University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Department of Industrial Studies
Technology Challenge
April 3, 2008
Airboat
Competition
The Airboat Challenge is an individual challenge.
There will be one class of boats for 2008:
- Class "F"--Foam hull
With the exception of hull size, all rules apply to both classes of airboats:
- Students are to construct a self-propelled airboat.
- Airboats are to be powered by a small DC electric motor.
- Airboats are to be propelled by a single propellor.
- Airboat propellor may not make contact with water.
- Two AA drycell batteries are the only energy source permitted.
- Foam hulls are to be no wider than 4" and no longer than 9" in length.
- Attachments to hull (keel, rudder, dagger board, etc.) that extend into water
shall extend no further than 1" into the water.
- All battery, DC motor, and propellor supports shall be self-supporting and attached directly to hull.
- Once placed in channel and the propellor started, the student may not touch, adjust
or alter any part of the watercraft.
- Watercraft must traverse a straight channel WITHOUT any interference/correction from student.
- No RC (radio control) or remote control steering devices may be used.
- Watercraft traversing channel in the shortest time wins the competition.
- In case of a tie, boats will race until one boat wins. Order determined by coin toss.
All participants must complete, sign, have parents sign "Hold-Harmless
forms and submit prior to participating in Technology Challenge 2008.
Participants must bring/wear safety glasses during competition. |
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E-mail inquiries, contact Dr. Steck
