Indiegogo is committed to accessibility. If you have difficulty using our site, please contact support@indiegogo.com for assistance or view our accessibility notice by clicking here

This campaign is closed

The Future of Hovercraft - Now

Mercier-Jones has brought modern design to the hovercraft so we can share the thrill of these vehicles with everyone!

You may also be interested in

Caret Left
Caret Right
Closed
Closed
Closed
Closed
Closed

The Future of Hovercraft - Now

The Future of Hovercraft - Now

The Future of Hovercraft - Now

The Future of Hovercraft - Now

The Future of Hovercraft - Now

Mercier-Jones has brought modern design to the hovercraft so we can share the thrill of these vehicles with everyone!

Mercier-Jones has brought modern design to the hovercraft so we can share the thrill of these vehicles with everyone!

Mercier-Jones has brought modern design to the hovercraft so we can share the thrill of these vehicles with everyone!

Mercier-Jones has brought modern design to the hovercraft so we can share the thrill of these vehicles with everyone!

Michael Mercier
Michael Mercier
Michael Mercier
Michael Mercier
1 Campaign |
Chicago, United States
$4,076 USD 46 backers
8% of $50,000 Fixed Goal Fixed Goal

Play our video for our story

Rides on the hovercraft will be available to all contributors in multiple locations across the United States.

Mercier-Jones will be traveling with the working hovercraft to areas where a majority of our contributors live. IL, VA, MD, VT, OH and OK are on the list and we are likely to come to your state as well if you contribute!

 

Reviews Around the Web!

 "...we just know it'll end up on Lake Havasu." Wired.com

 "Sports car-inspired design aims to bring hovercraft into the 21st century" Gizmag.com

 "It’s also, as you can see, stylish. That’s really the thing: this thing looks superb. It’s a crime it isn’t already in production." Guyism.com

"That's not your grandfather's hovercraft." Buzz:60

"...the prospects for the personal hovercraft look, to this reviewer, surprisingly good." Alphaleaks.com

"...one hopes that the gasoline-electric hybrid hovercraft goes beyond being just a pipedream." Newlaunches.com

"Mercier-Jones Sporty Hovercraft is simply amazing" Vehiclepassion.com

"Mercier-Jones sporty hovercraft looks awesome." "We truly hope they succeed!" Autoevolution.com 

International Acclaim!

"...design tastes of the super sports car." Norway

"There's some R8 and "Transformers" in the design of this hovercraft." France

"...soon we will have even hybrid hovercraft." Greece

"...respectable of agent 007 or Batman." Slovenia

Special update for all contributors:

As the interest is spiking around the web, more and more of you are excited to one day soon be piloting your very own Mercier-Jones hovercraft. So, as an extra reward to those of you contributing to this campaign, we are now giving you two times your contribution amount as a credit towards your purchase of a Mercier-Jones hovercraft. That means a contribution of $5 gives you a $10 credit and $350 gives you a $700 credit towards your new ride! The credit is limited to an amount of $1,000. Thank you for your support!

 

Hovercraft Aren't (just) Science Fiction 
Hovercraft are the most versatile of recreational vehicles, becuase they can travel over water and land in a variety of environments. Hovercraft travel on a cushion of air and literally hover right above the surface. This low level "flying" makes it possible to travel over grass, water, sand, ice, and many other terrain. Because they are traveling on air, there is very little friction to overcome, so recreational hovercraft can travel smoothly at speeds up to 40-60 miles per hour. Hovercraft can be piloted in lakes, ponds, rivers, beaches, fields, and in your back yard.

Race Red Hovercraft in a Galapagos Lagoon
 
Carbon Black Hovercraft in a Swiss Field
 
Midnight Blue Hovercraft on the Indiana Dunes Beach
 
From Concepts to Reality
The automotive industry is filled with futuristic concept cars that inspire and intrigue us, but we never actually get to drive them because they are never manufactured. The technology of a hovercraft is both futuristic and intriguing, but the designs of current production models don't inspire the way they should. We are here to change that. Our concepts are the future of personal hovercraft, and it's time to start building them to make you the next pilot.
 
Carbon Black Hovercraft
 
We have already built several hovercraft prototypes in less eye-catching forms. These prototypes, and the lessons learned from them, make up the foundation of knowledge that will bring this current design to fruition. The MML1 "Red Bench" is an original design and prototype of a hovercraft lift system. If you pledge at the $65 level, you can build a version of this prototype and start developing with us.
 
Building the MML1 Hovercraft Prototype
Building the MML1 Hovercraft Prototype
 
Hovering on the "Red Bench"Hovering on the "Red Bench"
 
A Cool Design is Only the Start
The core technology of hovercraft has been around for over 50 years, and it's time for an upgrade. We are pioneering the development of hovercraft that are quieter, easier to maneuver, and more environmentally friendly. Mercier-Jones hovercraft will allow you to hover without the need for earplugs, will offer steering and braking ability similar to a car, and fly-by-wire control on a gas-electric hybrid power train to unlock design potential. Our patent pending hovercraft directional control system allows fine tuned control in the forward, lateral and reverse directions. Independent control over each side of the thrust system enables advanced maneuvering for the pilot.
 
The Nuts and Bolts... and Carbon Fiber
The hovercraft will employ state-of-the-art materials and components from the marine, automotive, and aerospace industries, but without the hefty price tag. By utilizing existing technologies and fabrication methods, we will be able to build vehicles that the general public can purchase and enjoy. Weight saving materials like aluminum and carbon fiber will give our hovercraft better performance characteristics and more stylish looks. We want every detail of a Mercier-Jones hovercraft to evoke quality and performance. We want the price tag to be within reach. Our goal is for our entry level hovercraft to cost $19,900 or less.
 
Close Up of the Race Red Front End
 
Give the Development a Go!
As an IndieGoGo.com backer you are essential for us to build fully functional versions of the hovercraft as you see them pictured here. Your contribution will fund the purchasing of components, materials, and equipment to build and test several vehicles that we will bring around the country for your enjoyment. Don’t get us wrong, Mercier-Jones has tools of our own, but with your help, we don’t have to be the only ones who get to enjoy what they can build. The ultimate reward for us will be safely piloting one of these incredible machines over land and water and bringing that experience to others; that's why every backer gets a ride! Your comments, feedback, and suggestions will also be invaluable for us to bring you the hovercraft that you have been waiting for.
Where the funds will go
 
Structural Materials: The raw materials and structure 
This includes carbon fiber, fiber glass, resin, foam core, marine plywood, and aluminum and steel framing. 
 
Drive Train and Controls: The power systems and motion actuators
This includes gasoline engines, electric motors, actuators, alternators, batteries, bearings, cables, pulleys, belts and drive shafts.
 
Aerodynamics: The lift and thrust components
This includes lift fans, thrust fans, stators, vents and skirt materials. 
 
Work Space: The building and testing locations
This includes large work shop rental space, permits, and testing grounds.
 
Fees: Campaign fees 
This includes fees to indiegogo, paypal and shipping and handling.
 
Tools: Specialty tools for building and testing
This includes a pitot tube anemometer, infrared thermometer, vacuum bags, and safety equipment.
Project Timeline
Project Timeline
 
A Dedicated Team
Michael Mercier has been talking about building hovercraft since the 8th grade. He built three in 9th grade and nearly won in his category for an all-grades high school science fair. He designed and built a four-person hovercraft the summer after highschool. It had some flaws, but he re-designed it and built a better one two years later. The MML1 "Red Bench" hovercraft is the working proof of concept for his simple and efficient plenum-hull lift system design. During and after completing his degree in Mechanical Engineering at VCU and focusing in product development, he has designed and built everything from UAVs to Paper Shredders including VTOL Craft,Surgical TablesWagonsTri-Cycles, and Packaging Machinery. His passion for hovercraft stays strong and he's ready to build the future of these vehicles through Mercier-Jones.

Chris Jones is Michael Mercier's cousin but the two are practically brothers. Chris is a natural role model and a brilliant business mind who has always been interested in how companies enter the marketplace, offer products consumers want, become national or global competitors and everything in-between. He grew up with close ties to prominent businessmen in the state of Oklahoma and has always dreamed of one day owning his very own company. This led him to complete his degree in Business Administration, which only furthered his interest in the business world. Chris is also a car fanatic who has grown up admiring the automotive form, both functionally and aesthetically, so when Michael suggested they re-shape the face of the hovercraft industry by infusing modern automotive design, he was immediately committed.

Ice White Hovercraft Front/Back Views

Rewards:
PLEDGE $1 OR MORE - Everyone Gets a Ride!
You'll get to ride one of the first Mercier-Jones hovercraft! The goal is to make the future of hovercraft a reality for everyone! Every backer will get to enjoy and experience the thrill of this hovercraft! You'll also get your name proudly displayed on our website as a backer. Rides will be available at our home base and at hovercraft events around the USA.
 
PLEDGE $15 OR MORE - A Render for You
Choose your color scheme and get a signed print of a Mercier-Jones hovercraft rendering! Keep the image where you can see it as you anticipate your ride on the future. ($1 level rewards included)
Midnight Blue, Race Red, Carbon Black, Ice White
PLEDGE $25 OR MORE - Wear Your Support!
You will receive an exclusive silk screened "I Backed the Future" T-shirt along with the $1 level rewards. Show off this awesome T-shirt design and the awesome fact that you have made the future of hovercraft possible!
"I Backed the Future" T-Shirt
 
The color choices for the t-shirt are maroon, white, and charcoal. If part of your perk is the t-shirt, you will be contacted after reaching our funding goal (we can do it!) to tell us your choice of color, size, and men's or women's style.

T-shirt colors: maroon, white or charcoal

PLEDGE $45 OR MORE - A Longer Ride
You'll get a 15min ride on a Mercier-Jones hovercraft with at least one advanced maneuver like a 360 spin! You will also receive a print, T-shirt, and your name on the website.
 
PLEDGE $65 OR MORE - Hovercraft Developer
Become a part of the development team by receiving your own plans for building the MML1 "Red Bench" hovercraft. The MML1 is a proof of concept prototype for a simplified hovercraft lift system, so there is no thrust or controls. The design is not refined, but with these plans, you can build the version we made, and work with us on refining it! We've included formulas and tips to help you advance. ($45 level rewards included)
 
PLEDGE $80 OR MORE - Hovercraft Pilot  
Pilot the Mercier-Jones hovercraft for 30 minutes. This is not just a ride, you get to fly it! An instructor will ride along with you and give you training and tips on controlling the vehicle. This is what it’s all about, piloting the future! Of course, you'll also get a t-shirt, print, and your name on the website.
 
PLEDGE $100 OR MORE - Hovercraft Pilot and Developer
Become a pilot and developer! You'll get the MML1 plans, the 30 minute pilot session, the t-shirt, print, and your name on the website under "Top Backers".
 
PLEDGE $150 OR MORE - Facility Tour
You get to peek behind the curtain and look under the skirt of the hovercraft during a hands-on facility tour. Come see the research and development center, and learn how to work with carbon fiber! ($100 level rewards included)
 
PLEDGE $250 OR MORE  - A Piece of History
Keep a part of hovercraft and transportation history forever. You’ll get a carbon fiber piece of a Mercier-Jones hovercraft body panel mounted and identified on a 5x7" plaque. Hang this on your wall and show it off to all your friends! ($100 level rewards included)
 
PLEDGE $350 OR MORE  - Inner Circle
Become a part of the Mercier-Jones Inner Circle. You’ll get updates on new vehicle models and types in development, before anyone else. Experience an inside scoop on the design and build process. You’ll get priority access and position on waiting lists for this and any future Mercier-Jones vehicles. And to top it off, you’ll get 2 piloting sessions on this hovercraft and every Mercier-Jones vehicle to come! ($150 level rewards included)
 
PLEDGE $15,000 OR MORE  (3 available) - Take Home the Future
You get a pre-production Mercier-Jones hovercraft and amazement in the eyes of everyone who sees you piloting it. We will deliver it to you personally within the USA. Celebration and VIP treatment are guaranteed. ($350 level rewards included)

Frequently Asked Questions:

Where can I use the Mercier-Jones hovercraft? What are the laws for them?
Hovercraft can be used in water such as lakes, rivers, ponds and oceans and on land such as fields, beaches, dirt and gravel. Hovercraft can also be used in areas such as swamps, frozen waterways, dry riverbeds and a large variety of other locations.
 
When operating a hovercraft over water, the hovercraft should be registered and insured as a boat. When operating a hovercraft on land, it should be registered and insured as an all-terrain vehicle. 
 
Can they survive rough waters? 
This first Mercier-Jones hovercraft model is about the size of a small speed boat, so it will be able to handle about the same water conditions. Generally, if its not safe for you to be out in a small boat, you would want to hover on land for that day. 
 
Are hovercraft street legal? Can I drive this on the road?
Hovercraft are not currently street legal, but Mercier-Jones has plans in the pipeline for that.
 
What safety considerations went into the design?
Four of the top safety considerations are number one, protecting the pilot and passengers from the lift and thrust fans. The cockpit is not exposed to any of the fans and the intakes and exhausts are protected by guards to keep the fans out of accidental reach. Second, the cockpit and windshield serve to protect passengers from debris. Third, the hovercraft will have inherent flotation and emergency power to get the hovercraft to shore if something unexpected happens while out on the water. Fourthly, the ability to reverse thrust and maneuver with ease gives the pilot more control and ability to avoid a collision.
 
When can I buy a Mercier-Jones hovercraft?
At the end of the indiegogo campaign, Mercier-Jones will offer the opportunity to get on the waiting list for the first production ready hovercrafts. The first production versions are estimated to be ready by September 2013. Contribute at the $15,000 level to get one sooner and at a great price!
 
Cruising in the Ice White Hovercraft
 
Looking for more information? Check the project FAQ
Need more information
Let us know if you think this campaign contains prohibited content.

Choose your Perk

Everyone Gets a Ride!

$1 USD
You'll get to ride one of the first Mercier-Jones hovercraft! The goal is to make the future of hovercraft a reality for everyone! Every backer will get to enjoy and experience the thrill of this hovercraft! You'll also get your name proudly displayed on our website as a backer. Rides will be available at our home base and at hovercraft events around the USA.
Estimated Shipping
July 2013
0 claimed

A Render for You

$15 USD
Choose your color scheme and get a signed print of a Mercier-Jones hovercraft rendering! Keep the image where you can see it as you anticipate your ride on the future. ($1 level rewards included)
Estimated Shipping
September 2012
0 claimed

Wear Your Support!

$25 USD
You will receive an exclusive "I Backed the Future" T-shirt along with the $1 level rewards. Show off this awesome T-shirt design and the awesome fact that you have made the future of hovercraft possible!
Estimated Shipping
September 2012
0 claimed

A Longer Ride

$45 USD
You'll get a 15min ride on a Mercier-Jones hovercraft with at least one advanced maneuver like a 360 spin! You will also receive a print, T-shirt, and your name on the website.
Estimated Shipping
July 2013
0 claimed

Hovercraft Developer

$65 USD
Become a part of the development team by receiving your own plans for building the MML1 "Red Bench" hovercraft. The MML1 is a proof of concept prototype for a simplified hovercraft lift system, so there is no thrust or controls. The design is not refined, but with these plans, you can build the version we made, and work with us on refining it! We've included formulas and tips to help you advance. ($45 level rewards included)
Estimated Shipping
September 2012
0 claimed

Hovercraft Pilot

$80 USD
Pilot the Mercier-Jones hovercraft for 30 minutes. This is not just a ride, you get to fly it! An instructor will ride along with you and give you training and tips on controlling the vehicle. This is what it’s all about, piloting the future! Of course, you'll also get a t-shirt, print, and your name on the website.
Estimated Shipping
July 2013
0 claimed

Hovercraft Pilot and Developer

$100 USD
Become a pilot and developer! You'll get the MML1 plans, the 30 minute pilot session, the t-shirt, print, and your name on the website under "Top Backers".
Estimated Shipping
July 2013
0 claimed

Facility Tour

$150 USD
You get to peek behind the curtain and look under the skirt of the hovercraft during a hands-on facility tour. Come see the research and development center, and learn how to work with carbon fiber! ($100 level rewards included)
Estimated Shipping
May 2013
0 claimed

A Piece of History

$250 USD
Keep a part of hovercraft and transportation history forever. You’ll get a carbon fiber piece of a Mercier-Jones hovercraft body panel mounted and identified on a 5x7" plaque. Hang this on your wall and show it off to all your friends! ($100 level rewards included)
Estimated Shipping
May 2013
0 claimed

Inner Circle

$350 USD
Become a part of the Mercier-Jones Inner Circle. You’ll get updates on new vehicle models and types in development, before anyone else. Experience an inside scoop on the design and build process. You’ll get priority access and position on waiting lists for this and any future Mercier-Jones vehicles. And to top it off, you’ll get 2 piloting sessions on this hovercraft and every Mercier-Jones vehicle to come! ($150 level rewards included)
Estimated Shipping
July 2013
0 claimed

You may also be interested in

Up Caret