Monday, September 28, 2009

Another unusual watercraft. A late 1960s "Air Cycle".

Front

Some photos were recently posted at the Fiberglassics.com forum of a late 1960s hovercraft called the Air Cycle.

I've never seen anything like this in my life! It is 250 pounds, gas powered, and rides over snow, land and water. The propeller is at the FRONT of the craft!

I did a search and found this article with photos in the March 1970 issue of Popular Science at Google books.

There sure was a market for strange and inventive fiberglass vessels in the 1950s through the 1970s!

Rear

Steering wheel

at

10 comments:

  1. Jim RidgewayJanuary 4, 2011 at 5:36 PM

    My family had a 720 in the 60's. Very tricky indeed! It was best used on hard snow or ice. On water it was not easy to drive over chop or in windy conditions. A gust of wind would turn you sideways where you'd catch an edge on the chop and capsize at 40 mph. Not a happy outcome when everything (including the driver) went end over end considering the unshielded prop! But...we lived thru it. Jim Ridgeway (jmridgeway@hotmail.com)

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousFebruary 26, 2011 at 12:55 PM

    I have a air cycle 720 in the process of restoring,it is in excellent shape,was made by Air Cushion Vehicles,Inc. Troy N.Y.
    Would like any information or comments about this craft.Thanks. tj430@bellsouth.net

    ReplyDelete
  3. Darren NemethFebruary 26, 2011 at 2:03 PM

    Check out the forums at fiberglassics.com

    Folks there can help with more information on that watercraft.

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousNovember 20, 2013 at 8:02 PM

    I video tapped us using one around 1999. I'm going to post it on youtube tonight. Seriously lot's of fun, but very hard to control.

    Eric White

    ReplyDelete
  5. UnknownDecember 29, 2016 at 1:02 PM

    i have a 720 air cycle that needs to be restored , it is just like thew pics of the late 60s green one with the 720 air cycle sticker on the side. id like info on this unit if anyone can educate me on this thing , its 95% complete people can g maiul me or message me. setfreehuck@gmail.com thanks for any help.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownMarch 31, 2020 at 10:20 AM

      Hi I was looking online and ran across a old post you posted if your still restroing your air cycle 720. I have one that would be good for parts..

      Delete
  6. AnonymousJune 23, 2020 at 5:27 PM

    My aunt had one of these in the 80's. As mentioned, they are a total blast on a frozen lake or other wide open space.

    I'd be interested in one today if the price is right. Very unusual sport craft.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. KenDecember 28, 2021 at 6:55 AM

      I have two if you’re interested

      Delete
    2. AnonymousFebruary 3, 2022 at 9:55 AM

      Hi I have one I’m trying to fire up. Can you let me know the type of spark plugs and air filter . Greatly appreciated

      Delete
  7. AnonymousAugust 24, 2023 at 8:11 PM

    I’m interested in buying one. My father was involved in the company and I remember riding one as a kid.

    ReplyDelete