Problem Statement Hovercraft Specifications Fabrication - Shaastra

Problem Statement
Build a wireless remote controlled hovercraft which travels a straight race track in the
least possible time.
Hovercraft Specifications
1. Maximum dimensions of the hovercraft at any point of time during the race
o Length: 70 cm
o Breadth: 40 cm
o There is no constraint on the height.
(Note: The above mentioned dimensions are meant only for the hull of the
hovercraft and do not include the skirt surrounding it.)
2. Hovercraft can be powered either by an IC engine or a DC electric motor. Use of
any other kind of power source is strictly prohibited.
3. If powered by an IC engine, it should not have its capacity (displacement volume)
more than 3.2cc.
4. If powered by electric motors, the potential difference across the motor terminals
should not be more than 12volts DC.
5. Hovercraft can have separate power source for lift and propulsion. (E.g. your
hovercraft can have two electric motors, one motor will be used for lift and the
other will be used propulsion.)
6. Hovercraft must have only one power source for propulsion (either one IC engine
or one electric motor)
7. You are allowed to use either one IC engine or one electric motor for the lift.
8. In addition to the power sources for the lift and propulsion you may use dc motors
or servo motors for rudder controller.
Fabrication
1. You have to fabricate the hull and the skirt yourself.
2. It is advisable to use light weight materials for making the hull (E g. balsa wood,
FRP, plastics etc)
3. It is advisable to use air proof materials for making the skirt (E.g. rubber,
umbrella cloth etc.)
4. Any ready-made components, if found, as a part of the hull or the skirt the team
will be disqualified.

5. Propeller, rudder, remote control, servo motors and electronic circuits can be
taken directly from other models.
Race Track
1. Race track will be a straight path which will be 30 m long and 2m wide.
2. Track will be either cement road or tar road.
3. There will be small wall (boundary) at the sides of the track so that the hovercraft
does not go out of the track.
RACE RULES
1. The first round will be the qualifying round where three trials will be given to
each team.
2. Best of three trials will be considered (least time taken to reach the finish line) for
the teams to qualify for the next round.
3. The exact number of teams qualifying for the second round will be decided based
on the number of participants.
4. Participants must place their hovercrafts before the start line and begin the race
only when the signal is given.
5. If started before the signal is given, they will be disqualified for that trial.
6. Participants are allowed to hold their hovercraft before the signal is given. (If the
participants are using an IC engine, they can start the IC engine and hold the
hovercraft on the ground and release it when the signal is given).
7. There will be check points at various places on the track. If the hovercraft tumbles
or stops due to some reason then the hovercraft will have to start from the nearest
check point behind the point where it stopped.
8. If the hovercraft stops or tumbles then only two members of the team are allowed
to enter the race track and restart their hovercraft.
9. A team can get only 3 chances to restart in a trial until they reach the finish line. If
they fail to do so they will be disqualified for that trial. No extra time will be
given for the same.
10. The hovercraft will be inspected before each round and if found unsafe, will be
immediately disqualified from the race.
Team
1. Each team can have a maximum of 5 members.
2. A participant cannot be a member of more than one team participating in this
event.
3. Participants must have a valid identification card of their college.

Design
1. Teams must submit the design of their hovercraft explaining the working
principle and list of components used.(Maximum 2 pages)
2. Teams must submit photo(s) of their hovercraft along with the report.
3. Teams must mail their reports to firenice@shaastra.org on or before 30 th
September,2007.
General Rules
1. It is advised to use an IC engine as a power source for propulsion for its better
power to weight ratio compared to an electric motor.
2. The hovercraft must be maneuvered by a wireless remote control, if any
controls are used. The controls may be for basic functions like steering, or even
for more advanced ones like throttle control.
3. It is advised that the teams make a rudder for controlling the direction of the
hovercraft. If the hovercraft hits the side walls (boundary) or a person or another
hovercraft, it can potentially damage the hovercraft/boundary/person. If the
hovercraft does not have control over its direction or found unsafe to run on the
track, that team will be disqualified from the race.
4. It is strongly recommended to make a safety structure around the propeller to
avoid any damage caused by propeller, if it hits any person or object.
5. Participants are advised to design the hovercraft to prevent any damage that could
be caused to your hovercraft when it hits the boundaries of the track.
6. Participants will be given time slots for practice before the event. Exact time and
date will be posted soon in the website.
7. If you have any doubts regarding the hovercraft specifications or rules or if your
hovercraft uses different components or concepts, which the problem statement
does not specify, please contact the coordinators to confirm the validity of the
same. Do not assume anything yourself.
8. Judges decision shall be final and binding to the participants at the any point of
time.
The coordinators reserve the right to change a part or whole of the specifications and
rules mentioned above. Changes, if any, will be updated in the website.