HOVERCRAFT HTI
 

A hovercraft is an amphibious vehicle supported by a cushion of slightly pressurized air.

To understand how hovercraft works, it is necessary to understand that its dynamics are closely related to aircraft than to boats.

Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs) are provided with 'wing-in-ground-effect' or ram wings, which result in surface effect ships, have surface skimmers and sidewall hovers. Hovercraft floats on air cushions that force the air under the craft through a fan. This causes the craft to lift. The amount of lift can range from 6" to 108" (152mm to 2,743mm) depending on the size of the craft.

The amount of total weight that a hovercraft can raise is equal to cushion pressure multiplied by the area of the hovercraft.

To make the craft function more efficiently, it is essential to limit the cushion air from escaping, so the air is contained by the use of what is called a skirt. Skirts vary in style ranging from bags to cells to separate fingered sections called segments.

Most HTI hovercraft use segmented skirt system since each segment can deflect individually when passing over bumps causing very little lift air loss on uneven terrains.

To steer a hovercraft a system of rudders are settled behind the fan and controlled by handlebars up front. Steering may be also controlled by the use of body weight displacement, a skill that is achieved after practice.

As an option, HTI hovercraft offer patented, reverse thrust buckets as other means of control. This is the only system available today that enables the driver to reverse at speed, to maintain cushion at speed, to regulate speed going downwind, to hover while stationary and to brake.

UTILIZATION

The HOVERCRAFT HTI is usable in the following fields:.

- Exploration of flooded narrow areas or with low depth.
- Salvage in any areas (swamps, flooded areas, deserts, difficult areas to be reached, snow)
- Transports in sensitive areas that can be subject to erosions, conservation areas and research areas
- Tourist transports
- Fishing
- Places with lack of mooring / berthing possibilities
- Water treatment
- Port authorities
- Military applications
- TV and cinematographic companies. Amusement and Aquatic Shows
- Agricultural Nebulization
- Work supervision
- Transport in difficult areas
- Mosquitos' nebulization
- Oil spilling cleaning processes
- Multifuntion in farms subject to cyclical floods   

DESIGN

The HOVERCRAFT HTI is projected for rescue, civil protection & police operations and environmental control and with a very fast intervention capacity to intervene into difficult and unsafe sites as rivers with deep, shallow or swift water, swamps, ice and snow, grass or mixed ambients.  

FAST OPERATION

The HOVERCRAFT HTI is easily transportable into emergence areas, through an undercarriage towing for a fast mobilization to remove people in danger, for search operations, fluvial aid and evacuation in case of floods, transporting a rescue team, safety equipment and materials.

TECHNICAL DETAILS

- Made in Italy - company founded in 1995.

- Unsinkable

- Hull made in Kevlar & Carbon (gel coated) filled with     

   Closed Cell Fire Resistant Foam 15 kg/m3

- 5 years warranty - no excuses guarantee

- TUV certification ISO 9000:2000 

- Certification ISO 12117 certified and approved to be

   used by police forces, firefighting services, rescue teams,

   bay watch, civil defense, coast guard, customs, etc

- European emission standards, no less than Euro 4

- Customizable to attend client's demands

AVAILABLE MODELS  

HTI 425 -                  4 to 7    passengers 145 HP

HTI 525 -                  6 to 9    passengers 160 HP

HTI 725 -                  9 to 15 passengers 250 HP

VIXEN 830 -        11 to 19 passengers 350 HP

VANAIR 1105 - 19 to 25 passengers 650 HP 

TEXTRON MARINE model LCAC -

25 to 180 passengers, up to 15.820 HP

PATENT

Hi Tech International has patented a system (EUROPEAN PATENT EP 1 449735) using elements called ‘inverter cups ’ that, in addition to conventional directional control, also allow the hovercraft to brake, reverse and rotate around a vertical axis when stationary or moving, just like a helicopter.

MAINTENANCE, CONSUMPTION & AFTER SALES
 

The costs to operate a hovercraft are more or less the same to those needed for a land based 4x4 vehicle, with a fuel consumption of approximately 8 liters/hour of unleaded petrol. 

HTI provides the highest standards of design, resilience and durability and value for money. The After Sales Service makes HTI the best partner for your strategic choices: if you purchase our products, you will have a partner with a stake interest in keeping you on mission. Our team of dedicated technicians is always available for advice and support.

CONFIGURATION

HTI HOVERCRAFT Includes open, day cruise configuration and climate controlled closed cabin variants in all sizes, from the smallest HTI425 four seats model to the largest model, the LCAC, for logistical transport of vehicles, personnel and material.

SPARES 

Hi Tech International spare parts products will be shipped through DHL - www.dhl.com - in less than 24h following a written order or even before if available at the local distributor.

PILOT SCHOOL
 

Operating a hovercraft does not require any special skills other than a sense of balance familiar to anyone who rides a bicycle or motorcycle. It can also be enjoyable and funny, especially when overcoming obstacles or passing from water to dry land in a matter of seconds.

HTI provides professional trainers that can and do teach the requisite skills in any corner of the world, ensuring customers to get the best from the equipment.

                                                                                                    Why a HOVERCRAFT instead of a boat?

In rivers and lakes                                                                                            In floods

- Fast intervention                                                                                          - Operations in water, swamps, grass, snow, etc
- Navigation in any depths                                                                         - No parts below water
- Safe also in flows and currents                                                            - Fast transport of rescue teams
- Unsinkable                                                                                                       - Civil evacuation
- Salvatage and rescue in total safety                                                 - Equipment and provisioning transport to affected areas
                                                                                                                                   - Field monitoring