The Hov Pod Environmental Impact Assessment

With regards to environmental concerns, research bodies often prefer to use hovercrafts due to their low impact on the environment. Indeed we have been contacted by a number of environmental agencies to conduct environmental surveys.

Noise Concerns
Although early versions of hovercraft were noisy, (there exists a misconception that all hovercraft are noisy) we fit custom designed two stage silencers to quieten the engine exhaust, and continue to minimize noise pollution through consultation with local universities. Technological advances has reduced sound emissions by between 50 and 70% making Hov Pods fall somewhere between vacuum cleaners and city traffic (70 to 80 decibels). Compared to other small hovercraft, the Hov Pod is considerably quieter due to it’s design. To ensure maximum efficiency, we employ a large duct unrestricted by engine or gearbox assemblies. Compared to other hovercraft, the Hov Pod achieves maximum airflow at lower engine revs, and slower fan blade speed. On the Rotax engine, we fit a noise reduction system. The sound emissions for the Hov Pod ACX 52 with Rotax 503 Engine are measured at a distance of 25m. In all tests, the Hov Pod measures 2 dbA quieter from the back. This is most probably good as when leaving a beach this is when most power is required to get off and away. On returning you will normally be gently approaching back at cruise speed.
 

dBA ratings

Compared to other watercraft Hov Pod generates no water slap noise, and do not generate the high speed repetitive whine of fast revving engines associated with PWC'S (sometimes referred to as the Angry Bee Noise) and speedboats as they jump waves or the deep reverberating noise of diesels as exhausts are uncovered from the water. Current Rotax engines are quieter than previously used Hirth engines, as they have superior exhaust systems. It is recommended that driver and passengers wear headsets, but 10 to 20 foot away from the craft, it is okay to have a normal conversation.

Operational Concerns
Hov Pods makes no wake, as it glides over the surface. Because the Hov Pod rides on a cushion of air over the water surface the draught is minimal, practically non-existent. Because of the minimal draught and the lack of propeller, the wake created by the HovPod is virtually eliminated, thus minimising any possibility of shore erosion or disturbance, and will also lessen any impact on small river craft. The lack of underwater turbulence also means that the riverbed will be protected.

No thermal disturbance. The HovPod’s engine is air cooled, therefore, there is no thermal disturbance to the river due to river water being used for cooling purposes, as occurs with conventional water-cooled river craft.

There is no propeller disturbance, so no chance for damage to river flora and fauna being physically damaged or disturbed. Propeller noise is also absent, so not able to disturb marine life. There is no requirement for shore modifications to accommodate hovercraft. Since the HovPod is designed to operate on shore, support structures such as docks or piers are unnecessary. Refueling can be accomplished on land, eliminating any potential of water pollution due to spillage during refueling operations.

HovPod has a very low-pressure footprint when operating on land. Whereas the average human exerts a pressure on the ground of some 25 lbs per square inch when walking, HovPod exerts a pressure of approximately 1.55 ounces per square inch, or 17.3 grams per centimetre on the surface regardless of speed. This is less than a seagull standing on one leg!

Safety Contribution
Hov Pod can make a significant contribution to safety, as it is a craft that is able to access all areas at low tide, unlike many craft. In tests with rescue organizations, Hov Pod could be operated by a two-man crew, to rescue a fully clothed adult from the sea. It was easy to pull the body over the side on Hov Pod, which remained stable throughout the rescue mission.
 

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