ONWUCHEKWA DANIEL IROZURIKE

The development of a prototype hovercraft represents a comprehensive effort to design, fabricate, and test a versatile transportation solution capable of traversing water, land, and marshy terrain. This final year project, carried out by the author to fulfill the requirements for the award of the degree of Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering, aimed to address the challenges of stability, maneuverability, and energy efficiency inherent in hovercraft technology while exploring opportunities for innovation and optimization. The prototype hovercraft was designed with a focus on achieving reliable performance, efficient propulsion, and a durable skirt system to maintain the air cushion necessary for lift. Through iterative design iterations, material selection, and fabrication processes, a small-scale hovercraft prototype was constructed, integrating advanced battery technology, a lightweight aluminum structure, and an optimized skirt design. Extensive testing and evaluation were conducted to assess the craft's capabilities across various operating conditions, including waterborne navigation, maneuvering on land, and stability in challenging environments. The successful testing of the prototype demonstrated its potential for applications in search and rescue, transportation, and environmental monitoring. However, limitations such as limited battery life and skirt design inefficiencies were identified, suggesting areas for further research and optimization. Overall, the project represents a significant step towards advancing hovercraft technology and its practical applications in addressing transportation challenges across diverse terrains.