| Vietnam’s first hovercraft tested on Saigon River |
posted: Wednesday 6th June, 2012 |
Vietnam’s first hovercraft, made by a group of students at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, is on a trial run on the city’s Saigon River.
Click Here for full article
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| 19XRW Hoverwing in Hammacher Schlemmer |
posted: Wednesday 16th May, 2012 |
Our 19XRW Hoverwing has landed itself in the Hammacher Schlemmer Catalog and website.
Click Here for full article
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| 19XRW Hoverwing featured on askmen.com |
posted: Monday 14th May, 2012 |
Our 19XRW Hoverwing was featured in a recent product release video showcasing new state of the art vehicles.
Click Here for full article
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| Bob Windt Teaches Bridge Building |
posted: Monday 16th January, 2012 |
Ninteen students from both sides of the Mississippi River spent Saturday morning building paper bridges destined to be crushed…
Click Here for full article
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| UH-10F Wins MakerBot Challenge |
posted: Thursday 12th January, 2012 |
Want to win a 3D printer? The MakerBot challenge inspires contestants to build something awesome, document it and post on the instructables.com website. Roland MacDonald built a UH-10F...
Click Here for full article
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| Universal Hovercraft Inc. founder impressed by student cardboard boat designs |
posted: Wednesday 19th October, 2011 |
MUSCATINE, Iowa - One of the boating world's best known engineers spent Wednesday afternoon watching...
Click Here for full article
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| UH Hoverwing on Velocity TV |
posted: Thursday 6th October, 2011 |
Episode 7 of Tech Toys 360 will feature the Universal Hovercraft 19XRW Hoverwing. Tech Toys 360 travels the globe in search of the coolest vehicles, gadgets and gear. They showcase million dollar ...
Click Here for full article
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| Rock River Sweep 2011 |
posted: Thursday 15th September, 2011 |
Universal Hovercraft participated in the second ever Rock River Sweep. Two smaller hovercraft were used this year; a UH-14P and a Renegade IQ. Over a three hour period more than 900 pounds of trash was removed from a 1 mile stretch of the river just south of the Morgan Street Bridge in Rockford IL. Among the garbage were two BB Guns, 7 tires, 12 golf balls, 1/2 skateboard, 2 chairs and a bowling ball.
Click Here for full article (Published By: The Rock River Times)
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| HoverCraft enthusiasts from five states, Canada and Australia on the Rock River |
posted: Wednesday 22nd June, 2011 |
June 16-19, 60 enthusiasts from Florida, Missouri, southern Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Ontario, Canada, and Melbourne, Australia attended Universal Hovercraft’s “Cruisin’ the Rock” event at the company’s riverfront headquarters, 1218 Buchanan St., Rockford.
With 17 hovercraft participating, the event was produced by Universal Hovercraft (UH) to test the possibilities of hosting a major racing/cruising event here in Rockford next year.
Click Here for full article (Published By: The Rock River Times)
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| Hovering Snow Shoes |
posted: Tuesday 22nd March, 2011 |
Universal Hovercraft recently donated skirt material to UT Varsity Scout Team 7412. The crafty scouts used the material to ...
Click Here for full article
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| Hoverwing on Speed Channel - Mega Kits |
posted: Friday 18th March, 2011 |
Speed Channel is featuring a show called Speedmakers. Speedmakers takes a look at the iconic builders and epic innovators of acceleration. From celebrated mega-structures like Daytona International Speedway to behind the scenes at Aston Martin, this show celebrates the masterminds...
Click Here for full article
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| UH Website Goes Green |
posted: Monday 7th March, 2011 |
As of March 1, 2011 the Universal Hovercraft website www.hovercraft.com is running on air, literally. Universal Hovercraft has teamed up with Pro-Webs of Mogadore Ohio to bring the hovercraft.com website into the forefront of web technology. Most importantly...
Click Here for full article
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| UH Winter Cruise Update |
posted: Thursday 17th Feb, 2011 |
Join us February 18th, 19th and 20th on beautiful Geneva Lake near Lake Geneva Wisconsin. The weather looks good; 30 degrees on Saturday. Because of the warm temperatures leading up to the event we recommend wearing water proof boots as the ice may be a little moist in spots. If the nightly temperatures are below freezing in the days leading up to the vent we could have some amazingly smooth ice.
Click Here for full article
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| USCG Hovercraft requirement - Required strobe light for all hovercraft in USA. |
posted: Wednesday 5th Jan, 2011 |
Most hovercraft operators are not aware of USCG regulation U.S.C.G Rule 23b. This rule requires all hovercraft less than 50 meters in length to have a working strobe light in non-displacement mode (his is basically anything above 5 mph).
Click Here for full article
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| Hoverwing® on MTV |
posted: Friday 17th Dec, 2010 |
On December 16th MTV aired their show MEGADRIVE episode 6 featuring the Universal Hovercraft 18SPW Hoverwing®. The host Johnny Pemberton takes the Hoverwing for a quick ride behind the Universal Hovercraft factory in Rockford IL. After the flight Johnny uses the Hoverwing® thrust system to do some body painting.
MEGADRIVE Episode 6 can be viewed by following this link:
Click Here to watch the full episode
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| Universal Hovercraft shares electric hovercraft |
posted: Tuesday 23rd Nov, 2010 |
Over the past 18 months Universal Hovercraft has been operating an electric “green hovercraft” at their Mississippi River facility. This new hovercraft resembles a UH-13P but is lighter, more aerodynamic and is powered by two electric motors.
Click Here to read more
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| Wind, Rain, Earth, Sun & Stormwater |
posted: Friday 15th October, 2010 |
As a member of the Rock River Sweep program, Universal Hovercraft recently used their 19XR IC hovercraft to carry debris from...
Click Here to read more
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| Waterkeeper Takes a Ride in a UH Prototype |
posted: Friday 24th Sept, 2010 |
Quad cities waterkeeper Art Norris visited the UH Cordova facility this summer to test...
Click Here to read more
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| Hovercraft tested on salt flats |
posted: Friday 17th Sept, 2010 |
The Weber State University electronics team successfully completed trail runs of their autonomous target hovercraft. Three F-16’s were used...
Click Here to read more
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| President Obama and the Hovercraft |
posted: Wednesday 15th Sept, 2010 |
This is a YouTube clip we found of President Obama visiting a factory. The tour guide shows Obama a hovercraft and he gets very excited. This is not a very impressive performance of a hovercraft, but is entertaining for those of us that are hooked on the sport.
Click Here to watch the video
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| UH parts in Unmanned Drone Hovercraft |
posted: Friday 3rd Sept, 2010 |
Weber State University has been developing an unmanned drone hovercraft for target practice use by the USAF. The hovercraft designed by Weber State uses parts supplied by Universal Hovercraft.
Click Here for Full Story
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| SIU teaches Youth Summer Camp |
posted: Thursday 8th July, 2010 |
Southern Illinois University teaches Hovercrafts at Youth Summer Camp
SIUC has just completed their first Hovercraft Youth Camp teaching kids how to build a hovercraft with their own hands. The 8’ hovercraft used in the camp was developed by the Universal Hovercraft R&D team. This unique hovercraft was designed to be inexpensive, easy to build and able to fit into the back of a pickup truck.
Click Here for Full Story
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| UH Hover Rally Update |
posted: Thursday 8th July, 2010 |
Hovering to Chestnut Mountain Resort
We are thinking of cruising a little further than last year. Chestnut Mountain Resort is just 60 miles from our launch site in Cordova IL. The resort offers a chairlift ride to the restaurant and alpine slides for the daring. Participants are invited to arrive Friday afternoon or evening to prepare for Saturday morning departure. Please send us an email or call if you plan to attend.
Click Here for Full Details
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| Ladies Hovering to Work |
posted: Tuesday 4th May, 2010 |
Two girls from Cordova are taking the road less traveled to work. Well, it is the river less traveled. Heidi and her sister Ashley take an unusual form of transportation to work during the summer and they say it not only saves them time it also saves them money.
Click Here for Full Details |
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| Universal Hovercraft featured on History Channel |
posted: Tuesday 4th May, 2010 |
The History channels premier show Modern Marvels recently featured an episode called “Super Ships”. This episode included many very interesting civilian and military ships including the “Proteus”, “Earth Race”, “Flip”, “Super Tugs”, “Liberty of the Seas” and of course Universal Hovercrafts “Hoverwing™”. The show is a brilliant compilation of the world’s most advanced ocean going technologies.
If you would like to view the show please refer to www.history.com . Super Ships can be found in season 15, episode 12. |
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| From the desk of William Zang |
posted: Thursday 4th March, 2010 |
Dear Friends,
On Monday, March 1st, various news organizations around the world and in the United States began airing a news report about a Mr. Rudy Heeman of Nelson, New Zealand, and his "invention" the Flying Hovercraft.
Click Here for Full Details |
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| Flying Hovercraft Man Stealing Credit |
posted: Tuesday 2nd March, 2010 |
Earlier today news networks around the world aired a story based on incorrect facts regarding a "Flying Hovercraft"ť supposedly designed by Rudy Heeman of Nelson New Zealand. The fact is that ground effect hovercrafts were invented by an American engineer named Bob Windt of Illinois. He and the company Universal Hovercraft have been designing and flying hovercraft for 14 years. The first Universal Hovercraft prototype took flight in 1996 on the Mississippi River near Cordova Illinois.
Click Here for Full Details
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| *UPDATE: Winter Cruise on Perfect Ice |
posted: Wednesday 24th Feb, 2010 |
Our winter cruise is just three days away. The weather is looking great. Weatherman says 34 degrees with a good chance of sun all day. Ice is very thick with snow cover on the east end and patchy drifts on the west end. Some of us have made reservations at the Abbey Resort in Fontana. The resort has given us the okay to park our hovercraft in the frozen marina overnight. Looks like 13 to 18 HCA members will attend with 11 to 15 hovercrafts. If you plan to attend and have not contact us please send an email so we know your coming.
For this weekends schedule, or for more information please click here
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| Winter Cruise on Perfect Ice |
posted: Tuesday 9th Jan, 2010 |
The first ever hovercraft cruise on Geneva Lake is scheduled for February 27th and 28th. Join us for a day of extreme fun exploring & cruising around the huge lake. We expect 13+ hovercrafts to join us. The ice is in perfect condition and covers 100% of the lake. For more information please click here:
http://www.hovercraft.com/content/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=204
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| Discovery Channels Detroit brothers build a hovercraft |
posted: Monday 25 January, 2010 |
Join us Monday February 1st at 10 pm eastern for the "Air Scream"ť episode of Motor City Motors on the Discovery Channel. The Detroit brothers build a very interesting hovercraft using conventional parts from Universal Hovercraft and some non-conventional parts that you will have to tune in to see.
For more information on the show and TV schedule:
http://dsc.discovery.com/tv/motor-city-motors/episode-guide/motor-city-motors.html
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| Universal Hovercraft is looking to add new talent to their team. |
posted: Friday 1 January, 2010 |
We are the world's most innovative light hovercraft manufacturer. Universal Hovercraft is involved in developing and manufacturing hovercraft for commercial, government and recreation applications. We are a small manufacturer so every employee must be multi-talented and able to apply themselves to a variety of tasks. Fabricators, machinist, fiberglassers, interns and engineers are all needed. Please check out the UH employment page for more information.
Click Here for Full Details
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| UH helps LEGOS team win 1st place |
posted: Friday 18 December, 2009 |
Universal Hovercrafts Technical Director helps LEGOS team bring home a first place trophy.
Bob Zang helped the 5th grade team develop an innovative robotic rescue hovercraft built from LEGO's. The team developed the hovercraft and a presentation that was delivered to the LEGO League in a competition in Wyoming. We have included a letter from a team member and the article that was written on the team. Great job Lusk Lego Robotics Team!
Click Here for Full Details
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| Hovercraft needed for TV commercial in California |
posted: Tuesday 1 December, 2009 |
If you're in the Big Bear California area and own a hovercraft, we need you. We are working with a production company to film a Toyota commercial December 14th and 15th. A rental fee and daily rate will be paid to any owner willing to participate.
Were looking for a hovercraft of any type, fully enclosed and in good operating condition. The operator should have experience operating the hovercraft in different environments including land, water, grass and small inclines.
For more information please email Universal Hovercraft.
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| Hovercraft on Smithsonian Channel |
posted: Wednesday 4 November, 2009 |
"Hover Racers: Flying on Air"ť featured on the Smithsonian Channel
From small racers that reach speeds up to 85 mph to gigantic military lifters able to lift up to 60 tons - all on a cushion of air. Whether over land, water, snow, ice mud or anything else, hovercrafts are seen as fast fun and totally amazing. The show features Universal Hovercraft employees Chris Barzinski piloting his Formula 1 race machine and Bill Zang piloting the19XRW Hoverwing™.
Click Here for Full Details
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| Developmental ground effect secrets revealed |
posted: Wednesday 4 November, 2009 |
Universal Hovercraft has just opened up their research and development treasure chest to the public. This new section of the website was opened featuring the TW-1; a prototype tandem wing ground effect vehicle that cruises at 50 mph with a single 35 horsepower Briggs & Stratton engine. Check in soon for the latest information on full size electric hovercraft.
http://www.hovercraft.com/content/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=30
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| Updated Hovercraft Information Section |
posted: Friday 30 October, 2009 |
We recently updated our"About Hovercraft"ť section to include more detailed information on Driving Hovercraft, Terminology and Operation. These sections will be constantly updated so check back often to view new information.
http://www.hovercraft.com/content/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=13
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| Recruiting Hovercraft Students |
posted: Thursday 22 October, 2009 |
UH-10F used by Sothern Illinois University to attract 3,000 student to their school.
http://www.siude.com/pulse/any-student-can-build-a-hovercraft-1.2031186
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| MTV Films show with UH |
posted: Wednesday 21 October, 2009 |
MTV filmed an upcoming show with the Hoverwing™ October 21. Rockford Register Star has the story.
http://www.rrstar.com/news/x185906479/MTV-to-film-show-Wednesday-in-Rockford
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| UH and the Colorado Balloon Kid Hoax |
posted: Monday 19 October, 2009 |
ABC News Interviews Universal Hovercraft on the Homebuilt "Balloon Kid Hoax"ť
ABC News interviewed Universal Hovercraft last Friday about the Colorado based backyard balloon hoax. This could have been a terrible accident. Follow the link for full details:
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/AheadoftheCurve/experimental-flying-machines-coming-garage/Story?id=8845627&page=1
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| Do you want to be on a prime time TV show? |
posted: Monday 12 October, 2009 |
October 21st, 2009
Do you want to be on a prime time TV show?
We are filming a soon to be released episode for MTV October 21, 2009. If you're interested in having your craft and an interview on one of the most popular networks in America, contact us immediately for more information. Filming will be in Rockford IL on the beautiful Rock River.
Contact Bill or Ryan at 815-963-1200 or email us using our online forms. http://www.hovercraft.com/content/index.php?main_page=contact_us Send emails to the "corporate alliances and business opportunities"ť email option.
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| Roar on the Shore 2009 |
posted: Monday 21 September, 2009 |
September 26 & 27, 2009
Racing on Pontiac Lake, Michigan
Pontiac Lake Recreation Area, Waterford, MI- Heat racing on Saturday Endurance race on Sunday. General operating and cruising both days. The nations top three F1 pilots are ready to go head to head for the 1st place trophy. You can also expect a special appearance by Motor City Motors Discovery Channel hovercraft build team. Come see what hey have created. Please visit HCA website for more information.
Click Here for Full Details
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| Cordova Summer Cruise 2009 - Followup |
posted: Friday 18 September, 2009 |
July 18th and 19th, 2009
Universal Hovercraft hosted a cruise at Bob Windt's house on the mighty Mississippi River June 18th and 19th. Cruisers began showing up Friday afternoon in preparation for Saturdays cruise to Savanna IL. Nineteen hovercrafts departed Cordova Saturday morning...
Click Here for Full Details
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| Discovery Channel - Motor City Motors |
posted: Monday 10 September, 2009 |
September 2009
A new Discovery Channel show called Motor City Motors just finished filming an awesome hovercraft build episode. Universal Hovercraft provided engines, ducts, propeller, fan and all drive gear necessary to keep the build running smooth. The build team was headed by the HCAs own Chris Sorgatz. Chris put together an excellent design and executed it in a very interesting way. Be sure to check out the episode on Discovery Channel sometime in January. Check back here soon for more details.
Click Here for Full Details
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| Cordova Summer Cruise 2009 |
posted: Saturday 25 April, 2009 |
July 18th and 19th, 2009
Bill Zang & Bob Windt will be hosting the first ever Cordova Summer Cruise on the beautiful Mississippi River. Two cruises are planned; Saturday we will be heading north to Palisades Park and beyond. Sunday morning we will be heading up the Wapsi River. Home base will be our shop in Cordova IL.
Click Here for Full Details
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| 19XRW Hoverwing™ at AirVenture 2006 |
posted: Thursday 03 August, 2006 |
The 19XRW Hoverwing™ always draws a crowd, including photographers. See www.airventure.org/ and scroll about half way down.
We also managed to get some more video of the Hoverwing™ in action. Please see the 19XRW Gallery page for video clips.
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| EAA Airventure 2006 |
posted: Wednesday 26 July, 2006 |
See us at Airventure 2006. We will be demonstrating hovercraft at the sea-plane base Friday, July 28 to Sunday, July 30. More details will be posted on our events page as they become available.
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| Hoverwing™ updates |
posted: Wednesday 31 May 2006 |
The Hoverwing™ is by far the most sought after hovercraft in our fleet. It is both hovercraft and wing-in-ground-effect craft (WIG). The readymade 19XRW is currently available for commercial, industrial, agricultural, rescue, and military applications.
The 18SPW kit has been updated with a new drive component kit for use with 120+ horsepower engines. The 18SPW Hoverwing™ is perfect for homebuilders, hobbyists, and schools.
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News
