Neoteric Rescue Hovercraft set to fly at FDIC International

Neoteric is ready to go! Are you ready to join us tomorrow at FDIC Outdoor Booth 19403 to see the most versatile rescue apparatus available? Come watch a Neoteric Rescue Hovercraft in action and see why it’s the safest, quickest way to rescue water, swift water, ice, mud and flood victims.

Here are three Neoteric Hovercraft leaving our manufacturing facility this morning in Terre Haute, Indiana on their way to the 2022 FDIC International in Indianapolis …

And here’s a closer look at the newest Neoteric model, the Hovertrek II, powered exclusively by the Briggs & Stratton Vanguard BIG BLOCK 40.0 Gross HP EFI marine engine. The new engine delivers significant fuel savings, higher horsepower and less noise and vibration, without adding extra weight. You can be one of the first to closely examine the new Neoteric Hovertrek II tomorrow through Saturday at the FDIC …

You’ll also have a chance to meet some fire departments who rely on Neoteric Rescue Hovercraft. On Thursday, firefighters from Michigan’s North Muskegon Fire Department will join us. North Muskegon has relied on Neoteric Hovercraft for nearly four decades, and says “Our hovercraft have saved more lives that all our fire engines combined. Since 1985, more than 255 people have been rescued from Muskegon area lakes using the hovercraft. More than half of them would have drowned not having the hovercraft as a safe rescue tool."

North Muskegon Fire Department's Neoteric Hovercraft

Then on Saturday, come meet firefighters from Indiana’s Brownstown Fire Department. Here, the department shows how easily their Neoteric Hovercraft flies from water to land …

And here we are this evening at our FDIC Outdoor Booth 19403, ready to welcome you tomorrow and answer all your questions about rescue hovercraft …

In his inspiring speech today at the FDIC International Opening Ceremony, FDIC Education Director Bobby Halton said, “We are living in very serious times; some say we are going through hard times. Amid these hard times, there is a robust and spirited tactical debate happening in the fire service. It surrounds the needs of victims, their rescue, firefighter safety, and operations.”

 We hope you’ll visit us at the FDIC to see that this is exactly what Neoteric Hovercraft are all about: increasing firefighter and victim safety and improving rescue operations.

Learn more about Neoteric Rescue Hovercraft ...

Attention: First Responders attending #FDIC2022

Does your department still depend on ropes, boats, divers, etc. for water, ice and mud and snow rescues? If so, you’ll definitely want to come to FDIC Outdoor Demo Booth 19403 this Thursday through Saturday to experience a Neoteric Rescue Hovercraft in action and see first-hand how it will vastly improve the safety, ease, speed and success of your rescue operations.

Flat bottom Jon boats and other propeller-driven watercraft are of questionable use in shallow water, swift water, flood, ice and mud rescues; they can pose a serious danger to you and to the lives you’re tasked to save. But a Neoteric hovercraft flies 9 inches above any surface, keeping you above the danger – not in it. It quickly takes you into areas where no other vehicle can go, and it’s the only hovercraft with the ability to brake, back up, and fly in reverse – critical capacities in rescue operations.

But don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what just one of your fellow fire departments has to say about their Neoteric rescue hovercraft …

Neoteric is once again honored to be the only hovercraft exhibitor at the Fire Department Instructors Conference. That isn’t surprising, since Neoteric is the world’s original light hovercraft manufacturer, in business for more than 60 years, with customers in 50+ nations around the world.

Just as FDIC International is a one-of-a-kind experience, so will be your visit to Neoteric Hovercraft Outdoor Demo Booth 19403 this Thursday through Saturday at the FDIC. Don’t miss this chance to learn what a Neoteric Hovercraft can do for you – and to meet Neoteric Hovercraft Founder/President Chris Fitzgerald in person. You’ll never meet anyone who knows more about rescue hovercraft, and he’s eager to answer all your questions!

Learn more about Neoteric Rescue Hovercraft ...

New Neoteric Hovercraft Powered by Briggs & Stratton Marine Engine

The newest Neoteric Hovercraft – the Hovertrek II – will be exclusively powered by Briggs & Stratton’s Vanguard BIG BLOCK 40.0 Gross HP EFI – marine engine.

The Hovertrek II was designed with affordability, controllability and sustainability in mind as Neoteric continues to provide rescue agencies worldwide, as well as recreational and commercial customers, with the only hovercraft available that can brake and fly in reverse.  

The craft's design features many of the advantages and innovations brought to market by Neoteric over the years, including side-by-side seating, increased thrust and low weight. 

Neoteric turned to Vanguard’s electronic fuel injection (EFI) technology to optimize fuel injection and spark timing to deliver significant fuel savings, greater efficiency and higher productivity. Those who purchase a Hovertrek II will also have access to the expansive Briggs & Stratton service dealer network.

“The Vanguard BIG BLOCK 40HP EFI marine engine is an ideal power source for this craft because it allows us to expand into markets with more stringent environmental regulations,” said Chris Fitzgerald, president of Neoteric Hovercraft Inc. “Briggs & Stratton also has a robust global network of dealers that guarantees technical support pretty much anywhere in the world. That level of access is a real feather in our cap when it comes to supporting our hoverpilots and addressing their customer service needs promptly.”

The durable 40HP EFI engine delivers optimized performance for marine applications and utilizes V-Twin OHV Technology for better fuel economy and higher horsepower without adding excess weight. The Hovertrek II is used for transportation on a variety of surfaces, including water, sand, mud, grass, swamp, marsh, flat desert, ice and snow, and the 40HP EFI marine engine delivers fuel more efficiently to ensure a smooth performance at all elevations and in all temperatures. The engine is also equipped with features to minimize noise and vibrations while maximizing productivity to ensure quick, reliable starts in all weather conditions.

“We are excited to partner with Neoteric on the Hovertrek II with the BIG BLOCK 40HP EFI engine providing the proven power, durability and efficiency needed to help Neoteric break into new markets,” Amy West, Marketing Manager for Briggs & Stratton, said. “As a power solutions provider, Vanguard is committed to working closely with OEMs to achieve their equipment goals through cutting-edge technology advancements and versatile product offerings to meet a wide variety of application needs.” 

The enhanced controllability, storage capacity and low weight of the two-passenger vessel make it an ideal training vehicle for first responders and rescue units as they teach individuals how to operate a hovercraft for rescue missions. All the unique features of the Hovertrek II and low cost combined with the power of the BIG BLOCK 40HP EFI marine engine offers hovercraft pilots a safe and reliable ride no matter what surface they encounter.

ATTN: FIRST RESPONDERS:

 See the Neoteric Hovertrek II and its new engine

April 28-30 at the Fire Department Instructors Conference

(FDIC International) in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Neoteric will hold live hovercraft demos at Outdoor Demo Booth 19403.

#FDIC 2021 Features a Neoteric Rescue Hovercraft in action

Firefighters, does your department still rely on ropes, divers, boats and other apparatus for water, ice and mud rescues? Come to FDIC Outdoor Demo Booth 19302 this Thursday through Saturday to experience a Neoteric Rescue Hovercraft in action and see first-hand how it will vastly improve the safety, ease, speed and success of your rescue operations.

Here's one example why first responders prefer hovercraft to other rescue vehicles. In this video, after first responders fail to rescue a stranded family using traditional rescue boats, a Neoteric Rescue Hovercraft does the job - and also rescues the rescuers!

Flat bottom boats and other propeller-driven watercraft are of questionable use in shallow water, swift water, flood, ice and mud rescues, and can pose a serious danger to you and to the lives you’re tasked to save. 

But hovercraft fly 9 inches above the surface - keeping passengers above the danger, not in it - and are constructed so that neither the propellers nor any other part of the craft can strike a submerged object. 

Here's how some of your fellow first responders around the world compare their Neoteric Hovercraft to other rescue vehicles …

Central Fraser Valley Search & Rescue, Canada:

"Our Neoteric 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 USA:

“The benefit of having the hovercraft is we do not have to send our personnel into the water to retrieve victims. It can also hover over logs, car tires and any other debris, unlike boats that could be a hazard in flood water. A hovercraft is the answer to a faster rescue – a safer rescue.” 

WOPR, a national water rescue organization in Poland:

“Regardless of the weather, our hovercraft can fly over water, ice, mud, sand, grass or wetlands – allowing us to get to those places you can’t reach either by boat or by foot. This machine can save people under the most difficult conditions that prevent the use of a helicopter.”

Somervell County Fire Department, Texas USA:

"Our Neoteric hovercraft is very useful for our river rescues when the water moves from too shallow to deep. It hovers 9 inches above the surface so swift water and hidden obstacles don’t affect it. The advantage of the hovercraft is that it can hover in fast, rough water and operate on land, shallow and deep water."

Put Outdoor Demo Booth 19302 on your FDIC priority list and don't miss the chance to see for yourself how Neoteric Hovercraft outperform other rescue apparatus.

Founded in 1960, Neoteric is the most experienced light hovercraft manufacturer in the world, with clientele in 50+ nations. Our innovative reverse thrust system patented worldwide, makes the Neoteric Hovercraft the only hovercraft that can brake and back up - critical in rescue operations.

Learn more about Neoteric Rescue Hovercraft ...

Fire department’s new hovercraft used for water rescues

"Its versatility is what made the hovercraft a game-changer for water rescues, Chief McElfresh said. “It can run over mud, dry land, the road, on water and swift water.”

Seymour Tribune

June 26, 2019

by Jordan Richart

The latest floodwater rescue tool a fire department in central Jackson County has added to its arsenal of response vehicles has drawn plenty of curiosity from the public.

“You almost have to wait until late at night to go to the gas station,” Brownstown Volunteer Fire Department Chief Travis McElfresh joked. “Everywhere you go, people like to ask questions about it and see it up close.”

That mysterious, bizarre-looking craft is the department’s new Neoteric Hovercraft it purchased June 15.

During a recent discussion about the hovercraft outside the department, the vehicle drew a few passersby who wanted photos or more information about it.

A demonstration of the hovercraft on County Road 25E in Brownstown near floodwaters from the East Fork White River also drew a small audience who were eager to see it operate.

Brownstown Assistant Fire Chief Mitch Noelker demonstrates the use of the department's new hovercraft

in floodwaters off County Road 25E.

The oval-shaped craft is worth seeing, as the bottom is made up of 66 black fabric bags connected by heavy-duty zip ties and makes plenty of noise as it gears up. It is maneuvered by handlebars like a motorcycle and can reach a top speed of 70 miles per hour, but it is not recommended to go that fast. McElfresh said the craft can top out at 45 miles per hour on the water and 65 miles per hour on the ice.

The Neoteric Hovercraft is manufactured in Terre Haute and differs from boats and other hovercrafts in that it can go in reverse.

Hovercraft utilize one or more fans or propellers to create lift and thrust. Lift air is captured in a flexible fabric skirt, causing the craft to hover above the surface. Thrust air is directed backward to move the craft forward.

On June 15, McElfresh and Assistant Fire Chief Mitch Noelker received training on the Wabash River and returned late that night. Three hours later, the hovercraft was dispatched to its first rescue.

Since then, the department has used the four-seated craft to conduct 11 rescues involving 14 people, McElfresh said.

Brownstown Volunteer Fire Department Chief Travis McElfresh drives the department's new hovercraft during a rescue of a man June 19. Volunteer firefighter Clayton Keithley is pictured in the back of the craft.

Those numbers earned them recognition from Neoteric in a post on the company’s blog.

“In Neoteric’s more than half a century in business, never has a fire department gone immediately from hovercraft flight training to performing a series of successful high-risk floodwater rescues,” the company wrote in its post.

The department had been considering purchasing a water rescue craft in the last year because of the number of water rescues in the area, McElfresh said. Between Jan. 1 and June 18, Jackson County had 55 calls for water rescues with nearly a third of them since June 1. There also was a high number reported during a recent span when the county received 8.24 inches of rain in seven days.

When a group from the department attended the fire convention show in April, they found the Neoteric, which was demonstrated for them on floodwaters afterward.

After discussions with the fire board, which controls the department’s budget, the department moved forward with the $40,000 purchase. McElfresh said the department kept in mind what other resources were available throughout the county, which is why they settled on a hovercraft.

“The sheriff’s department has a johnboat, conservation has an airboat, so we decided to get a hovercraft,” he said. “All three of them can do different things. The johnboat can go places the airboat can’t. This can go where it can’t, vice versa. We didn’t want to double up on resources in the county.”

Its versatility is what made the hovercraft a game-changer for water rescues, McElfresh said. “It can run over mud, dry land, the road, on water and swift water,” he said.

When flying over land, there’s a 9-inch clearance. “If you come over a 9-inch log laying in a field, you just cruise over it like it wasn’t even there,” McElfresh said.

The craft also has the capability to go in reverse, which is not an option with an airboat. It also can turn 180 and 360 degrees. “When you’re pulling up to a vehicle, it makes it pretty easy,” McElfresh said.

During a recent rescue, a man was walking through floodwaters. McElfresh said the man was about 4 feet away from walking through swift-moving water. First responders told the man to stay put, and McElfresh was able to work the craft to the side until they could safely rescue him. “We were able to get right up against him and pull him up,” he said.

The greatest benefit might be its role in assisting with rescues on ice. The craft will allow crews to make a rescue without putting weight on the ice. “You’re hovering on air and move on the ice without busting it up,” McElfresh said.

The Brownstown Fire Department’s new hovercraft is pictured outside the department.

So far, McElfresh and Noelker have received training to operate the hovercraft. McElfresh said once they get more hours behind the bars and get more comfortable, four others at the department will receive training.

The group also joined Project H.E.R.O., which stands for Hovercraft Emergency Response Operations, a nonprofit that serves during natural disasters. The department will receive additional training through that organization.

“We’ll do joint training on the Wabash River,” McElfresh said.

###

Learn more about Neoteric Rescue Hovercraft ...

Brownstown Fire Department performs record-setting hovercraft flood rescues

Have you ever questioned the importance of hovercraft flight training? If so, you need to read this amazing story of Indiana’s Brownstown Volunteer Fire Department’s recent flood rescues.

In Neoteric’s more than half a century in business, never has a fire department gone immediately from hovercraft flight training to performing a series of successful high-risk floodwater rescues. In fact, our training protocol strongly recommends that each pilot, after training, has a minimum of 5 hours of practice flying their hovercraft before carrying passengers. But when lives are at risk, dedicated first responders sometimes have to break protocol …

Brownstown Fire Department at first considered buying an airboat for their water rescue operations. Then they saw a Neoteric rescue hovercraft in action at FDIC International (Fire Department Instructors Conference) and immediately recognized the advantages of a hovercraft with reverse thrust over an airboat.

Last Saturday, Brownstown Fire Chief Travis McElfrish and three of his first responders came to Neoteric to pick up their new hovercraft and undergo flight training. Here, Chief McElfresh (4th from left) and his crew receive their pilot certifications from Neoteric President Chris Fitzgerald (3rd from left) and Flight Instructor Steve Stafford (5th from left) …    

    

Here’s what happened next, in Chief McElfresh’s own words …

“On June 15th our Fire Department traveled to Neoteric Hovercraft in Terre Haute to pick up our new hovercraft. We spent the day on the Wabash River training to operate our new hovercraft.

“We arrived back at the station around 11:45 that night. Little did we know that only 3 hours later we would be launching our hovercraft on its first rescue, where we were able to successfully rescue a young man stranded in floodwaters caused by the nearly 7 inches of rain we had received in 2 days … while we were still receiving heavy downpours.

“Another call came out at noon on the 16th. We were en route to check a vehicle that was totally submerged in floodwaters. But we were diverted from this call to rescue an elderly gentleman who had become stranded while trying to travel through a flooded rural road. After completing this call we checked the vehicle totally submerged and found it to be unoccupied.

“At 5:30 p.m. we were dispatched again to rescue a woman who attempted to drive through floodwaters and became stranded in her minivan, with water deep enough to reach the seats in the vehicle.

“We successfully made all rescues with no incident and no injuries - thanks to the top notch hovercraft from Neoteric and the outstanding training we received from Steven Stafford and Chris, the owner of Neoteric.”

Here are a couple of photos of Brownstown’s hovercraft in action during their rescues …

We at Neoteric congratulate Chief McElfresh and Brownstown Fire Department’s first responders for their courage, determination and their prompt response in dire circumstances … and for being such fast learners in their flight training course!

Read more about Rescue Hovercraft

and

Hovercraft Flight Training

"Perilous rescue shows need for hovercraft, firefighters say"

The article below from the Bellevue Leader in Nebraska is worth attention from fire departments everywhere.

The city of Bellevue and surrounding areas have dealt with extreme flooding multiple times in the last decade. And those areas are not alone. The fastest growing and most costly natural disaster is devastating floods. The National Weather Service, which has kept records for 124 years, reports that there has never been a wetter 12 months than the period that recently ended. And every reporting agency predicts, “The frequency and intensity of heavy precipitation events are projected to continue to increase over the 21^st century."

The Bellevue article shows that 'where there's a will, there's a way' and may help your department prepare for faster, safer and more frequent flood, ice and water rescues. And, with a hovercraft, you'll never have to worry about damage to propellers or to traditional rescue boats. As our customers report ... 

 "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." ~ Central Fraser Valley Search & Rescue Society, Canada

“It’s awesome being able to operate in deep and shallow flood water without having to worry about destroying a motor or a boat.” ~ Council Bluffs Fire Department, Iowa

“Regardless of the weather, our hovercraft can fly over water, ice, mud, sand, grass or wetlands, allowing us to get to those places you can’t reach either by boat or by foot. It can save people under the most difficult conditions that prevent the use of a helicopter.” ~ WOPR, Poland 

“The benefit of having the hovercraft is we do not have to send our personnel into the water to retrieve victims. It can also hover over logs, car tires and any other debris, unlike boats, that could be a hazard in the water. A hovercraft is the answer to a faster rescue – a safer rescue.” ~ Mansfield Fire Department, Texas

Perilous rescue shows need for hovercraft, firefighters say

By Eugene Curtin Associate Editor

Mar 27, 2019

“The craft the Bellevue Fire Department hopes to buy is a six-passenger Hovertrek Rescue Deluxe offered by Neoteric Hovercraft of Terre Haute, Indiana.”

The sight of firefighters trying to rescue a flood-stranded resident in a paddle boat was just too much for members of the Bellevue Fire Department.

“We were contacted,” said Bonnie Knutson, president of the nonprofit Bellevue Public Safety Foundation. “We sent it out to the board and the board said, ‘Yep, let’s do it.’” She said the board agreed to help raise the money to purchase and fully equip a hovercraft that can be used to rescue persons stranded in floods or icy rivers and streams.

The Bellevue Fire Department hopes to buy a six-person hovercraft similar to the one pictured above, which belongs to the Council Bluffs Fire Department and was on display March 20 at Bellevue’s District 1 fire station.
Photo by Eugene Curtin

The foundation was contacted after two firefighters paddled to the rescue of an 85-year-old man in the Sands Trailer Park south of LaPlatte.

Firefighter George Lee, one of the two firefighters, said they responded to a 911 call from a man who ignored orders to evacuate and decided to ride the flood out. When they arrived on the scene, Lee said, a civilian let them borrow a paddle boat and oars, and out they paddled. Lee said the rescue took about 25 minutes.

Bellevue Fire Department Battalion Chief Joe Gibilisco, who is also a board member of the Bellevue Public Safety Foundation, said during a March 20 press conference at the District 1 fire station that firefighters should not have to risk their lives in such flimsy equipment.

“The only thing they had was a private person’s paddle boat and a couple of oars,” Gibilisco said. He said the department’s flat-bottomed boats are suitable for river rescues where the water is deep and outboard engines can function without getting stuck in a river bed, but they cannot be deployed in the shallow waters of a typical flood.

“Right now we don’t have a feasible means to do that,” he said. “With those hovercraft we believe that we will.” Gibilisco said the hovercraft will be made available for water rescue missions around the region and would not be restricted to Bellevue.

Justin James, Chief of the Council Bluffs Fire Department, traveled to Bellevue with his department’s hovercraft in tow. The hovercraft is very similar to the one Bellevue hopes to purchase.

James said Council Bluffs bought its hovercraft some years ago after losing a resident during an ice rescue where hovercraft response might have made a difference.

The craft the Bellevue Fire Department hopes to buy is a six-passenger Hovertrek Rescue Deluxe offered by Neoteric Hovercraft of Terre Haute, Indiana.

Knutson said the Bellevue Public Safety Foundation has kicked off the campaign with a $5,000 donation and will donate the proceeds of Friday’s Supper fundraiser to be held 5 to 8 p.m. at the Bellevue Firefighters Hall, 2108 Franklin St.

##

Read what your fellow first responders say about

Neoteric Hovercraft in flood rescues ...

and

Learn more about Neoteric Rescue Hovercraft ...

Considering a hovercraft? Fly before you buy!

Whether you’re interested in a rescue, recreational, commercial or military hovercraft, Neoteric gives you the perfect way to find out if a hovercraft is right for you before you buy one: Take a Test Flight or Flight Training & Maintenance Course. Check out this gallery of photos & comments from people who’ve done just that …

Mark Sidell, Washington USA: Recreational hovercraft

Marc’s Training Course left him even more interested in owning a recreational hovercraft.  “It was the best day, and very eye opening. And I loved the safety of being trained by someone so experienced and qualified. The Neoteric craft is versatile and you can go just about anyplace – like you can fly up a steep boat ramp. I think a hovercraft gives you a lot of independence and freedom to do things you wouldn’t dare do otherwise.”

Walt Sitz, Oregon USA: Rescue hovercraft

Walt belongs to Crisis Response International, a non-profit organization that provides rescue and relief support to humanitarian missions worldwide. Before he bought his craft, he took Neoteric’s Training Course. He said, “Hovercraft intrigued me because boats can’t get everywhere … I've been watching hovercraft for quite awhile and Neoteric kept coming up as the best one. Your reverse thrust system – you need to have that kind of control … That’s what brought us here – and we get to try it out before we buy … Training should be the first step in any vehicle. You don’t just jump in a plane and say, ‘I think I can figure it out.’”

David Olson, Minnesota USA: Commercial hovercraft

David's company, D & T Landscaping, Inc., wanted to see if a hovercraft could help his company manage environmental hazards such as blowing dust, at a major taconite mining region in Minnesota. After his Training Course, he bought two custom hovercraft designed to carry 100 gallons of dust suppression agent and a spraying system. He said, “Even if we can cover 80% of what’s not being covered today, that’s a significant improvement. It’s pretty exhilarating. It’s fun! I could see myself personally wanting one. And it’s much more stable than I anticipated.”

Alberto Torruella, Puerto Rico: Recreational & Commercial hovercraft

Alberto, in his 80s, lives on a beach, and also owns a hotel and golf course. He wanted a hovercraft to fly him over the beach and sea, but he wanted it to be a Neoteric hovercraft golf cart so he could attract business to his hotel. Before he bought his HoverGolf Cart, he took a Training Course “to see how it works out, whether I can handle it … “It was very enjoyable – and different. I used to drive motorcycles so I’m used to speed and crazy things – but not this crazy! I mean, you’re going 30 mph and all of a sudden you can spin and go backwards! Being able to fly backwards, etc. – it adds to the fun!”

Council Bluffs Fire Department, Iowa USA: Rescue hovercraft

When Council Bluffs Fire Department decided to purchase a Neoteric rescue hovercraft, their first responders immediately completed a Training Course, which included flood rescue techniques. After their training, Fire Chief Justin James reported, “It was awesome being able to operate in deep and shallow flood water without having to worry about destroying a motor or a boat. We also got to train rescuing victims that may be stranded in trees or roofs of homes due to rising waters. We simply used the craft to hover into and hold position near these real obstacles.”

Cory Lingelbach, Utah USA: Military hovercraft

Cory is a U.S. Air Force Firefighter at Hill Air Force Base. Soon after his Training Course and the purchase of two hovercraft, an Air Force F-16 jet crashed on nearby mudflats at 300 mph. The pilot, who safely ejected before the impact, was rescued via hovercraft. Cory reported, "We launched from land then hit the water then land, water, and land again. This just goes to show you the hovercraft are very versatile. We use our hovercraft on and off our base. Without the level of training sophistication that Neoteric’s Training Course provided, we would never be able to perform our missions the way we do.”

David Kallman, Chief of Fire and Emergency Services, added, "This is the first time our hovercraft were used in a real-world situation. We wouldn't have been able to get out to the crash site and rescue the pilot without them. They are state of the art. The Salt Flats are full of crevices and holes filled with water … but the hovercraft glide right over the uneven terrain and go where no other vehicles could go."

Paul Thrift, Indiana USA: Recreational hovercraft

When Paul thought about a hovercraft as a family recreational vehicle, he didn’t just call and place an order, even though he lives in the city where Neoteric is located. Instead, he signed up for a Test Flight and Training Course.  “I wouldn’t even consider getting one without this training; it’s an absolute must. And Chris was impressive beyond words, given his history and passion for it, which shines through … The day here was well worth it. Even if I didn’t go on to purchase a hovercraft, I would count the day a success and worth the money and time, just for the experience. I’d do it again just for the enjoyment! … It gives you the freedom to go wherever you want and experience the elements and spin around and not have the limitations of a wheeled or grounded vehicle. It looks like my family and I will be able to enjoy it recreationally, to access rivers and lakes, cruising, pleasure riding. My 16-year old son is especially excited about it – he thinks it’s pretty cool!”

Cory Wendt, Alaska USA: Commercial hovercraft

Cory Wendt owns a trout fishing lodge in Alaska. He and his father came to Neoteric for Test Flights to determine whether to buy a 4-passenger or 6-passenger hovercraft. After their flights, he said, “It was smoother than I expected. I didn’t expect it to be able to go through all the mud and sticks. I figured all those sticks would break up the air flow, but they didn’t … I didn’t fully have an appreciation until I drove it; it started to feel more like an aircraft. I could understand why training is important – I’d read it and heard it but didn’t really appreciate it until I was at the controls.”

Is a hovercraft right for you?

Find out with a Test Flight or Training Course ...

#TBT: World’s First Hovercraft Race

For #ThrowbackThursday, let’s go back to March 14, 1964 when Chris Fitzgerald, Neoteric’s future founder and president, participated in the World’s First Hovercraft Race in Canberra, Australia ...

The Age Newspaper, 14 March 1964: This hovercraft will take part in the world’s first hovercraft race over Lake Burley Griffin today. In the cockpit, Edward Thomas;
from left, Ron Davies, Christopher Fitzgerald and Robert Wilson.

The race was a remarkable success. It drew more than 30,000 spectators and received extensive media coverage. London’s Flight International magazine reported: "March 14, 1964, may become a famous date in ACV history, for on that day, at Canberra, the world's first competitive hovercraft trials took place. An analogy may be drawn between the Canberra trials of 1964 and the Rheims air meeting of 1909: both mark the beginning of competitive development in their respective fields.”

Watch a video filmed during the race ...



In a 2001 article, journalist Eric Shackle related Neoteric’s evolution since the World’s First Hovercraft Race  ...

Melbourne Entrant’s Success Story

One of the entrants in the World's First Hovercraft Race, Australian Air Cushion Vehicle Development, vigorously pursued its interest in hovercraft, transferred to the US, and is now one of the world's leading manufacturers of the craft: Neoteric Hovercraft, Inc.

In 1964, the company competed in the first world hovercraft race. As experience mounted, the Rotary International Foundation awarded AACVD's president, Chris Fitzgerald, a scholarship for a world hovercraft study tour which resulted in contact with virtually every hovercraft project in existence.

Innovations continued and, by 1973, a prototype hovercraft, the Neova, was completed and AACVD formed a new company, Neoteric Engineering Affiliates Pty. Ltd., which created staggering world interest when it introduced the Neova at a press demonstration in July, 1974 in Melbourne, Australia. All were anticipating a promising future for this curious new flying machine.

Hoping to sell their technology to the burgeoning recreational vehicle market in the United States, the engineering team made what was intended to be a temporary move to the USA in 1975. After a short time, however, they discovered that there was a virgin market for the manufacturing of hovercraft and began reorienting their company's focus in that direction. This spurred the spin-off company, Neoteric Hovercraft, Inc.

Today, Neoteric boasts a clientele that spans 50 countries and includes Disney World, local and national [and international] rescue departments, dive teams, gold mines, environmental and fishery research departments at universities, oil-spill clean-up, the US Army Corps of Engineers and, of course, numerous people who enjoy exploring remote areas that cannot be reached by any other means.

They've come a long way since taking part in that historic 1964 race on Lake Burley Griffin!

#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!

First Responders: Don’t miss Neoteric Hovercraft at FDIC 2017 - Booth #2704

The FDIC (Fire Department Instructor Conference) is the world’s largest firefighter conference and expo, attended by more than 35,000 firefighters, chiefs and instructors from more than 53 nations.

Neoteric and HovercraftTraining Centers are honored to be the only rescue hovercraft and flight training exhibitor featured at the FDIC this year. The event takes place April 24-29 at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

If your department still relies on ropes, boats and other apparatus for water, ice and mud rescues, you’ll definitely want to visit us at Booth #2704 to watch videos of hovercraft rescue operations, see a remote-controlled hovercraft in action, let us answer all your questions – and register to win one of three free Hovercraft Pilot Training Courses, valued at $1,575 each!    

The Neoteric Hovercraft booth at last year's FDIC.

Flat bottom Jon boats and other propeller-driven watercraft are of questionable use in shallow water, swiftwater, flood, ice and mud rescues, and can pose a serious danger to you and to the lives you’re tasked to save. Come see how a Neoteric rescue hovercraft can greatly improve the safety, ease, speed and success of your rescue operations … while keeping you above the danger – not in it. It quickly flies you into areas where no other vehicle can go, and it’s the only hovercraft with the ability to brake and back up.

But don’t just take our word for it. See what first responders around the world say about their Neoteric Hovercraft in comparison to other rescue vehicles …

Council Bluffs Fire Department, Iowa:

Mansfield Fire Department, Texas:

"The benefit of having the hovercraft is we do not have to send our personnel into the water to retrieve victims. It can also hover over logs, car tires and any other debris, unlike boats, that could be a hazard in the water. A hovercraft is the answer to a faster rescue - a safer rescue."

Davis County Sheriff's Office, Utah:

"Our hovercraft, without question, has saved lives. Much of our county is covered by the Great Salt Lake, and when the water is low it leaves miles of mudflats boats can't reach. We can't get airboats out there. When it's extremely windy it's hard to get an aircraft or helicopter out there, and even walking out is impossible. We were putting rescuers in harm's way, but the hovercraft allows us to hover over mud, ice or water and get right to the patient - to literally reach out our hand and pull them out."

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."

North Muskegon Fire Department, Michigan:

"Our hovercraft have saved more lives that all our fire engines combined. Since 1985, more than 255 people have been rescued from Muskegon area lakes using the hovercraft. More than half of them would have drowned not having the hovercraft as a safe rescue tool."

Learn much more - and see how you can save lives more safely than ever before - 

at Neoteric's Booth 2704 at this year’s FDIC.

Neoteric is the original and most experienced light hovercraft manufacturer, relied on by

first responders in 50+ countries for more than four decades. Read more …

Hovercraft Training Center is the world’s premier hovercraft flight training academy. 

Read more …