The world's first (modern) hovercraft
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the Saunders-Roe SR-N1
see this page for other Saunders-Roe/BHC hovercraft.
In 1958, the National Research and Development Corporation awarded Saunders-Roe a contract to build the first full sized hovercraft - the SR-N1 (Saunders-Roe - Nautical One). On the 11th June 1959, the SR-N1 was launched and, only 5 weeks later, the SR-N1 became the first hovercraft to cross the English Channel from Calais to Dover.
Cecil Hugh Latimer-Needham was the person who had the idea of using a skirt to keep the air cushion under the vehicle. In October 1961, Latimer-Needham sold his skirt patents to Westland Aircraft.
(Click on an image to get a larger version)
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Launched 11th June 1959 The SR-N1 in its original configuration - saucer shape, obvious air clearance and no jet engine behind the central air intake. Original:
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The SR-N1 under construction at the Saunders Roe Cowes factory
The SR-N1 being lifted for its trip across the English channel
July 25th 1959 - after the cross English Channel trip
Drawings of the SR-N1 - note the shaped bow as fitted after the cross channel trip
The world's first full-size hovercraft, built by Saunders-Roe at their East Cowes site shown here modified at Hovershow '66 - 18th June 1966 with the separate propulsion engine.
A late SR-N1 picture showing the Rolls Royce Viper jet engine for propulsion, skirt and the pointed bow. With the Viper engine, 50 kts were achieved.
A picture showing the SR-N1 fitted with a deep skirt coming ashore at Lee-on-Solent 1964