15 Mar. 2000

When it comes to thin ice and swift water rescue, current procedures are crude and dangerous. Neoteric Hovercraft, Inc., of Terre Haute, Indiana USA, has just changed all that with the introduction of their Hovertrek-Rescue ... a hovercraft that brings these and similar search and rescue missions into the 21st Century.

Allowing rescue teams to rapidly respond to emergencies in areas that are simply unreachable by other vehicles, the Hovertrek-Rescue is the definitive rescue vehicle. Neoteric Hovercraft, Inc., the world's original light hovercraft manufacturer, has taken 4 years to develop the Hovertrek, which won the "Hoverclub of America's 1999 Innovation Award."

"The Hovertrek-Rescue incorporates all the important characteristics necessary for fast and safe rescue operations in flooded areas or over ice and mud. Its ability to safely hover 9 inches above land, thin ice and water, even during flood conditions, makes rescue possible in minutes rather than hours," according to Christopher Fitzgerald, founder of Neoteric Hovercraft, Inc.

"The Hovertrek-Rescue is designed and equipped with victims and rescue personnel in mind," explained Fitzgerald. "It is the most secure, rapid and least expensive means for performing rescue work, assuring that the rescue team itself is not put in harm's way ... they safely hover above the danger, not in it."

Neoteric's Hovertrek-Rescue is the only hovercraft manufactured with 'brakes' and the ability to go fast in reverse. "Sometimes backing up is the only way out and Neoteric is the only company to offer this important control feature," Fitzgerald said. "It accelerates up to 50 mph over water, and is the only hovercraft with a helicopter's precise ability to maneuver."

A 4-passenger hovercraft, the Hovertrek-Rescue weighs only 470 lbs and is just 12 feet long by 6 feet 8 inches wide. Its low profile (only 45 inches) allows it to clear overhead obstructions and reduces wind resistance. Built to exacting standards, the Hovertrek-Rescue will provide thousands of hours of rescue service and is designed for exceptionally easy maintenance.

Fully complying with all current U.S. Coast Guard Safety Standards, the Hovertrek-Rescue combines the best features of a fast rescue boat with that of a helicopter, says Fitzgerald. "Its options include a one person operable trailer, stretcher mount, cabin and all forms of communication equipment. Neoteric provides free pilot training and certification with purchase. It also comes either fully assembled, or partially assembled for smaller departments who are operating on a limited budget."

Fully assembled, the Hovertrek-Rescue sells for the same price as a medium size pick-up truck.

For a detailed Hovertrek assembly video or other hovercraft information, contact Neoteric Hovercraft, Inc., Dep. 45, 1649 Tippecanoe Street, Terre Haute, IN 47807-2394, USA, phone 800-285-3761, e-mail: hovermail@neoterichovercraft.com or visit their web site at www.rescuehovercraft.com