I didn't know that, but the concern remains. To put a frame sticking out below the hull to catch anything that is on the ground seems ludicrous?
Stones, branches, wire etc, but my feeling is
WHY?
Clearly there is ZERO gain by such actions. PLENTY of room above this area so I presume his engineering made it essential?


From a pure engineering point of view (which the chap is clearly gifted and works immensely hard to achieve a beautiful product) - WHY?
NOISE attenuation (hiding the fan) sure isnt the reason
As ever IMHO- (others ARE available)! 

He has stated, several times, that there is no water near him & has no intention of operating on any. However a future buyer might get caught!... 

To put SO much effort into that, but design that exposed lift is difficult to get my head around!
Fantastic craft, but because of that,,, it is to my eyes is a deal breaker---
Someone once said a system is as strong as the weakest link.
They were right! 

Another video of the first (Yellow) HC . Shows the vunerable lift fan/support on underside of craft. What happens if it stops on water???

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nx_N6EpPaLU

I wonder how much that gearbox weighs and the cost to get the contrarotating fans!! It must have been a one off!!
And heres another by the same guy, I think



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjvLKluzlsU

 
This twin ducted craft has opposite rotating blades with right handed blades on one side and left on the other side . In the 1980s Ive  seen a twin ducted craft turn over on the start grid on full power. That craft rotating  blades was going in the same direction .                                                         




                                                             Tom

He has recently built another craft, I'll try and find a video.

It's got an annular ring around the thrust fan.....s
It's got a bag skirt.
It yellow.
Just like an Otter.


Wow.........how dangerous was that for a statement.


In fact is was nearly as daft as Nick saying he would be quiet.

And so little useable space!

Well spotted sir! Never saw that.

Some good engineering, but as you say Nick almost impossible to escape without assistance if it flips over, particularly in shallow water or even on land. The lift fan shaft lower bearing and support frame look vunerable to contact with the ground/water, visible on one of the other videos.
The cusion area looks rather small for the weight of all "The mechanicals"
What I do like is the Contra-rotating thrust fans

Some lovely engineering but clearly this will not be a stealth craft.
Looks nice but the covered in pilot sets my nerves ON EDGE. Any overturn is more likely as a weight shift avoidance of side digging in is NOT possible (pilot cant move!). Having been turned over in a race in30 inches of water---- I WELL know that getting out from under AN OPEN CRAFT and living another day was "problematic.
I think water could pose a few aerosol events ?



https://youtu.be/ukwC5LL0yUE