Depends on the size of the craft and surface conditions. The 10 and 12 ft. models have a 60 HP, two-cycle, two-cylinder engine. The 14 ft. model has a 100 HP engine. The engine drives a 36 inch fan which creates thrust to drive the hovercraft forward. Part of the fan thrust is ducted through the double skin hull to lift the craft off the surface on a cushion of air. This lift air is contained under the craft by a flexible segmented skirt which keeps the air cushion pressure up. Bigger models have twin fans and bigger engines. HOW FAST WILL THE HOVERCRAFT GO? This depends on the surface conditions you are flying over. Ice is a very efficient surface and the craft will travel 60 miles an hour (96 kph) or more. Long grass is porous and a lot of the lift air is lost so that the hover height is lower, the skirt drag is greater and the vehicle may only travel around 20 mph (32 kph). Generally smooth surfaces are best. It performs very well on water, snow, ice, mud flats, sand bars, etc... http://www.hovertechnics.com/QA.html You can view a hovercraft video here http://www.hoverwork.co.uk/video.html The AP1-88 hovercraft type is cleared to operate at speeds up to 45 knots with passengers. http://www.hoverwork.co.uk/2003_freedom90.html Side Note - In the USA, a hovercraft must be registered as a boat and in some states also as an off-road-vehicle.A hovercraft can travel up to 2 or 3 times faster than a hydrofoil, which runs approximately 60 km/h. ------ Today, a small hovercraft can be strapped to the roof of a car, assembled in an hour, and will carry a family of four at 40-60 mph. Hovercraft rallies now occur every weekend throughout the world. From the net.