Skirt Technology: Air Cushion Seals
Quick-change, anti-plow skirts
Neoteric's engineers are never satisfied with the status quo. This drive for excellence in engineering is reflected in every Hovercraft component, including its skirt system. Rather than settling for the conventional segmented skirt system, Neoteric has elevated hovercraft skirt technology to a new level. Hovercraft skirts feature an inventive quick-change system that allows the pilot to replace skirt segments in the field without the need for any tools whatsoever. New segments slide into a special slot along the craft's edge without the need for mechanical fasteners, which enhances the Hovercraft's sleek, agile appearance. Neoteric also incorporates advanced anti-plow technology in 20 skirt segments at the bow of the Hovercraft as well as anti-scoop technology in 10 segments at the stern. A diaphragm in the front segments prevents them from collapsing and tucking under in the event of a plow-in; the segments stay expanded, delivering vital lift air to the front of the craft, which considerably lessens the consequences of a plow-in. An anti-scoop flap in the rear segments prevents them from filling with water while getting over hump. This reduces the power required, saving valuable time and fuel.
Finally, Neoteric has a patent pending on its exclusive skirt blowout protection system. Damaged skirts or broken ties result in a loss of cushion air with an accompanying loss of hoverheight, reducing hovercraft performance and maneuverability. Neoteric's skirt blowout protection technology minimizes such loss, even with multiple segment damage.
The anti-scoop hovercraft skirt technology developed by Neoteric engineers gives the Hovercraft the ability to quickly accelerate without catching water. Here, Neoteric President Chris Fitzgerald accelerates a 6-passenger rescue hovercraft during tests to evaluate the anti-scoop rear skirt as well as the anti-plow front skirt.
Integrating advanced technology with skilled craftsmanship, each individual skirt segment is hand-fabricated to meet high quality standards.
This close-up shows the Neoteric quick attach/detach hovercraft skirt system, which requires no tools whatsoever and allows Hovercraft skirts to be removed or installed in seconds.
High Speed Filming of Skirt Flagellation Rig
Rose Hulman Institute of Technology, June 2016
Professor McInerney
Haulein McInerney, Student of Mathmatics
Zizhao Wang, Student Computer Engineering
Chris Fitzgerald, President Neoteric
Samples of various skirt fabric tested to destruction. Material area of damage is compared for given test time, usually 3 hours. Sample with the least damage is superior.
High speed camera 1260 frames/sec is used together with TEMA Motion Analysis Software to calculate frequency of flapping and fabric accelerations.
This test rig is useful as a rapid means of determining fabric suitability for use as hovercraft skirts.
Zizhao Wang pointing to camera view path and explains problem with background color.
Material flapping and Zizhao checking image data on laptop.
Team involved in high speed filiming exercise.
Chris Fitzgerald inspecting results to determine what additional tests should be performed.
Chris Fitzgerald inspecting results to determine what additional tests should be performed.
Checking lighting and preparing for test run.
Checking lighting and preparing for test run.
Hovercraft Skirt Systems
All Neoteric Hovercraft anti-plow finger skirts give you an inventive quick-change system that lets you easily replace skirt segments in the field without the need for any tools. Our lightweight, low drag hovercraft skirt segments can be changed or replaced in less than one minute – no tools required.
Side Segment Skirt System
(Part #3557 Neoprene, Nylon Packcloth)
(Part #9425 Black CSM with Nylon Fabric )
The Hovercraft narrow Side Segment Skirt System comes in black, but you can also choose different colors to match the individual design of your hovercraft.
Rear Segment Skirt System
(Part #3558 Neoprene, Nylon Packcloth)
(Part #9427 Black CSM with Nylon Fabric)
The Hovercraft Rear Segment Skirt System is the same as the Side Segment system, but the segments have the addition of extended inner diaphragm drag flaps. These segments may be used in any location on your hovercraft's skirt. The standard color is black, but you may customize the color to match your hovercraft.
Front Segment Skirt System
(Part #5362 Neoprene, Nylon Packcloth)
(Part #9426 Black CSM with Nylon Fabric)
The Hovercraft narrow Front Segment Skirt System has extended inner diaphragm drag flaps and can be used in any front or side location on your hovercraft. They offer a stiffer cushion, which helps mitigate the effects of plow-in. The standard color is black, but you may customize the color to match your hovercraft.
Complete Hovercraft Skirt System
(Part #3559 Neoprene, Nylon Packcloth -4 Passenger)
(Part #9424 Black CSM with Nylon Fabric -4 Passenger)
(Part #5927 Neoprene, Nylon Packcloth -6 Passenger)
(Part #9433 Black CSM with Nylon Fabric -6 Passenger)
The complete Neoteric Hovercraft black finger skirt system includes a spare side segment, a spare rear segment, a spare front segment and 140 skirt ties. Often it is preferable to replace the entire skirt system rather than to replace individual segments; it will give you an instant improvement in your hovercraft's performance.