How do airboats compare to hovercraft?

Unlike airboats, hovercraft are flying machines that travel above the surface on a bubble of air so they don’t create a wake on water. Airboats are flat-bottomed boats with a large propeller and their entire weight rests on the surface, creating a wake.  Airboats usually require a boat dock for launching; hovercraft do not.

Airboats are limited to relatively smooth water because their hulls have low gunwales which can be easily swamped. Airboats have minimum positive flotation, where hovercraft have quite a lot - up to 1 1/2 times their weight. This enables hovercraft to operate safely on swiftwater. Here, first responders from the U.S. Air Force practice swift water rescue techniques in a Neoteric hovercraft …

The airboat’s tall propeller also limits its use in areas with overhead obstructions, which are often found in flood rescue operations. An airboat’s propeller usually runs close to the speed of sound and generates far more noise than a hovercraft. Airboats can consume up to three times more energy than hovercraft, so they use more fuel.

Hovercraft are safer than airboats in ice rescue operations. As stated in a news article about a dive team preparing for ice rescues, “Emergency personnel practiced rescuing victims who have fallen through ice by getting as close as they can with airboats - too close and the boat will push the ice and crush the victim - and then, with insulated, waterproof suits on and an attached rope, swimming out and bringing the victim back." 

Hovercraft can fly on top of thin or broken ice while airboats cannot, and hovercraft often break the ice into small pieces that are of no danger to the victim. Hovercraft can also approach the victim directly, keeping rescuers out of the water. And the airboat's high center of gravity makes them prone to flipping over. 

An example of an airboat's tall propeller and high center of gravity.

Hovercraft are much more maneuverable than airboats, particularly Neoteric craft whose patented reverse thrust system allows them to brake and otherwise outmaneuver every other hovercraft on the market. Reverse thrust is essential for hovering on ice and swiftwater. Airboat control comes from propeller thrust and airflow across its rudders, so it takes full power to achieve real control. In contrast, a hovercraft with reverse thrust is more easily controlled, no matter how much power is applied.Operating an airboat at full power is a bit like running a bucking bronco! But flying a hovercraft with reverse thrust, even at full power, is nothing like fighting a monster - it's more like dancing with a ballerina.

Finally, as one first responder said after a Neoteric hovercraft water rescue, "You've got an airboat, you've got a hovercraft, and you've got a traditional boat ... I just couldn't come up with any other vehicle that could match what a hovercraft can do. Well, not "a" hovercraft - THIS hovercraft. Caterpillar makes the best equipment. Peterbilt makes the best truck. Neoteric makes the best hovercraft."

Learn more about Neoteric hovercraft ...

#TBT: Neoteric Rescue Hovercraft in action at #FDIC

Firefighters and first responders: Kick off this #ThrowbackThursday with a video of a Neoteric Rescue Hovercraft in action at last April’s Fire Department Instructors Conference. Watch how the only hovercraft with reverse thrust for braking and backing up can be critical in rescue operations. First responders, this lets you easily reach the victim without having to submerge yourself in water, ice, snow, mud, etc. …

On to the future ... Mark your calendars now so you can get off to a flying start at FDIC 2019. Come to Neoteric Demo Booth 19403 to experience a rescue hovercraft flight every half hour. This is your chance to see why your fellow #firefighters and first responders in more than 50 nations rely on Neoteric hovercraft to keep them safe and take them where no other apparatus can go.

This is an ideal opportunity for you to see firsthand why Neoteric hovercraft are recognized worldwide as the fastest, safest, easiest way to rescue water, ice, swift water, mud and flood victims. Don't miss out!

Why do first responders prefer hovercraft to rescue boats?

With warmer weather ahead, first responders will soon be occupied with water and flood rescues. Unfortunately, too many fire departments and other rescue agencies are still relying on boats rather than hovercraft for water rescue operations.

Why would they need a hovercraft if they already have rescue boats? Here’s a quick video that helps answer that question. The Napoleon, Ohio Fire Department’s Neoteric hovercraft rescues not only a family stuck in a boat on the Maumee River – they also rescue the first responders whose boats became stuck or damaged in the shallow water!

The river was too shallow for the first rescue boat and it became stuck; the rocks clipped the propellers of the second rescue boat - turning this simple rescue into a three-hour ordeal.

Flat bottom Jon boats and other propeller-driven watercraft are of little use in shallow water or in flood water; debris and obstructions can not only damage rescue boats, but can pose a serious danger to first responders and to those whose lives they are tasked to save.

But don't just take our word for it. Read what just a few of our customers have to say about hovercraft versus rescue boats ...

Norman Township Fire Department, Michigan: "We perform water and ice rescues on the rapidly running, narrow, difficult to access Pine River, with rocks, downed trees and steep banks. We considered purchasing a jet boat, but its problems were quickly apparent when, during the company demo, rocks in the river caused the jet boat to break down."

Central Fraser Valley Search & Rescue Society, Canada: "The hovercraft gets us into areas that before we weren't able to reach, areas that our jet boat can't get into because we ingest debris into the impeller. And the hovercraft saves us a lot of time."

Mansfield Fire Department, Texas: "The benefit of having these hovercraft is we do not have to send our personnel into the water to retrieve victims. They're also able to hover over logs, car tires and any other debris, unlike boats, that could be a hazard in the water."

Roswell Fire Department, Georgia: "On low water, our aluminum boat can only go so far. With the hovercraft, we can travel over rocks, shallow water, sandbars."

Snohomish County Fire District 19, Washington: "At the bridge collapse, there was a lot of debris in the water. Boats weren't able to get into the wreckage, but we were able to hover back and forth through the debris and search for victims. We don't have to worry about what's underneath us."

First responders, come experience for yourself how a hovercraft can operate in conditions that prohibit the use of rescue boats - keeping you above the danger, not in it ...

Take a Test Flight or Training Course 

and

Learn more about Neoteric Rescue Hovercraft

Neoteric hovercraft rescues hitchhiker thrown from bridge

Neoteric hovercraft have certainly been in the news recently when it comes to mud rescues. First, the Snohomish County hovercraft were invaluable in the search and rescue operations at the Oso, Washington mudslide – and this week Wylie Fire-Rescue in Texas performed an unusual mud rescue mission.

On Wednesday night at a rest stop in Dallas, Texas, 23-year-old Mario Otteson accepted a ride from five teenagers in a van. But when they reached the bridge over Lake Ray Hubbard, they stopped the van, dragged Otteson out, assaulted him and threw him over the side of the bridge.

Lake levels are low and Otteson landed in thick mud, from which he couldn’t escape. Fortunately, he had a cell phone and called 9-1-1. Dallas Police and Dallas Fire-Rescue attempted to rescue him, but finally called Wylie Fire-Rescue to bring their hovercraft to do the job.

Wylie’s Neoteric rescue craft had no problem navigating the mud and extricating Otteson. Luckily he suffered only minor scrapes, but the case was reported as an aggravated assault because of the possibility of severe injuries.

This is yet another example of the importance of hovercraft for law enforcement and rescue agencies. A boat or any other rescue vehicle cannot navigate through thick mud, but a hovercraft gives rescuers sure access to areas boats, and even helicopters, can’t reach. And the Neoteric craft, with its patented reverse thrust system, is the only hovercraft that gives them the ability to brake and back up. Sometimes backing up is the only way out – especially in mud rescues!

First responders: Learn more about Neoteric rescue hovercraft ...

Fire Rescue in Poland impressed by Neoteric Hovercraft

Our dealer in Poland, Michal Przybylski of Tecnotek Polska, is proactively demonstrating the value of the Neoteric Rescue HoverTrek™ in rescue missions to Fire Rescue departments across Poland – and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

Here, Michal exhibits the HoverTrek’s capabilities to Fire Rescue (STRAZ) agencies in Bytom, located in southern Poland …

Even before the Tecnotek Polska’s Neoteric Rescue hovercraft is in action, it attracts attention while still on its trailer …

Tecnotek Polska’s 6-passenger Neoteric Rescue HoverTrek™ …

Michal launches the hovercraft to display it in action as an audience gathers …

Of special interest to the first responders was the HoverTrek’s reverse thrust, which allows it to brake, fly backwards and hover in place – making it an exceptional ice and water rescue vehicle …

After seeing the Neoteric hovercraft in action, Fire Rescue officials were eager to get on board and experience a flight of their own …

Michel launches with a first responder on board …

The first responder experiences the unique maneuverability of the Neoteric hovercraft, made possible by its patented reverse thrust system ...

The demo gave first responders a hands-on opportunity to experience how the Neoteric hovercraft outperforms other rescue vehicles …

As always, a Neoteric hovercraft in action draws a large audience …

Michal reports that the feedback he received from this demo is “incredible.” Officials were extremely impressed by the hovercraft’s capabilities, and the attending Fire Rescue departments are in the process of writing grants to help them boost their search and rescue capabilities by purchasing a Neoteric Rescue HoverTrek™.

 See Tecnotek Polska practice ice rescue techniques with Poland Fire Rescue …

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Rescue Hovercraft for Sale

First responders worldwide recognize that the hovercraft is the only rescue vehicle able to perform fast, safe rescue operations on swift water, thin or broken ice, flood waters, mud and snow. Because it safely hovers 9 inches above the terrain, a hovercraft keeps the rescue team above the danger – not in it – and gives rescuers access to areas boats and helicopters can't reach.

This is an opportunity for your team to boost its rescue capabilities: the first of two new Model 5852 red stock hovercraft from the Neoteric factory:

The craft features a 100 HP Hirth engine, reverse thrust buckets for braking and backing up, and inline seating for four. This deluxe rescue model is also equipped with a radio, PA system, siren, 400,000 cp searchlight, salt water marinization package and a stretcher mount. This new hovercraft is offered for $65,860.13. A custom hovercraft trailer is also available for $2,230. 

Contact Neoteric for more information

Government assistance is often available for the purchase of rescue equipment. You can research your options at the links below:

Government Grants:

FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program

Economic Development Administration 

Implementing Guidance for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

Government Financing:

Government Capital Corporation

See more new and used rescue, recreational and commercial hovercraft

for sale in the Neoteric Showroom 

Pakistan Air Force Rescue Hovercraft

Neoteric has manufactured two rescue hovercraft for the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington DC. The 4-passenger craft are to be used by the Pakistan Air Force for rescue operations. Since 1998, Pakistan and surrounding nations have relied heavily on the PAF for tsunami, cyclone, earthquake and flood rescue and relief operations.

The Neoteric Hovertrek™ is in increasing use by the military, both in the U.S. and in other nations. In 2006, the U.S. Air Force used one of the two Neoteric craft owned by Hill Air Force base to rescue a downed F-16 pilot who crashed on the Great Salt Lake mudflats, where no other rescue vehicle could travel.

U.S. Air Force personnel undergo pilot training at Hovercraft Training Centers. 

Below are a few photos of the two Pakistan Air Force hovercraft during their manufacturing process at Neoteric ...

Body Manufacture: The mold is sprayed with resin, then fiberglass mat is hand-laid in order to ensure a hovercraft body with a high-quality surface.

Final Assembly: The thrust ducts are fitted and each craft goes through the first stage of quality assurance process.

Rescue Accessories: A rear emergency beacon is installed to the cowl of each hovercraft.

Performance Testing: Both hovercraft undergo extensive performance testing on the Wabash River.

Read more about the U.S. Air Force Neoteric hovercraft ...

Hovercraft save lives

First responders worldwide recognize that the hovercraft is the only rescue vehicle able to perform fast, safe rescue operations on swift water, thin or broken ice, flood waters and snow. Because it safely hovers 9 inches above the terrain, a hovercraft keeps the rescue team above the danger – not in it – and gives rescuers access to areas boats and helicopters can't reach.

Read comments from first responders who rely on hovercraft in their rescue operations ...

Have a question about rescue hovercraft? Just post it as a comment.

Neoteric Hovercraft Patrols Flood Waters in Washington USA

As KING 5 Television reports, the only sound in Silvana, Washington on Thanksgiving night was the sound of the fire department's Neoteric Hovercraft patrolling for those cut off by floodwaters ...

This is not the first time the Neoteric Hovertrek has been a lifesaver in Washington state flood rescue operations. In 2006, Neoteric hovercraft rescued hundreds of flood victims, plucking them from trees and homes surrounded by fast-moving water filled with flood debris. And again in 2010, their hovercraft were the calm in the storm during devastating flooding in Granite City.

Hovercraft are extremely effective in flood rescue operations because they can access areas that boats and other rescue vehicles can't reach. Unlike other vehicles, hovercraft fly on a cushion of air 9 inches above the surface, so they simply glide over swift flowing, debris-filled floodwaters. And, unlike other hovercraft, the Neoteric Hovertrek's patented reverse thrust system gives it the unique capability to brake, back up, hover in place - maneuvers that are critical in flood rescues.

See photos of Fire District 19's hovercraft pilot training 

New superboat to speed up river rescue

The Roswell Fire Department's hovercraft attracted news coverage when it served in a river rescue operation within days of its purchase. Believed to be the first rescue hovercraft in the state of Georgia, a Homeland Security Grant covered 98% of the hovercraft's cost ...

Roswell, Georgia buys rescue hovercraft with Homeland Security Grant

Once first responders experience the extraordinary capabilities of a Neoteric hovercraft, no other water or ice rescue vehicle will do - just ask the Roswell, Georgia Fire Department.

In March, Neoteric Training Pilot Steve Stafford demonstrated a Neoteric rescue hovercraft to Roswell officials. Fire Chief Ricky Spencer says, “At first I wasn’t too keen on the idea. Then when I saw what the Neoteric craft can do, I said, how soon can I get one? And after we saw Neoteric's reverse thrust, all other hovercraft were out of the question.”

Jeremy Adams of Roswell Fire Department's Logistics Division first suggested a Neoteric craft to the department. "We considered various rescue boats as well as airboats. But airboats are just not as maneuverable as hovercraft."

According to Chief Spencer, "There are 13 miles of the Chattahoochee River in Roswell, with lots of shallow areas. Rescue boats just didn't meet our needs."

Roswell's hovercraft cost the city only $9,995.33, thanks to a Homeland Security Grant it received. "It's a purchase well worth it," says Chief Spencer, "since the department will now have no issues navigating the river during rescue operations."

On June 1, Spencer and Adams traveled to Neoteric's headquarters to undergo pilot training in their new 6-passenger rescue HoverTrek ...

Left to right: Neoteric Training Pilot Steve Stafford; Roswell Fire Chief Ricky Spencer;

 Neoteric President Chris Fitzgerald; Roswell Logistics Officer Jeremy Adams.

In the video below, Neoteric Training Pilot Steve Stafford and Chief Spencer launch the Roswell craft on the swollen Wabash River in Terre Haute, Indiana for an afternoon of pilot training:

Read media coverage of the Roswell Fire Department hovercraft