# Flying Hovercraft Auctions (UPDATE) Rudy Heeman Puts Invention Up for Sale By Katie Cordrey | Published 2010-03-11 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flying-hovercraft-auction References: [news.sky](http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Strange-News/Flying-Hovercraft-Inventor-New-Zealand-Mechanic-Rudy-Heeman-Auctions-WIG-Vehicle/Article/201003115563210?f=rss) & [trademe.co.nz](http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Boats-marine/Motorboats/auction-274622678.htm) Rudy Heeman and his flying hovercraft was the subject of a [Trend Hunter find](http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/getting-high-on-water) back in October 2007, so we thought you’d like to know there’s a new development: The flying hovercraft is for sale. Heeman, an inventive New Zealander has spent the last 13 years perfecting his flying hovercraft, or more correctly, ‘[wing in ground effect](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cargo-glider)’ vehicle. The vehicle can fly about 140 miles after taking off, though the optimal flight altitude is less than 6 feet from the ground—it’s probably best flown over water. The flying hovercraft [auction](http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Boats-marine/Motorboats/auction-274622678.htm) will help fund Heeman’s other inventive (and secret) projects. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.9/10 - Popularity: 69% | Activity: 99% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Flying Hovercraft Technology:** There is a trend in the development of flying hovercraft technology, offering disruptive innovation opportunities in transportation and leisure industries. - **Wing in Ground Effect Vehicles:** The rise of wing in ground effect vehicles presents disruptive innovation opportunities in aviation and maritime industries. - **Personal Flying Vehicles:** The sale of a flying hovercraft highlights the trend of personal flying vehicles, opening up disruptive innovation opportunities in the aerospace and recreational industries. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Transportation:** The development of flying hovercraft technology can disrupt the transportation industry by offering faster and more flexible modes of travel. - **Leisure:** The emergence of wing in ground effect vehicles creates disruptive innovation opportunities in the leisure industry, offering unique and thrilling experiences for consumers. - **Aviation:** The trend of wing in ground effect vehicles presents disruptive innovation opportunities in the aviation industry, potentially revolutionizing short distance flights. - **Maritime:** The integration of wing in ground effect vehicles can disrupt the maritime industry by providing efficient and cost-effective water travel options. - **Aerospace:** The development of personal flying vehicles signifies disruptive innovation opportunities in the aerospace industry, paving the way for new forms of personal transportation. - **Recreational:** The availability of personal flying vehicles presents disruptive innovation opportunities in the recreational industry, allowing consumers to explore new aerial activities and experiences. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Public Hovercraft Transport Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rapid-transit-hovercraft.md) - [Road-Legal Flying Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/switchblade-1.md) - [Novel Aerial Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/star-walkers.md) - [Flying Umbrella Prototypes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flying-umbrella.md) - [Video Game-Inspired Hovercrafts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mario-kart-hovercraft.md) - [Helium-Filled Airship Yachts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-yacht.md) - [Airborne Electric Motorcycle Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kuickwheel-skyrider-x6.md) - [Flying Car Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flying-car-concepts.md) - [Seafaring Sky Yachts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airyacht.md)