should indicate the position of the switch.
Controls
Thrust throttle – Must be a fly back to an idle speed or zero
Lift throttle – can be friction fixed but can be returned to an idle speed or zero.
Rudders – must not overhang the rear hard structure by more than 500mm
Elevators = Are allowed but must not overhang the rear hard structure by more than 500mm
…