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The History of Neoteric Hovercraft, Inc.
Introduction: The Second Decade
The 1970s were a decade of significant change
for the emerging Neoteric Hovercraft, Inc., including the move
of its headquarters from Australia to the USA in 1975.
Australian Air Cushion Vehicles Development evolved into
Neoteric Engineering Affiliates Pty. Ltd, incorporated in
Australia, with Rob Wilson serving as president of
Neoteric’s Australia division.
The company’s first comprehensive business plan was
developed and marketing efforts were begun in earnest.
Neoteric’s first major magazine feature appeared in
Popular Mechanics, followed by more than 120 articles in
publications across the world. In addition, Chris Fitzgerald
incorporated the Hovercraft Club of America, Inc. and expanded
its membership to more than 700. Fitzgerald also created and
served as editor of Hovernews, the Hovercraft Club of America
newsletter. Both the Club and the newsletter continue to thrive
today.
Laying a solid foundation for its future growth, Neoteric
designed and patented new technology worldwide and, in
addition, developed hovercraft kits for home builders and
marketed the kits worldwide.
A Photo History of Neoteric Hovercraft, 1970-1979
| 1971
– present |
AACVD8, also known as the Neova 1, was designed, tested and developed, then shipped to the United States in 1976.� The craft was then used for development, promotion and for competition in American hoverclub events.� It was placed in storage in 1986; refurbishing began in 2001. |
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A special test rig was designed to study the hovercraft's ability to lift off when on slopes. The craft's center of gravity could be raised along with the slope gradient.
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Neoteric's test facility in Hastings, Victoria, Australia, located by the sea. In this photo, the 60-ft diameter circular test tank is filled with seawater; 50% of the track is land and 50% is water. An exact 1/3 scale model of the Neova 1 hovercraft, powered by two 220 V, 7 Amp AC electric motors, was used to test max speed, hump performance, and performance in various sea conditions as scaled waves can be generated. The payload and center of gravity of the model were adjustable. The model was equipped with a full and independent electrically controlled reverse thrust system.
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In this photo, an 8-cylinder Cadillac engine drove multiple axial flow fans with twin bands of stator blades. The device at the end of the duct was a new form of thrust reverser.
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This photo shows the VW-powered thrust and lift machinery module developed for the Neova 1 model.
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This upside-down test rig was used to evaluate the performance of various skirt systems. It was also used for stability testing under all load conditions.
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| 1973 –
1977 |
Neova technology and patents were marketed. |
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Left to right: Bernard Sutcher, Sam Ciliauro, Arthur Boyd, Rob Wilson, Laurie Fair |
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Left to Right: Arthur Boyd, Bernard Sutcher, Rob Wilson, Sam Ciliauro, Laurie Fair |
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| 1973 –
2001 |
Blueprints for building the Neova 1 and Neova 2 were developed and marketed worldwide.� Income from these sales supported the company during the early years. |
| 1973
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Australian Air Cushion Vehicles Development was discontinued and Neoteric Engineering Affiliates Pty. Ltd. was incorporated in Australia. |
| 1973 –
2001 |
Publicity and promotions to improve the corporate image were implemented.� The company's first major Popular Mechanics magazine article appeared in 1977.� More than 120 articles followed in newspapers and magazines worldwide.� |
| 1974
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Patent applications were awarded to Neoteric in many countries. The corporate logo was designed and trademarked. |
| July, 1974
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The first Neoteric publicity occurred in Melbourne�newspapers and in other Australian media. |
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The Herald, Melbourne, Australia 3 July 1974
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Victoria, Australia Jan/Feb 1975
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SAE Australasia, March/April 1975
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The Weekly Times, Melbourne, 14 May 1975
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Australian Trading News, July 1975
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Australian Seacraft Power & Sail, July 1975
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Australian Trading News, July 1975
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The Age, 29 July 1975
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Hastings Testing Facility, Melbourne, Australia 1971
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Yarra River, Melbourne, Australia
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| 1975
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The company moved its home office and manufacturing facilities to Terre Haute, Indiana USA and incorporated Neoteric Inc., which also traded as Neoteric USA Inc. This later became Neoteric Hovercraft, Inc. |
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The Sun, 9 April 1976
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Ledger-Star, 27 May 1976
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To view a comprehensive list of additional worldwide publicity about the Neova from 1974-1977, click here. |
| 1975 –
1988 |
Neoteric USA began operations in the Fort Harrison Industrial Park warehouse in Terre Haute, Indiana USA, leased to them by the Eldred family, who played an important role in the early days of Neoteric's progress. |
| 1976 –
1978 |
The John Talmage family from Long Island, New York, placed an order for the first Neova 2 hovercraft, giving Neoteric its real start in the USA. Neoteric then undertook the design, development, and manufacture of the first side-by-side seat Neova 2. Neoteric provided hovercraft pilot training to John Talmage when he took delivery of the craft in 1977. This first unit was used to develop the Neova 2 kit and to garner publicity. |
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The Neova 2 in action
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The original Neova 2 was constructed of wood and fiberglass.
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The all-fiberglass Neova 2 debuted in 1982.
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| 1976 –
2001 |
Chris Fitzgerald incorporated the Hovercraft Club of America, Inc., produced its newsletter, Hovernews, and expanded the club's membership to 700. See History of the Hovercraft Club of America, Inc. |
| 1977
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Neoteric's first comprehensive business plan was developed.
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| 1977 –
1986 |
Neoteric developed kits for home construction of the Neova 2 hovercraft and marketed them worldwide. |
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