ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Hovercraft

A hovercraft is like a really big boat that can go on land too! It works by using a big fan to blow air under the bottom of the hovercraft. This makes the hovercraft float on a cushion of air like a magic carpet!

When the fan is blowing air down, it creates pressure under the hovercraft, which lifts it up off of the ground or water. The hovercraft also has a skirt made of flexible material that seals the bottom and stops the air from escaping. This helps it stay afloat and move smoothly.

The hovercraft moves forward using another fan at the back that propels it like a big jet engine. This fan pushes air backwards, and the force of this air makes the hovercraft move forward.

Since the hovercraft floats on air, it can go over rough terrain like mud or water that other vehicles can't handle. It's also really fast, and can go over 60 miles per hour!

Hovercrafts are used for lots of different things like rescuing people from flood waters or for military purposes. They can even be used to tour around cities and see the sights without getting stuck in traffic!