The world's first hovercraft - the Saunders-Roe SR-N1

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)

SR-N1		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: Length 31 ft 5 in Beam 25 ft Speed - 35 kts 435 hp Alvis Leonide IC aero engine
		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

Cushioncraft - HDL/NPL - Hovermarine - Saunders-Roe/BHC - Vickers - Vosper Thornycroft
Hovertravel - Seaspeed

Other hovercraft websites:

• Hovercraft Museum - UK
• Griffon Hovercraft - one of the last UK manufacturers
• Paper Hovercraft - Hovercraft Art by Michael Gardner
• Saunders Roe/BHC Archives (photos etc)