What this event is about
Build an air-cushion vehicle and run it through timed/accuracy tasks defined in the rules.
Study plan
Setup (team of up to 2, ~10 min / 8-min competition, Eye Protection B, Impound Yes, Class III calculator; tools need not be impounded)
- Impound one vehicle (batteries separate), spare parts, and notes — no new papers after impound. Fit levitated ready-to-run in 40×40×40 cm; must ride on air cushion (demonstrate by push-down/rise).
- Electrical limits: batteries, wires, mechanical switches/relays, resistors/pots, capacitors, ≤2 motors (incl. brushless); no ICs except as integral to a commercial motor; no lasers; ≤12.0 V expected across any two points; no lithium/lead batteries; accessible manual mechanical switch(es).
- Propellers/impellers shielded so a 3/8” dowel can’t touch; vertical ≥1/4” dowel within 3 cm of front, ≥20 cm above track when levitated (first to break timing beam).
- All thrust/lift from air pressure; non-electric energy OK for other functions (e.g., timing). No track damage; no contact with top/outside of side rails.
- Scoring loop: Target Time 6.0–18.0 s (1.0 s Regionals; 0.5 s State/Nationals). Up to 2 complete or 2 incomplete runs in 8 minutes. Run Score = DS + TS + MS. Complete DS=40; incomplete DS prorated over 185 cm; ramp ×0.5 DS and MS=0. TS = 40×(1−|Runtime−TT|/TT) for complete runs (else 0). MS from rolls/loose nickels formula, max 20 on complete runs.
- Practice mass loading without tape/adhesive; dry-sweep only; optional ES ramp (hurts score). Incomplete if stops ≥3 s before finish or dowel doesn’t finish within 2×TT.
- Calibration chart: mass vs runtime for your TT band; spare batteries; repair kit. Answer design/construction/operation questions.
- Penalties/zeros: parts/nickels falling off; touching during run (DS/TS/MS = 0); safety noncompliance → participation only. Best Run Score wins.
Tips
Weight distribution and skirt sealing usually beat raw fan power.