Flying Hovercraft


USV MARIX – The British Flying Hovercraft

USV MARIX – The British Flying Hovercraft

A groundbreaking hybrid platform merging hovercraft efficiency with ground-effect flight.

Developed in the United Kingdom by USV MARIX, the flying hovercraft is a groundbreaking hybrid platform that merges the efficiency of hovercraft technology with the performance of ground-effect aviation. It is a cost-effective, versatile, and safe solution for civilian, commercial, and defence applications worldwide.

The original plan was designed in 2007 by Mr. Anthony Cooper, with a prototype entering successful operation soon after. Over the years, multiple models were built, tested, and refined, leading to the current production-ready versions launched in 2024. Backed by nearly two decades of innovation and operational experience, USV MARIX is now ready to take public and commercial orders.

This platform is ideal for private enthusiasts, the tourism industry, military users, and many other sectors seeking a reliable, accessible, and future-ready transport solution.

Crucially, no pilot’s licence is required, and each unit includes a full six-hour training programme at no extra cost. And perhaps its greatest advantage: maintenance is as simple and affordable as maintaining a motorbike—dramatically reducing operating costs compared to boats, planes, or helicopters.

1. Twin-Engine System for Lift and Thrust

The USV MARIX flying hovercraft uses a dedicated dual-engine setup:

Lift Engine

  • Creates a stable air cushion for smooth take-off, landing, and hover.
  • Supports operation on water, ice, sand, or flat terrain.

Thrust Engine

  • Provides forward propulsion for high-speed ground-effect flight.
  • Turbocharged and highly efficient, enabling speeds of 90–120 knots with excellent fuel economy.

This twin-engine configuration delivers exceptional stability, redundancy, and safety for both recreational and demanding operational missions.

2. Aerodynamic and Structural Design

  • Streamlined Carbon-Fibre Fuselage
    • Teardrop profile minimises drag while maximising lift.
    • Flat underbody ensures smooth transitions during landings and take-offs.
  • Wing and Tail Assembly
    • Short, high-lift wings optimise performance in ground-effect.
    • Twin vertical stabilisers and a high tailplane enhance directional stability and control.
  • Reinforced Skirt Technology
    • Maintains consistent cushion pressure and ride stability across all environments.

3. Premium Construction Materials

  • Carbon Fibre Hull and Frame – Lightweight, ultra-strong, and corrosion-resistant.
  • Kevlar-Carbon Reinforcement – Added durability in high-impact zones.
  • Marine-Grade Honeycomb Core – Rigid yet lightweight, resistant to water and UV damage.

These advanced materials guarantee long service life, lower maintenance, and improved efficiency.

4. Navigation and Avionics

The craft is equipped with a state-of-the-art navigation suite:

  • GPS/GNSS with Inertial Backup – Accurate and reliable positioning.
  • LIDAR and Radar – Real-time terrain and obstacle mapping.
  • AIS Integration – For safe interaction with maritime traffic.
  • Autopilot and Return-to-Base Modes – Added safety and ease of use.
  • Digital Glass Cockpit – Centralised engine, navigation, and environmental data.

5. External and Modular Equipment

This hovercraft is designed for mission flexibility:

Civilian and Commercial Modules

  • High-definition cameras for tourism or surveys.
  • Cargo pods for light logistics.
  • Environmental sensors for research expeditions.

Government and Defence Modules

  • EO/IR surveillance cameras for day-and-night operations.
  • Encrypted SATCOM and secure radios.
  • UAV bays for drone support.
  • Optional defensive mounts for security or tactical missions.

6. Connectivity and Smart Systems

  • Satellite Communications (SATCOM) for global coverage.
  • Marine and Aviation Radios for secure voice links.
  • Wi-Fi and LTE Modules for operational convenience.
  • Telemetry Systems for real-time diagnostics and predictive maintenance.

7. Safety and Redundancy

  • Dual-engine setup provides backup propulsion for operational security.
  • Collision Avoidance using radar, LIDAR, and GPS.
  • Emergency Locator Beacons automatically broadcast distress signals if needed.
  • Inflatable Buoyancy Compartments ensure flotation even in extreme situations.

8. Ease of Handling and Training

  • Beginner-Friendly Controls – Intuitive joystick or yoke system.
  • Six-Hour Training Programme – Simulator and real-world instruction included.
  • No Licence Required – Legal for civilian operation in most jurisdictions.
  • Low Maintenance – Routine upkeep as straightforward and affordable as maintaining a motorbike, ensuring minimal downtime and operating costs.

9. Applications Across Sectors

Civilian and Tourism

  • Personal pleasure craft for enthusiasts.
  • High-speed transport between islands or coastal hubs.
  • Adventure tourism combining the thrill of aviation with maritime exploration.

Commercial and Industrial

  • Cargo and supply delivery to offshore facilities or isolated communities.
  • Research and environmental expeditions.

Defence and Government

  • Special operations and tactical insertion missions.
  • Border security and coastal patrol.
  • Anti-piracy operations.
  • Disaster response and rapid humanitarian deployment.

10. Future Development

  • Electric and Hydrogen Propulsion for zero-emission operation.
  • Autonomous Flight Modes for unmanned logistics or reconnaissance.
  • Increased Passenger Capacity – Models for up to 12 passengers or heavier cargo loads.
  • AI-Enhanced Avionics for even greater safety and efficiency.

Conclusion

From its initial concept in 2007 to the production-ready models of 2024, the USV MARIX flying hovercraft has become a benchmark of British innovation.

Ideal for pleasure users, the tourism industry, defence, logistics, and emergency response, it combines twin-engine reliability, advanced avionics, low operating costs, and unmatched versatility.

With no licence required, six hours of included training, and maintenance as simple as a motorbike, this hovercraft is ready to redefine personal, commercial, and tactical mobility for decades to come.

USV MARIX – The British Flying Hovercraft

USV MARIX – The British Flying Hovercraft

Developed in the United Kingdom by USV MARIX, this hovercraft merges hover technology with ground-effect aviation.

Twin‑Engine System

Lift and thrust engines deliver stability and efficiency.

Aerodynamic Design

Streamlined fuselage and reinforced skirts for superior performance.

Premium Materials

Carbon fibre, Kevlar, and honeycomb cores for durability and strength.

Advanced Avionics

GPS, radar, and digital cockpit for optimal navigation.

Contact

Email: info@usvmarix.com

© USV MARIX. All rights reserved.