This page is dedicated to the Universal Hovercraft UH-12R that I built in my garage way back in 1995. It all started when I purchased Universal Hovercraft's catalog for $2 August 20, 1995. I then decided on and purchased the plans for the UH-12R shortly thereafter and started contsruction in early March of 1997 and put $40 into the project every two weeks.
The small pictures below can be clicked on to see a larger image.
Capacity: 1 to 2 persons Payload: 500 LBS Length: 12 1/2 ft. Width: 6 ft. Empty Weight: 375 lbs. Flotation: 1400 lbs. Hover Height: 8 inches Speed: 60 MPH Climb Gradient to: 60% Thrust: 200 - 350 lbs Const. Cost: $500 - $1500 Const. Time: 100 - 200 hours Engines: Lift: 8 HP Briggs Thrust: Polaris 440 twin cylinder (55+ HP) Thrust Prop: 48" UH Lift Fan: 30" UH
 | This is a partial scan of the 12R plans and only shows the side view. The full sized plans show a top view, a front view, and a side view as well as rib layouts on the first sheet and a second sheet containing details on mechanical structures. I've run into some ambiguity on the plans regarding the layout/shape of the lift duct, the location of the skirt attach strips, and the attachment of the rib 1 at the front of the craft. In my opinion, the plans need to show more detail of the front of the craft. | |||||
 | Construction of the Frame. | |||||
 | Construction of the lift duct. | |||||
 | The Hull. | |||||
 | Construction of the thrust duct. | |||||
 | Construction of the control surfaces. | |||||
 | Construction of the lift system. | |||||
 | Construction of the thrust system. | |||||
 | Miscellaneous contruction details. Hot-wire, lift engine, etc. | |||||
 | Pictures of the 12R in action. | |||||
