Hovercraft are advanced vehicles that can travel over land, water and a variety of terrain inbetween. They do this by traveling on a cushion of air and literally hovering right above the surface. Essentially, hovercraft work like big air-hockey pucks. The air cushion is suspended inside a flexible skirt which helps compensate for changes in terrain and gives clearance for obstacles.
The Mercier-Jones hovercraft design is inspired by elements of the Bugatti Veyron, Maserati Gran Turismo, Audi R8 and other sports cars. A low profile hull, aggressive front end, and side thrust ports make this the first truly modern hovercraft design. Marine features, such as side decks and an open cockpit, blend with the automotive inspiration to embody the versatility and function of the hovercraft.
The Mercier-Jones hovercraft not only looks like a high-end sports car, it will perform like one to. The innovative, patent-pending directional control system design enables advanced maneuverability in the forward, lateral and reverse directions, so you can stop and go with ease. Intuitive pilot inputs will make flying the hovercraft easy to learn and enjoy.
A single gasoline engine is used to generate electricity for the three independent electric motors of the drive system. The motors enable fine-tuned control over lift and thrust, while the gasoline engine is optimized for maximum fuel efficiency. A battery pack is used to hold reserve power that can be applied to the motors for quick boosts in performance. The gasoline engine is isolated from the cockpit and outside environment to reduce noise and pollution levels.
High-end materials, such as carbon fiber and metal alloys, enhance the state-of-the-art of this hovercraft. Material selection is balanced with smart manufacturing techniques to keep costs down. The Mercier-Jones hovercraft embodies construction techniques from the automotive, marine, and aerospace industries.
Tandem sport seating provides a comfortable, balanced ride inside the open air cabin. Side decks provide additional seating for more passengers. Lower level hull steps make it easier to board from the water, and the top decks allow for easy entry from a dock. Recessed side steps make it possible to enter and exit from dry land.
