A hoverboard, by definition, should hover. Recently, many so-called “hoverboards” have become all the rage, even though they don’t actually make you fly. The ArcaBoard, a new type of hoverboard, is different because it actually hovers off the ground.
Arca Space Corporation in New Mexico developed the fan-powered Arcaboard to be able to hold up to 243 lbs and hover up to a foot over any surface, even water. Made of composite materials and weighing 180 pounds, the ArcaBoard is clearly not something that can easily be carried around, at least not by one person. The ArcaBoard is equipped with 272 horsepower and 203,000 watts of installed power but can only currently hover for about six minutes before it needs to be recharged. The charging process can take six hours with it’s “off the box charger” but if you purchase the ArcaDock (sold separately) you can charge the hoverboard fully in about 35 minutes. Unfortunately at $19,900 the ArcaBoard won’t be something most people can afford.
36 high-power electric ducted fans, controllers and batteries, along with a high performance coding system are needed to power the hoverboard. Their website explains that, “By using 36 power fans we ensure that even in the case of multiple motor failures there are enough motors remaining to take over so you keep on riding.”
The design of the hoverboard is focused on simplicity – the very simple rectangular shape was needed to “provide stability, durability and safely contain the tremendous power within.”
What do you think, is the ArcaBoard the first step towards hoverboards as transportation?
Article Written by Mila Medonaite for Design Engine, December 29, 2015