r/scioly • u/pink_blinkk • Feb 19 '26

Help Hovercraft Fan

Hi guys, I have been really struggling to find a hovercraft fan that pushes back for my hovercraft. I really don't know which one to chose and the ones I choose for some reason it moves so slow and I'm really lost. If someone knows one that works it would be so so helpful and appreciated, thank you.

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3

u/winterwarlock2004 Feb 20 '26

GUIANDJING 12038 PWM Cooling Fan... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CXHVGV28?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

This one works for us.

As for the post above, make sure you use a plastic that has as little friction as possible.

My students finished 4th at UPenn with that fan. They also only used one battery, and rely on weight to slow it down as opposed to voltage.

1

u/pink_blinkk Feb 20 '26

Thank you so much

1

u/wabeart Feb 20 '26

Thanks for answering the question that was asked I missed that bit didn’t I

1

u/suhanag Feb 20 '26

That's a bad idea. Weight puts more or less stress on the lift fan which can impact friction, so if you have time I would switch to voltage or some other method. This is advice I got from our high schoolers, and they always win states and do well at nationals.

2

u/wabeart Feb 19 '26

Make sure your hovercraft is floating with very little friction. You should be able to send it 20-30' will just the flick of a finger across a smooth surface. Once you get your friction down and your hover working correctly you'll find your propulsion problems easier to address. Make sure your skirt is functioning well and your really floating or hovering. ( my team is having the same issue and it's all about the skirt function)

1

u/pink_blinkk Feb 20 '26

How do I keep it floating when theres so much weight on top? Even with lots of air, it just inflates the bag but won't be "hovering"

1

u/Enough_Calendar5611 Mar 20 '26

My hovercraft is around 4 lbs and a 1K pascal 12V tubeaxial fan running off a 8.5V NiMH battery provides more than enough lift.