An outstanding opportunity for the right government agency to obtain a vessel which normally takes 4-5 years to complete. These vessels are proven in service with the Russian and Greek navies and their square-shaped pontoon structure provides a rugged, stable and seaworthy platform. The middle section accommodates the compartment for armored vehicles to be landed with the two outer sections housing the troop compartments, crew living quarters, life support and nuclear, biological and chemical protection areas.
She is complete with navigation and electronic systems.

Government agency? Do these people know Larry Ellison? The hovercraft is located somewhere in Eastern Europe, and will be complete and ready for delivery in 4 to 5 months. [Portland Yacht via Uncrate]

"Most people think it's a spaceship," Schaller said of his silver creation that measures 56 feet long, 20 feet wide and 17 feet tall. "It was originally designed to be a hovercraft. Now it looks like it's going to end up as a houseboat. I won't live long enough to get enough money to make it a hovercraft - not unless I went back to work full time; and then I wouldn't have the time to work on it."

Much of the vessel is constructed out of found materials—like a travel trailer he found in the woods, a former acid dipping vat from the Piper Aircraft plant and an old satellite dish. It's brilliant—like a free association sculpture from a genius engineer. Seriously, this guy built his first solid-fuel jet engine in a high school shop class. I built a toolbox. Advantage: Schaller. [TCPalm via Fark]

It's a pretty impressive little bit of engineering, even if steering looks super awkward and clumsy. Apparently the glass cloth used to cover the styrofoam is quite delicate as well, suffering damage just from accidental handling. But it's a pedal-powered hovercraft! [Steamboat Willy via MAKE]

[Brando via OhGizmo via TRFJ]

[Hacked Gadgets via Make via DVICE]

With production dating back to 1988, the last Zubr looks to have launched in 2004. Capable of carrying multiple tanks and a nice mix of 140mm rocket pods, 30mm cannons and air defense missiles, the Zubr can cruise for 300 miles before rapidly deploying troops and equipment close to shore. Scratch that. Directly on shore. In other words, it's just like that R/C vehicle you lusted after in the '90s, but it's way bigger and actually good for something. Or, in this case, potentially very, very bad. [English Russia, Naval Technology and Defense Industry Daily]

But then again, I was like Calvin when the snow paralyzed the life of the city, like it is happening now in some parts of the US: I just loved to stay at home with Hobbes, playing with toys, constructing LEGOs or watching movies while having hot chocolate and cookies. What's going to be for you?

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[International Herald Tribune]

Heeman's friend: "Sup, man?"
Heeman: "Oh nothing much, I'm just flying across the ocean in my flying boat."

The vehicle, dubbed the Hoverwing, has taken Mr. Heeman 800 hours of assembly time and is only now nearing completion. During the first test flight, the crazy genius did not allow his daughters to watch in case he ended up as a mangled mess. He also chose a location close to the local hospital to ensure help would be at hand if needed. He seems to be capable of understanding basic risk, but his lack of respect for the laws of physics impresses us no end. According to Mr. Heeman, all in the name of the project, he has spent tens of thousands of dollars, learnt how to become a fiberglass laminator and modified a Subaru car engine.

The optimum flight level for the Hoverwing is set at 1.5m above water level and the speed record stands at 98kmh. Rudy is having a tough time deciding who to take along with him on the first official flight. I think he should take someone with a name beginning with the letter 'H' and ending with the letter 'N', just like Mr. Heeman's name does. His choice should further be limited to Gizmodo's writing staff Gizmodo's weekend writing staff. [Nelson Mail via Raw Feed]

Just tell them not to dart into traffic since they'll have to use their $2-a-week allowance to pay the hospital bills if they get smacked by a car.– Matt Buchanan

[via Neatorama]

Remember that video we lnked to a while back with some guys playing with this ridiculously cool dual-propeller hovercraft/plane/thing? The video is gone, but now it's a real product.

The Storm Launcher runs $120 (or three easy payments of $39.95) and comes with a LIPO battery pack and charger, 2 extra propeller blades, 2 prop guards, prop tool and instructional CD. Our guess is that if you get 2 extra propellers in the kit, you will need about 20, but maybe you are a Storm Launcher prodigy and didn't even know it.

Our "tipster" - quotes because the guy wrote like their infomercial, and for his sake we hope he is receiving a paycheck - said that if you didn't want to buy off TV or their website, check out Target and Walmart who should have them on shelves shortly. But those bundles will lack batteries. – Mark Wilson

Product Page Thanks "Chris"!