The Hindu : Kerala / Thiruvananthapuram News : Students build lightweight hovercraft

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Aug 16, 2006

Kerala

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Students build lightweight hovercraft

Staff Reporter

The twin-seater successfully is tested

Thiruvananthapuram: A group of five students at Government Engineering College, Barton Hill here recently designed, developed and successfully tested a lightweight twin-seater hovercraft.

The hovercraft, a favourite vehicle among tourists - as it can travel on land and water - was built as part of their project work by eighth semester Mechanical Engineering students Ajay Joseph, Hari Krishnan, Jaisurya S, Joseph George and Thomas Joseph.

The hovercraft was built at the boat-building yard of the South Indian Federation of Fishermen Societies (SIFFS) at Kochuveli. "The use of high-density thermocol for the hull is a significant aspect. It has reduced the weight of the hovercraft considerably. This makes the endeavour truly unique," says Jaisurya.

The engine used in the front was imported from the U.S. as it was not available in the country. The second one used in the rear is a modified engine of a motorcycle. The double-engine vehicle can attain a speed of 60 km per hour on land, says Jaisurya. Aluminium rudders have been used for directional control.

Abilash, a faculty member, Department of Mechanical Engineering, and Premachandran, Chief Foreman, SIFFS, rendered all assistance to the students in completing the project. The vehicle, which took three months to make, cost the students Rs.1 lakh.

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