SRN1 World's First Hovercraft

The SRN1 hovercraft undergoing trials at Lee-on-the-Solent, Hampshire UK. Taken from super 8 cine film.

[@chrisapphillips]

Absolutely right, it was at HMS Daedalus. I was still at school when this was taken, so I would guess that it was around 1965/66. I borrowed my Dad's cine camera to take it, I should have some more footage of the Hovershow '66 somewhere. One thing I've always wondered about is what sort of engine they were testing at the back of the hovercraft.

[@American_Patriot_69420]

One hell of a Bristol Siddley Viper III Turbo Prop, along with a radial engine.

[@korky5214]

The first original SRN1 did not have a skirt, I was there when she came out of the hanger. Now I am an old fart.

[@RVREVO]

I think its a ships canon. Appears to be the next development stage where they've added a skirt because the very first prototype of the SRN1 didn't have a skirt. They've also added doors to protect against waterspray. I suspect this was a payload test to see if the hover was strong enough to carry a heavy payload. Can you get any heavier than a canon??? Looks like one of those little ones that are on the side of a battleship. Awesome to see it live. Thanks.

[@Rballard1]

Not the first by a long way.

[@chrisapphillips]

Interesting. Could you post links to videos of previous hovercraft?

[@Rballard1]

@@chrisapphillips interesting.....well i did post a reply, but i cant see it. Can you?