Hovercraft

Hovercraft float on a small cushion of air. Floating on this cushion of air allows hovercraft to move over a variety of surfaces. In theory they should be able to travel over any semi-smooth surface.

For most personal sized hovercraft only one engine is used. This single engine provides the downward thrust to keep the hovercraft afloat and also the forward propulsion. In larger craft there may be a single engine devoted to downward thrust, and another for forward thrust.

Hovercraft are used in the military to deliver troops to the shore. They can also be used as ferries, carrying cars and passengers across the water. Hovercraft are even used for recreational purposes and racing.