UPDATE 09-25-2006
Took it out for a third test flight using the heavy yellow skirt fabric. This is the second time out on water, the first time with video of the stren wake condition.
Below is a sketch to show the design and proposed fix to the design flaw(s).............which may be more than I'm attempting to fix at this time. One problem and one fix at a time, just so I can equate results, actions and reactions.
Links to three videos, the last video is of most importance if you have time to click just one. The hovercraft just about leaps into the water just to encounter massive drag at the stern moments later. Watch for the vortex of water billowing in the form of wake between the twin tails.
Part 1:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2874026733268022464
Part 2:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5341781496606431296
Part 3:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2182246473369429912
During water operation the partial stern bag which is fed supply air from pressure under the craft, has been found to act like a drag chute under real life conditions. So much for theory alone. A large central drail hole was unable to get the water out fast enough. I don't want the water getting in there at all, need to rethink this portion of the design - again.
Items in blue marker are proposed changes which have been on my mind since I started the project. It's time I made these changes while it's still warm enough to work outside in Michigan.
What do you think?
The sail like splitter I installed worked very well. Almost too well, I now have slightly more air coming up to the starboard supply air lift hole than to the port side supply air lift hole. It was once double the air on the port side prior to the diverter/splitter modification.
The craft had more lift and more thrust than last time out. This improved on-land performance, but was you can tell at-sea performance is still lacking.
I could not turn into the wind, nor with the wind, so I went across the lake and used the shore to do a 180 degree turn. I then ran out of gas 2/3 rd's of the way back, one guy (DNR) got my spare gas can, but his boat was too small to tow me. On the way back another but much larger boat gave me a tow as I was not quite up on cushion with the drag chute holding me back - made lots of spay though.
Perhaps if anyone ever wants to develop a sea anchor or brake drag chute for hovercraft they will look up my little experiment here.
I'm learning a lot, so I guess that means I'm having fun.