Feasibility Analysis of Hovercraft as a Sustainable Consumer Vehicle: A Systematic Review

This article assesses the feasibility of air-cushion vehicles (ACVs) as a sustainable mode of transportation by analyzing their environmental impact, energy efficiency, and operational safety through a systematic review guided by the PRISMA methodology. The findings indicate that ACVs offer notable advantages over conventional transportation systems, particularly in remote or difficult-to-access areas, due to their minimal surface contact and capacity to carry heavy loads. While inherent instabilities - such as sideslip and Kelvin-Helmholtz os-cillations - are present, these can be effectively mitigated through advanced control mechanisms, including neural networks and predictive algorithms, thereby improving both safety and maneu-verability. From an environmental perspective, electric-powered models and aerodynamic enhancements have demonstrated energy savings of up to 20%, underscoring their potential to reduce emissions in comparison to traditional vessels. Furthermore, the reviewed case studies highlight the scalability and adaptability of these vehicles across various applications. The review concludes that ACVs constitute a viable and sustainable alternative for future logistics and transportation systems, provided that robust control systems and optimized designs are employed. This study contributes to the ongoing discourse on sustainable mobility, aligning with the objectives of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.