Reaction International Ltd. PO Box 617 Southampton UK
www.hovpod.com
[email protected] http://leisurehovercraft.blogspot.com Tel: +44 (0) 7699 391 390
Issued 041108 Hov Pod SPX LM FAQ Frequently asked questions about local manufacturing of the Hov Pod SPX LM What is included?
What is the hull made from and how is it prepared?
What characteristics should I consider when selecting an engine?
Where can I source a suitable engine?
The Hov Pod SPX LM is not a kit of parts. The Hov Pod SPX LM is a fully factory assembled Hov Pod including all parts fully fitted, with the exception of engine, engine drive shaft assembly, and drive belt, wiring or engine gauges. The Hov Pod LM comprises Hull, Duct Assembly with Fan Assembly, Guards, Rudders and full Steering Assembly. One full set of thicker grade black skirts is fitted, also hard seat pack with drop in tray, and double section engine cover. The nose cone has mirrors but no gauge panel since different engines require different gauges. A full set of Hov Pod Graphics is also fitted. The new SPX hulls are manufactured from HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) This material was chosen because it is lightweight, impact resistant, and far stronger than glass fibre. HDPE is also a very buoyant material, so the SPX hull is safer in marine operation. So far as we are aware, the Hov Pod SPX is the only hovercraft available to be manufactured from HDPE; no other hovercraft has the strength and safety characteristics offered by this hovercraft, it is unique. The air feed holes to the skirts from the hull are already cut. All parts are assembled including the nose cone, seat and console. Virtually any small engine can be considered, new, used or overhauled. Engines used in many vehicles such as cars, motorcycle, quad bikes, microlights, ultralights etc are possible. There are so many manufacturers and suppliers of possible engines we cannot supply a list but a bit of Internet research can locate suppliers of engines. The engine can be air or liquid cooled as the air passing over the main hovercraft fan can cool a radiator. Turbo engines are also suitable. Diesel Engines tend to be too heavy for the power they give but this is now changing and several aviation diesel engines could be considered. Ideally engines should be between approx 35kg to 80kg. The power should ideally be above about 50HP. More power gives better performance. We supply a fully sealed engine cover but if using the craft on water wiring should ideally also be sealed. Motorcycle wiring looms tend to be fairly well water sealed. Alternatively use a sealed box and/or sealant to contain the main connections components. Microlight engines are ideal, so search on microlight forum websites, or contact local microlight clubs. For lists and ideas on over 75 possible examples see: http://www.usairnet.com/ultralight/engine/manufacturer/ http://www.ultralightmarket.com/results.asp?view=Gruppe&Gruppe=8 http://www.ultraligero.net/Sitios/Motores/motores.htm http://www.ultralighthomepage.com/clubs_USA.html http://bestultralightengine.googlepages.com/ http://www.airtrikes.net/engines.shtml If you explain that you need help building a Hov Pod SPX LM, you might even find some more customers!
Where can I source a diesel engine?
Motorcycle engines can be found worldwide many new or low mileage motorcycle engines can be found in written off motorcycles. If you can locate an engine that offers direct drive this is even easier. Several small automotive engines are possible, larger engines tend to be too heavy but a small and simple car engine can be considered. As mentioned above diesel engines are becoming lighter and several engines are now used for aviation where high power to weight ratio is required. Some possible examples are detailed below. As the weight increases they become less suitable. http://www.ecomotors.com/Technical.htm http://www.zoche.de/specs.html http://ppdgemini.com/_PDF/Gemini100_Spec_Sheet.pdf http://www.dair.co.uk/
Reaction International Ltd. Reg in: England & Wales Reg No. 4132578 All specifications are subject to change without notice. All prices are excluding local taxes and are Ex Works. Prices are subject to change so please contact us for latest pricing. Hov Pod is a trademark of Reaction International Ltd. All Text and Images are Copyright © Reaction International Ltd. Craft are supplied to specific customer orders, payment terms are 50% non refundable deposit with order, and balance before delivery. It is the purchaser and/or end users responsibility to ensure the craft meets all local and national regulations and compliance requirements. Reaction International Ltd reserves the right to make changes to the specifications of the products shown, in accordance with their product research and development programme. Craft Warranty: The Hov Pod is guaranteed for 12 months. This excludes wear/tear/damage & parts not standard or due to installation/customisation/modification of parts/systems used outside the design parameters &/or not designed &/or fitted by Reaction International Ltd. Engine Warranty: The engine falls under the engine supplier’s service agreement. Full terms & conditions are available from Reaction International Ltd. Reg in: England & Wales Reg No. 4132578
Reaction International Ltd. PO Box 617 Southampton UK
What type & space is available for the engine installation.
www.hovpod.com
[email protected] http://leisurehovercraft.blogspot.com Tel: +44 (0) 7699 391 390
This engine is situated low down at the back of the craft. A engine cover set is included. 8mm thick aluminum plate used for mounting engine frames or mounts
Width at base of engine bay is 820mm
Length from rear of craft to fuel tank 850mm
Radiators &/or intercoolers located in air path of main fan to give engine cooling
Example engine installation, 2stroke 65HP
Example engine installation. 4stroke 120HP
Engine cover top section adds approximately 150mm to the height.
Width at back of engine cover is 1120mm
Width at front of engine cover is 980mm
Height from floor to front of engine cover 450mm
Height from floor to back of engine cover 500mm
Reaction International Ltd. Reg in: England & Wales Reg No. 4132578 All specifications are subject to change without notice. All prices are excluding local taxes and are Ex Works. Prices are subject to change so please contact us for latest pricing. Hov Pod is a trademark of Reaction International Ltd. All Text and Images are Copyright © Reaction International Ltd. Craft are supplied to specific customer orders, payment terms are 50% non refundable deposit with order, and balance before delivery. It is the purchaser and/or end users responsibility to ensure the craft meets all local and national regulations and compliance requirements. Reaction International Ltd reserves the right to make changes to the specifications of the products shown, in accordance with their product research and development programme. Craft Warranty: The Hov Pod is guaranteed for 12 months. This excludes wear/tear/damage & parts not standard or due to installation/customisation/modification of parts/systems used outside the design parameters &/or not designed &/or fitted by Reaction International Ltd. Engine Warranty: The engine falls under the engine supplier’s service agreement. Full terms & conditions are available from Reaction International Ltd. Reg in: England & Wales Reg No. 4132578
Reaction International Ltd. PO Box 617 Southampton UK
www.hovpod.com
[email protected] http://leisurehovercraft.blogspot.com Tel: +44 (0) 7699 391 390
How many engines are required? How is the engine mounted?
The Hov Pod only requires one engine for lift and thrust. It is mounted low down at the back of the craft. The drive is via a toothed belt and pulleys. The fan needs to turn at approximately 2288rpm so pulleys will be required to gear down the engine speed. The final installation is up to the customer but we fit a 8mm thick aluminum plate bolted to the hull. This aluminum piece can be changed by the customer if required but for most engines it is suitable to be drilled and taped by the customer to bolt down engine mounts or frames as required.
What about aircooled engines.
The engine covers can be adapted so that cooling air intakes can be cut into it, this would enable air to be pulled into the engine bay to be drawn over the engine or to an enginecooling fan (depends on engine type). What is also possible would be to use some of the air fed from the main fan to the skirts back into the engine bay or onto the engine.
What working space do I To install and engine and wiring would not require a space much bigger than the require? What tools do I craft itself. Obviously a bit of working space is required, a medium size garage require? would be OK as the Hov Pod engine bay is quite large. Tools depend on the engine you wish to install. Are engine and drive Yes we can quote you for various engine drive shafts and pulleys if required. parts parts available from Hov Pod? Is full technical help Very little technical help will be required. The craft is supplied almost complete available from Hov Pod? apart from the engine, engine drive shaft and the wiring. Most wiring is 12volt so an automotive or motorcycle mechanic and/or a small engineering company should be all that you need. We are unable to provide full technical assistance to the degree that we come and build the craft for you as we may as well sell you a complete Hov Pod! However, we will make available a number of help sheets covering a wide range of subjects. Local microlight clubs will be able to offer lots of advice. We do offer training courses. Is Hov Pod Training Yes it is, we offer the Module One Operator day, the Module Two preventative available? maintenance day, and Module Three – hovercraft construction day which details how to assemble the fans and engines etc. If you wish you may attend these courses to really understand the product, get to meet our technical staff and see how we assemble the Hov Pod. The threeday course is particularly recommended for Hov Pod SPX LM constructors who take this opportunity seriously – delegates receive our manufacturer’s certificate at successful completion of training course. See price list for costs of attendance.
Reaction International Ltd. Reg in: England & Wales Reg No. 4132578 All specifications are subject to change without notice. All prices are excluding local taxes and are Ex Works. Prices are subject to change so please contact us for latest pricing. Hov Pod is a trademark of Reaction International Ltd. All Text and Images are Copyright © Reaction International Ltd. Craft are supplied to specific customer orders, payment terms are 50% non refundable deposit with order, and balance before delivery. It is the purchaser and/or end users responsibility to ensure the craft meets all local and national regulations and compliance requirements. Reaction International Ltd reserves the right to make changes to the specifications of the products shown, in accordance with their product research and development programme. Craft Warranty: The Hov Pod is guaranteed for 12 months. This excludes wear/tear/damage & parts not standard or due to installation/customisation/modification of parts/systems used outside the design parameters &/or not designed &/or fitted by Reaction International Ltd. Engine Warranty: The engine falls under the engine supplier’s service agreement. Full terms & conditions are available from Reaction International Ltd. Reg in: England & Wales Reg No. 4132578