Hovercraft, also known as hovers or ground-effect vehicles, were vehicles that floated above the ground by riding on a cushion of air. The air cushion was generated by lift engines and contained within a flexible "skirt" which could be armored to protect against the environment or weapons fire. Compared to true repulsorcraft these relatively primitive vehicles were much slower and far less maneuverable, although they could traverse nearly as wide a variety of terrains. Schenor reaction cars were ground-effect vehicles.[1][2][3]
Hovers did have a number of advantages over repulsorcraft, first of which was that they did not require as much training to pilot. Hovers could also be used in environments and on planets where it was hazardous to operate repulsorcraft. Finally, these vehicles were much cheaper and easier to maintain. For these reasons corporations and governments like the Galactic Empire fielded a number of hovercraft designs.[1][2]
Behind the scenes[]
In real life, hovercraft and ground-effect vehicles are two different things. While both rely on a cushion of air to be able to move, the former generates the cushion via blowers or turbofans, while the latter is basically an aircraft designed to use the ground effect to reduce aerodynamic drag and increase fuel efficiency.
Appearances[]
- Han Solo at Stars' End (First appearance)
- Han Solo's Revenge
- Han Solo and the Lost Legacy
- Lando Calrissian and the Flamewind of Oseon (Mentioned only)
"The Silent Witness" — Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game
Sources[]
- A Guide to the Star Wars Universe
- Star Wars Miniatures Battles Companion
- Imperial Sourcebook, Second Edition
- Goroth: Slave of the Empire
- Galladinium's Fantastic Technology
"Repulsortank Battlefield" — Star Wars Adventure Journal 9- Cynabar's Fantastic Technology: Droids (as Hover vehicle)
- Rules of Engagement: The Rebel SpecForce Handbook
- Fly Casual
