In addition to being extremely quiet, the single engine design makes operating the craft easy. Just squeeze the throttle and off you go. We have engineered the drive system to supply the correct amount of power to both the lift fan and thrust propeller at every throttle setting. For additional control you can add the variator. This variable pulley setup allows you to control lift fan speed independently of the engine speed. Independent control allows the operator to hover at very low or no forward speed and to reduce lift rpm at high speed or when traveling against the wind.

 

Many builders assemble the 18SP as a precursor to the 18SPW. With a few simple modifications this hovercraft can be converted into the awesome 18SPW Hoverwing.

 

How it works:

A single 85 hp+, 1.8 Liter Subaru engine turns a four blade 34-inch lift fan and a 60 inch ducted thrust propeller.  Both the lift fan and the thrust propeller are driven with a reduction belt drive system making the hovercraft easy to operate, quiet and reliable. 

​

How it’s made:

It's built from a foam and plywood sandwich construction. The combination of these materials makes a low cost, high strength composite structure that is completely un-sinkable.

 

Joystick Steering:

A joystick controls three vertical rudders, one horizontal elevator and the twist throttle. Throttle has a friction lock setup that acts as a cruise control for long cruises. Lift fan rpm is controlled through our variable drive system that is electrically controlled from the joystick.

​

Flying a hovercraft:

Driving the craft is easy as it has only two main controls; steering and throttle. Slowly advancing the throttle will bring the craft up on cushion. Adding a little more power accelerates the craft. Speed is easily controlled by increasing or decreasing engine rpm. First time pilots can learn to operate the hovercraft very quickly. If you choose to install the variator, another control is added to adjust the rpm of the lift fan independently of the engines power setting. 

 

Where to fly:

Its useful for transportation over nearly any surface including; salt or fresh water of any depth, sand, mud, mangrove, rapids, floods, grass, swamp, desert, sand bank, ice, and snow. Also used for tour operations, passenger services and search and rescue missions. Hoverwing mode allows an additional capability of flying over the terrain. Potential applications include flying over corn fields, bean fields, saw grass, muskegs, reeds, ditches, hills, small trees and logs.

​

Brakes

Emergency stopping can be achieved two ways. Reducing lift engine rpm will increase the drag resulting in an effective brake. Dumping the lift fan (dropping throttle from “cruise” to “off”) will cause a rapid deceleration over most surfaces. Our AcuPlow™ hull allows the pilot to accurately control braking over water.

 

AcuPlow™ system

Highly effective hull shape developed by Universal Hovercraft. Our hydrodanamically shaped hull aerates and detaches water as it passes under the craft.  This hull shape offers features including; braking, high speed stopping, emergency braking and plowing.

 

Builders Support:

We offer support by email, phone or WhatsApp both domestically and internationally. Email technical support is offered at no cost. Phone and WhatsApp support are available at no cost for your first call. A support plan is required for additional direct support. Builder support is also available through the Hoverclub of America and many hovercraft related Facebook groups.