 Free
plans for building...
Mini-Flyer
A Hovercraft Powered by a Leaf Blower
Four-Foot Diameter Platform
Lifts up to 60 Pounds
Fun and Educational
Mini-Flyer's platform is cut from a 4 x 4 foot sheet
of 1/2-inch plywood. The skirt is made from a sheet of plastic. With power
from a gasoline or electric leaf blower, it's about the most basic hovercraft
possible. Built it in a day for less than $50, not counting the cost of the
leaf blower. Return the leaf blower to its normal leaf-blowing job when you're
finished hovering.
2D CAD Drawings and 3D Computer Model
Plans were created in CAD, but you do not need a CAD system to view them. Using
AutoCAD's free Design Review plug-in (which replaces "WHIP!"), you can view, pan, zoom, and print the drawings
from within your web browser. Mini-Flyer plans also include a CAD-accurate 3D
computer model. Use your free evaluation copy of Rhino to view, zoom, and rotate the
model so you can see it from any angle. Rhino also makes color renderings, like the
one in the image above. Scroll down for instructions and the download link.
Click on an image to see a larger version |
Preview of Sheet 1 |
Preview of Sheet 2
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Preview of 3D Model |
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Download and Viewing Instructions |
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To View the 2D
Drawings
 Install
Autodesk's DWF Viewer to view and print the drawings from within your web
browser. Instructions for navigating within
the Viewer are in the
"readme-hc.txt" file included with Mini-Flyer plans. To get a free copy of the DWF Viewer, click on the image to the left or go to the Free Downloads page.
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To Unzip the
Plans Package
The Mini-Flyer plans package is contained in a single compressed file for quick
transfer over the Internet. The file contains 2D CAD drawings (two sheets), a
3D electronic model, and a "readme-hc.txt" file with assembly and viewing
instructions. If you do not have a decompression program (to unpack the file), you can get
a free copy of WinZip via the link on the Free Downloads
page. |
To
View the 3D Model
 Install Rhinoceros on your computer to view and render the 3D model.
Instructions for navigating within Rhino are in the "readme-hc.txt" file
included with Mini-Flyer plans. Download a free evaluation copy of Rhino using the
link on the Free Downloads page. |
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in 5, 20, 40, 80 & 130 Pound Thrust sizes. Click image for more details.
|
 XR2 Solar Assist Recumbent bicycle. Carbon fiber frame.
Click image for more details. |
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