Aim
To research, design, construct and test a multipurpose off-road flying vehicle with the ability to fly over obstacles. A proof-of-concept prototype will be made which will utilise a hover-skirt for amphibious surface operation and utilise the ground effect phenomenon for low altitude flight over water and land surfaces.
Objectives
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Design a lightweight frame structure to support the weight of the craft and endure stresses associated with use.
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Design a propulsion system to provide sufficient thrust to take-off into ground effect and to operate in hover mode.
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Design a lift skirt to provide an air cushion for hover mode with the ability to retract during flight.
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Design a lift fan and ducting system to provide sufficient pressure to the lift skirt to carry the weight of the craft.
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Design a detachable fixed wing to provide sufficient lift for take-off and to maintain straight and level flight.
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Design an empennage to provide for stable flight and manoeuvrability.
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Design a steering and control mechanism for ground based and ground effect flight manoeuvrability.
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Design a remote control system to test the hovercraft safely.
Conceptaul Designs
Conceptaul Designs
Conceptaul Designs
Specifications
Wing Design
Wing Design
The wing design includes birch plywood ribs and false ribs, aluminium 6063-T6 spars and carbon fibre false spars which will be epoxy adhesive glued together. The wing will be covered in the Ceconite fabric covering system which consists of a polyester fabric which is glues to the structure and shrunk with a household iron. The fabric is then doped with nitrate and butyrate to seal it. End-plates were added to the wing tips to increase lift and reduce induced drag. They also act as pontoons while turning.
Tail Design
The tail consists of the rudder frame, two tail boom frames, a stabiliser and an elevator. It is a complete aluminium structure. The tail is detachable to allow for hovercrfat operation only. The tail surfaces will also be covered with the Ceconite system.
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The stabiliser provides for longitudinal trim and stability and the elevator provides the pitch control.
