Hovercraft Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hovercraft

[หˆhสŒvษ™rkraft ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

transport

A vehicle that can travel over land and water, supported on a cushion of air

Synonyms

ACV, air-cushion vehicle, hovercraft craft.

Examples of usage

  • The hovercraft glided effortlessly over the lake
  • The hovercraft was a popular mode of transportation in the 1960s
  • The hovercraft is used for rescue missions in flooded areas
  • The hovercraft can reach high speeds due to its design
  • The hovercraft is an innovative form of transportation

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Technology

  • Hovercraft use large fans to create a cushion of air underneath, allowing them to glide smoothly over various surfaces.
  • They can travel over water, land, mud, and ice, making them versatile for different environments.
  • Their ability to float eliminates the need for traditional wheels or hulls, leading to less friction and faster travel.

Transportation History

  • The first operational hovercraft, called the 'SR.N1,' was launched in 1959 and demonstrated the concept's feasibility.
  • In the 1970s and 1980s, hovercraft were used for passenger services across water bodies, like the English Channel.
  • Hovercraft also serve in military operations, enabling quick access in regions that may be too marshy or shallow for other vehicles.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and TV shows, hovercraft often appear in futuristic or science fiction settings, highlighting their innovative design.
  • They were featured in popular adventure games and cartoons as a means of rapid transportation over diverse terrains.

Science

  • Hovercraft rely on principles of aerodynamics, using Bernoulli's principle to generate lift from fast-moving air.
  • The concept of cushion vehicles has led to developments in various fields, influencing designs from drones to advanced transportation methods.

Origin of 'hovercraft'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'hovercraft' combines 'hover,' meaning to float, and 'craft,' meaning a vehicle.
  • The word became popular in the 1960s when these vehicles began to be developed for practical use.

The hovercraft, also known as an air-cushion vehicle or ACV, is a type of vehicle that can travel over land, water, mud, ice, and other surfaces. It operates by creating a cushion of high-pressure air between the vehicle and the surface below, allowing it to glide smoothly and efficiently. The concept of the hovercraft dates back to the early 20th century, but it wasn't until the 1950s and 1960s that practical designs were developed. The hovercraft has been used for various purposes, including transportation, rescue missions, military operations, and recreational activities.


See also: hovering.