Brushless R/C Racing Hovercraft

thingiverse

This is a DIY hovercraft that I created to be relatively easy to build and assemble, requiring only basic tools and no glue. It's designed with modularity in mind, allowing for repair of individual parts if damaged. The upper hull, the largest part, fits easily on a 300mm build plate, making it suitable for larger printers. Smaller printers may need to print sections separately. The design requires supports for all parts except the lower hull, skirt ring, and skirt clips. I've tested its capabilities and strength by flying it extensively, flipping it multiple times on pavement, rolling it several times, and crashing into objects at reasonable speeds without sustaining major damage. However, a solid hit at full speed may cause more extensive damage. The skirt has worn down after driving a dozen packs on rough pavement but is still usable. I recommend using a sewn ripstop nylon skirt for better durability. The hovercraft performs well, with plenty of control and power, even with only two rudders. It runs for about 5-7 minutes with a 1500mAh battery at full hover. I'm still working on creating the cover for the electronics, which will be added soon. A short overview and basic assembly video is available here: https://youtu.be/FuvmvP_xeic. A clip of it cruising around a small parking lot can be seen here: https://youtu.be/SpGD2eGdmpg. Here's what you'll need to build this DIY hovercraft: * 2x 2205-2300kv Brushless motors * 8x 10mm Motor mounting screws * 2x 20A Brushless ESCs (with one having a BEC for convenience) * 1x 9g Steering Servo * 1x Transmitter and Receiver (requiring at least 3 channels) * 1x 1500mAh 3s Lipo * 1x 5x4x3 Prop * 1x 4x4x3 Prop (or a trimmed-down 5x4x3 will work) * Small diameter screws for thrust duct and lower hull * Small screws for lift duct and skirt ring * Long small screws for rudders and front mount * A short piece of brass or copper tube * A short piece of music wire * A heavy-duty trash bag for the skirt Tools needed: * Small phillips or slotted screwdrivers * Assortment of hex wrenches or drivers * Soldering iron * Handheld drill or rotary tool (Dremel) * 1/16" twist drill bit * Nut driver or socket for prop nuts * Xacto knife or razor blade * Flat needle files and/or sandpaper * Pliers