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Bobby Dazzler 2010 Hovercraft Challenge entry

Challenge day

Above and below, the multi surface challenge, the first run of the day, literally

Round one tug of war with WIWITW (above) was a win, but Payntix beat us (below)

Then the manouverability challenge

And the final round, the maximum speed,

 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine x 2        
Engine type
IC OS39
 
Length
1000mm
Capacity
6.4cc
 
Width
500mm
Fuel
Glow fuel
 
Height
400mm
Max RPM
17,000
 
Cost
£28.00
 
Weight
8200g
           
Thrust 10" x 7" pusher prop
           
Lift 9" x 7" tractor prop      
           

28th May update

Full trials completed, rear engine problem addressed with shortened fuel tank pipe and locktite application to the carb which has been vibrating out of calibration.

All stripped down for cleaning, prep and painting.

And here's the final colour scheme, you beauty!

New skirt prepared for the race day.

All set for some final testing prior to the big day in June.

1st May Test Session

May day Saturday saw Payntrix, In-a-bit-of-hover and us all visit the sea front for a tarmac trial.

The wind was affecting the performance considerably, but all in all it was a great test, learning to drive and control it. There was a return of the carb problem with the thrust engine, but it didn't impede the test too much.

Payntrix's gps tracker showed a maximum speed of 27kph, but there is more to come once the engine is sorted

Then we went off to try our luck on a pond....

Fantastic, we dried them off and headed for home.

16 April Test Session

Friday 16th saw the first fully operational test session with Bobby Dazzler and Payntrix in attendance. The chosen testing ground was a local unused carpark. The surface for the run was very poor and tested the skirt to the full.

But... despite that it all went spectacularly well. Sure there were a few teething troubles, but all in all a good first test.

Here's the video containt the first controlled flight of the Dazzler, until bully boy Payntrix comes barging through.

And here's the next run where its all under control.

Both teams noted how much the wind affects the hovercraft.

Then off to test on water, where Payntrix bottled it (claiming thrust engine may stall and weight distribution issues) so it was down to Bobby Dazzler to shine the light and lead the way. Getting it in the water and floating was the easy part.

Getting it out needed a helping hand.....

Thanks Arnoud

6 April First hover

Fuel and radio gear installation

Radio gear cover in place

31 March Servo links designed

Thrust engine in position, servo brackets and link arm constructed

Lift engine in position and servo link ark designed and constructed

Lift engine viewed from above

14 March Skirt sections cut out and sewed

5th March Hull construction started.

18th Feb update - Rudder assembly constructed

9th Feb update - Engine running in

The engine has been attached to a test bed to enable running in and tuning.

Here's the video of it being put through its paces, watch the bamboo plant in the background...

 

Schedule for running in and race tuning to commence 30/01/2010