Fight characteristics:
Advancing the throttle above 2,000 RPM with bring the craft up on cushion and begin a slow acceleration. This rpm is used to depart the landing zone. Advancing the throttle to full (3,600 rpm) will rapidly accelerate the craft. On a calm day the craft will achieve 50+ mph in just 6 seconds or 350 feet. After the craft is airborne it flies similarly to a small airplane. Moving the joystick left causes a slight bank and shallow turn. Because the craft is not fitted with ailerons it skids thru the turns much like a hovercraft. At cruise speed (45 to 50 mph) the craft rides very smooth. You can pass over waves without feeling any effect.
Scale modeling:
Nearly 25 scale models were constructed before the first tandem wing craft assembly began. This is the way we test most of our craft. It is much easier to make corrections in a styrofoam model than in a full size prototype. We tested wing angles, surface areas, 2,3 and 4 wing models, propeller angle, single propeller and dual propeller, weight and balance issues, control combinations and many different wing tip styles.
Terrain capability:
Most people are surprised to see this craft drive from the water to the land much like a typical hovercraft. This was a very important consideration while developing the craft. It had to be self launching (land to water) and able to transition under its own power from the water back up onto the land. This is made easy by the positioning of the propellers. They are slanted back at a 20 degree angle to help air flow directly under with wings. With only a slight advancement of the throttle this craft comes up on cushion.
Construction:
The craft is half old school and half new school. The body is made from a wood rib and stringer combination with most of the strength coming from the skins. Wings are made of a sandwich foam/fiberglass construction. The bottom trailing edges of the wings are laminated with 1/8 inch plywood to prevent excessive wear from waves slapping the surface.
Future development:
These types of craft have been under development by Universal Hovercraft for nearly 15 years now. In the future we plan to increase the horsepower of our current prototype from 35 to 45. We may also reconfigure the drive system to include a rear mounted thrust propeller. Further into the future we plan to build larger versions of the Tandem Wing capable of flying 4 passengers over rough water.
Plans are currently not available for this craft. We may offer plans in the future although we have not set a date for release. It is our goal to further develop this craft into a better performing, easy to control and safe ground effect vehicle. Periodically we will update this section of the web site with new tandem wing information.
Universal Hovercrafts research and development budget is directly dependant on sales being made to our customers. No outside funding such as government grants or loans have been used to develop these projects. We greatly appreciate our loyal customer base, new customers and future customers. Without you none of this is possible. Thank you for choosing Universal Hovercraft as your hovercraft supplier.
