May 08 News
June 06 News
'Leading F3 Hovercraft relies on Torqueleader wrenches'
In the high vibration, high stress environment of Hovercraft racing, races can be won or lost on the quality of the engineering and maintenance. Nick Long, the leading UK F3 hovercraft driver uses Torqueleader wrenches to ensure the precision and reliability of his hovercraft during the races.
The main engine and replacement engine are carefully prepared in the workshop, with everything threadlocked and carefully torqued in preparation for the race. Nick uses special aviation fasteners so he can rapidly replace components when needed.
Another place Nick relies on Torqueleader wrenches in the thrust fan assembly. This is set up so that he can alter the pitch of the blade between races. Nick adds 'a small slip type wrench is what you need, especially when you’re working against the clock'.
Hovercraft racing has been going on for forty years and it is a sport in which Britain leads the world. A typical one man racing hovercraft is 2m wide, 3 to 4m long and powered by one or more modified motorcycle engines.
Racing is divided into Formulas depending on engine size. Nick competes in F3, which is restricted to 250 cc 2 stroke engines. F2 allows 500 cc 2 strokes and F1 is unlimited. F3 has shown the most development recently and the top F3's are actually faster than many F2's and a few F1's.
Nick in front at Gang Warily
Nick skimming the waves!
Nick takes the chequered flag!!
The Hovercraft Club of Great Britain runs the National Championships; there is also a European Championship each year, and every two years there is a World Championship. The last World Championships were in Berlin in 2004, where British drivers took 4 out of the 6 titles. Nick was placed 4th in F3 and his son is Junior Champion! The next World Championship is in August 2006 in France.
Nick Long is an independent electronics consultant who helped develop the MHH TALS radio Torque activated logging system. He is currently sitting at the top of the F3 National Championship.
Further info:
HCGB: www.hovercraft.org.uk
Nick's company Great Circle Design www.gcd.co.uk
