Hovercraft transport people and their stuff across ice, grass, swamp, water, and land. Also known as the Air Cushioned Vehicle (ACV), these machines use air to greatly reduce the sliding friction between the bottom of the vehicle (the skirt) and the ground. This is a great example of how lubrication works – most people think of oil as the only way to reduce sliding friction, but gases work well if done right.

In this case, the readily-available air is shoved downward by the pressure inside of balloon. This air flows down through the nozzle and out the bottom, under the CD, lifting it slightly as it goes and creating a thin layer for the CD to float on.

Although this particular hovercraft only has a 'hovering' option, I'm sure you can quickly figure out how to add a 'thruster' to make it zoom down the table! (Hint - you will need to add a second balloon!)

Here's what you need:

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Comments

4 Responses to “Simple Hovercraft”

  1. To allow the air to escape very slowly and consistently, not all at once.

  2. kmosby716 says:

    what are the holes in the cap for?

  3. No, it just has to be the same design as this cap. I’ve found them on cheap maple syrup bottles, dish soap and sports drinks. I’ve even seen them at the dollar stores on top of plastic kids’ reusable water bottles.

  4. Do I have to use a sports Waterbolttle top?