2024 - 2025 Hovercraft Mk.5 Project
During the third year of my aerospace engineering undergraduate degree, I decided to create a testbed for a hoverboard, which I plan to research further after graduation. Although it is an RC model, it serves as a demonstrator for the application of a centrifugal impeller in this type of craft.
I envisioned a design that emphasizes modularity and an open-architecture approach, allowing parts to be easily upgraded or replaced in the future when more time or resources are available. To achieve this, I designed the top section to be completely detachable using several screws. Additionally, the top section features a rail integration system with straight bracket-type attachments, enabling the future addition of custom components such as aeronautical devices, crash bumpers for the hull, or flexible plate armour for the skirt.
The designs for the model are about 75% complete functionality-wise as of October 2025. There are some additional auxiliary systems that I wanted to plan to put in place later on.
Given that the bag-finger hybrid skirt and the centrifugal impeller both were fully complete at this stage of development, the designs were printed and cut out.
1st_mk5_impeller.MOVPlans for the Future
As of October 2024, this is as far as the project has come.
Soon the skirt will be printed off, and the air ducts will be added. As well as the attachments for the top layer of the craft's hull.
After this an electronics box can be added with careful consideration for possible future components and any electronic systems that would need their own sections in it to prevent shorts.
Following this, the first thrust assembly designs will be thought up and added.
Thrust System - Stealth?
While developing a completely separate stealth-themed aircraft concept, I realized that this acoustic reduction technology could be incorporated into a future iteration of the hovercraft or even applied to the hoverboard concept. Based on my research, this method has not been demonstrated before on aircraft, and I believe it could offer significant potential for reducing noise in such a loud vehicle.
Please note that this is an ongoing project and changes to this page will be made as this project progresses.