hovercraft [2]

Propeller vehicle that moves above water (or land) by gliding on a cushion of air it creates by blowing downward.

dynamics propeller

Device that is made up of blades integrated with a shaft; it pushes air behind the hovercraft thus causing a forward movement.

navigation light

Lamp that is visible from afar to signal the hovercraft’s presence.

air intake

Intake opening for the fan.

radar

Detection device that emits radio waves and receives their echo; it is used to avoid collisions and to navigate when visibility is reduced.

bow door

Door for passengers to enter and exit the cabin.

control deck

Compartment from which the pilots operate the hovercraft.

skirt finger

Flexible and pliable extension to the skirt that adapts to the surface of the water.

flexible skirt

Rubber flexible side that surrounds the edge of the hull to trap the air blown down by the lift fan; this increases pressure, which in turn causes lift.

life raft

Inflatable boat that transports passengers and crew in case of emergency.

baggage racks

Compartment for storing luggage.

drive shaft

Part transmitting the engine’s rotational movement to the propellers.

rudder

Pivoting part behind the propeller blast for steering the hovercraft.

propeller duct

Metal part that surrounds the propeller and increases its power by concentrating its air intake.

blade lift fan

Device blowing air downward under the hovercraft to keep it levitated.

passenger cabin

Compartment where the passengers sit during the trip.

belt drive

Flexible link transmitting the engine’s rotational movement to the propellers.

lift-fan air inlet

Duct through which air enters, which is then blown downward under the hovercraft by the blade lift fan.

diesel lift engine

Power source using the combustion of an air/fuel mixture to drive the blade lift fan.

diesel propulsion engine

Power source using the combustion of an air/fuel mixture to drive the propellers.