Pros & Cons of a Hovercraft

4. Advantages and Disadvantages

A. Advantages

· The combination of high speed and hover height means a hovercraft can travel quickly and directly to where users are needed, flying over the ground, avoiding hazards at high speed.

· The specialized characteristics of a hovercraft means they differ from conventional vehicles, making them suited to amphibious operations.

· They can travel over almost any non-porous surface.

· They can operate to and from any unprepared beach or slipway.

· They take fast, direct routes compared to a conventional marine vessel.

· They are suited to operations in disaster zones or areas with destroyed infrastructure. 

· They can operate in amphibious environments where no other vehicle successfully can.

· They are simple to operate and maintain.

· Hovercrafts are also good for the environment

· They make minimal wake or wash that can adversely affect vulnerable marine ecosystems.

· They have no underwater pressure signature and have no impact on marine life.

· The destruction of habitats through dredging and port infrastructure to accommodate conventional marine vessels is not required with hovercraft.

· A hovercraft's engine and propulsion remain separate from and is not reliant on the water it travels over unlike marine craft.

B. Disadvantages

· Hovercraft are limited to carry a certain payload depending on their size to ensure effective hover. 

· Their weight must be balanced for effective mobility and control.

· High winds and heavy sea states have an unfavorable effect on performance.

· Hovercraft cannot operate on steep slopes.

· Like aircraft they require a degree of inspection and maintenance, ideally stored under cover away from climatic extremes. However, the skills and time required to maintain and operate the craft is considerably lower than an aircraft.