Do you know, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s first project in his career was to design and build a hovercraft for DRDO (Defence Research & Development Organisation). This hovercraft was called as “NANDI” which was successfully completed in the year 1962. Wouldn't it be interesting to know more about this vehicle!
So what is a hovercraft?
A hovercraft is a vehicle which is capable of flying above different land forms. It is an amphibious craft/ vehicle which flies by generating air cushion. As a result it is also known as air cushion vehicle (ACV). So how does a hovercraft work?
Working of hovercraft
Hovercraft is a vehicle which depends on lift to fly. The objective is the same, i.e. to generate pressure difference, but the way it is achieved is different. A hovercraft uses huge impellers to generate lift. i.e High pressure air is forced under the craft by the impeller as a result lift force is generated.
Video Credits: DD News
Shape of a hovercraft
A hovercraft is either round or oval in shape due to its design purpose. The air is blown through slots of a disk or oval shaped platform. This gives most of the hovercraft a rounded rectangle shape. A hovercraft normally has four parts
- Propeller
- Fan
- Skirt and
- Hull
The skirt is an inflatable structure which contains the air cushion, therefore ensuring effective flight. Additionally the propeller provides thrust. Hull is used for carrying payload or passengers.
It is also exciting to see a video footage of Dr. Kalam-built India's First Hovercraft prototype, ADE GEM-1, In Action. Probably the only video footage available to the public!
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