What effect does air leakage have on a hovercraft's performance?

Air leakage significantly impacts a hovercraft's performance primarily by reducing cushion pressure. A hovercraft operates by creating a pressurized air cushion beneath it, which helps lift the craft off the ground. When there is air leakage, the amount of pressurized air that stays beneath the craft diminishes, leading to a drop in the cushion pressure. This reduction causes the hovercraft to lose some of its lift capability and can result in decreased performance overall. When the cushion pressure is insufficient, the hovercraft struggles to maintain stability, and its ability to glide smoothly is compromised. Therefore, addressing air leakage is critical to ensure that the hovercraft can operate effectively and efficiently.