Radio controlled SRN1 Hovercraft Model

A Radio Controlled

SR.N1 Hovercraft Model

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- See the SRN1 in Action -

Download a short video here (460kb)

This SRN1 experimental model was the result of a long research period when I talked to and obtained information from the people who were there when the SRN1 was designed, built and tested.

I wanted to re-create the SRN1 in scale as it was during the trials period in the Solent on the south coast of England. To do that I first needed to see that the craft could be scaled down and still operate as the original had. It scaled perfectly after many months of building and rebuilding. It will hover over grass, water and paved areas and controls just like the original full size craft.

I put together a very comprehensive collection of information and photographs showing the stages of development the SRN 1 went through and I used these photographs together with drawings showing the original dimensions of the craft. I have to thank Peter Habens for supplying me with many of the details I was looking for to build this model.

The SRN1 Model under construction

Starting up the glow engine ( OS 40 LA + 15% nitro fuel with a 3 blade 8 by 6 prop in the duct)

Underway over grass...no problem with a 2 inch hover height.

Construction

Model construction is balsa over a 1/16 ply frame. The ducts are 1/32 and 1/16 ply. This is scratch built from drawings and photos of the craft. The ducts have full reverse and forward flap valves in both thrust ducts each using a Futaba 148 servo. The radio has 7 channels with 4 for the valves inside the ducts 1 for rudder control and 1 for throttle.

Engine

The power plant is an OS 40 LA with a rubber vibration mount at the base of the intake duct. The prop is 3 blade 8 by 6. The OS 40 uses 15% nitro Omega fuel. The muffler is the stock OS 40 type which vents into the base of the intake duct...you just need to flush it out with soapy water after the days runs. The needle valve is extended through the intake duct using a nylon rod and the glow plug has an extender wire so it can be remotely powered.

It is great fun to fly as it has bags of power and is a joy to watch. It’s a handful with all those controls and its reaction to inputs is slow. Anticipation is the name of the game!