How do Hovercrafts move?

A hovercraft is an air-cushion vehicle without wheels. It rides on a cushion of air which could be as much as 1.5 metres thick. This cushion of air reduces friction. A hovercraft moves on this cushion which is created within a rubber skirt at the bottom of the hovercraft. This rubber skirt is about two and half metres deep. The air cushion is created by powerful fans blowing air downward along the periphery inside the skirt. Propellers on the deck push the hovercraft forward. A gas turbine engine provides necessary power to both the fans and the propellers.

Hovercrafts make an ideal ferry as they can travel from water straight on to land. The speed of a hovercraft can be as high as 120 km/hr which is faster than any ship. However, a hovercraft becomes unstable in rough weather.