What Happened to the Giant Hovercraft SR-N4? - The Concorde of the Seas

They were once known as the 'Concorde of the Seas': mighty flying boats that ferried their passengers with speed and style. Hovercraft was a symbol of national innovation and represented the future of transport in the 20th Century.
And yet, like the Concorde, the huge iconic 'Mountbatten-class' hovercraft that once traversed the 22-mile English Channel from England to France carrying hundreds or passengers and cars are no longer with us.
So what happened to the giant hovercraft SN-R4?
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Presented By Paul Shillito
Written & Researched by Andy Munzer
Additional Material by Paul Shillito
Images and Footage : retepbleck, MAD Hovercraft, www.hovercraft-..., Griffon Hoverwork, kentishmanvideo
Music by Mike Mullen, www.positrosmic.com

[@marcusades4677]

I was the last person to pilot the Princess Margret. The museum used our engines to move it into the position it is in now. We also moved the Navy one as well. Good times.

[@mccc4559]

Wow, that's cool. Any chance of sharing pictures from those days? We would learn from seeing them. Please let us know of the link if you can share them... thanks for your time and consideration.

[@chrishitchings8712]

Is it at Lee on the solent now?

[@UraFlight]

This is very interesting ! I saw her few times at Dover

[@kvltizt]

That is cool, you should consider a video sharing the story!

[@horseplop9]

Marcus Ades I was on the trip also. We must be the same age. That’s soo cool

[@irishkustomz6974]

To have this video pop up is because Cleetus McFarland just purchased a scat hover craft. Amazing machines...

[@jarethbuckert-anderson7166]

So I'm not the only one here because of Cleetus??

[@simplybeanjelly]

Whaaaaa

[@MrBro83]

Yup

[@paulstringer233]

Yee yee!!

[@jordanschrader7504]

Haha wtfff😂

[@robsmithracing]

It crossed the channel in 22 minutes! I traveled on it a few times back in the late 70s. We seem to be going backwards with regards to things like this.

[@dariusdalrymple3161]

I can remember crossing the Channel on one, it was very noisy and there was a dreadful stench of paraffin.

[@jasoncole767]

Seem 2 slate anything british.....we have made nearly every important invention. But u wouldn't realise it hearing the media.

[@matthewwarren7879]

It's because now it's all about fuel efficiency I supposr.

[@thomaspayne5232]

British government: let's destroy the hovercraft British government: let's destroy the british car industry British government: let's increase the cost of living for british people British government: let's charge british people to enter british cities British government: let's call british people rac1st British government: let's make british people wear face masks British government: let's encourage british people to hate one other British government: let's encourage british people to riot British government: let's destroy english identity British government: let's destroy london

[@carlrs15]

or the fact that you now have a tunnel that can get ppl across even faster

[@davidweaver4702]

Thank you. We travelled on the huge SRN-4 a few times. One memorable one was in very high seas, where we were thrown around horrendously and we were very glad to land in France 🤢 Now I am disabled, I dont get around as much. But I would love to visit The Hovercraft Museum to see the wonderful craft again. Thank you again for this very enjoyable video 😊

[@stacieorico5624]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4XJdaeLe86kq7s

[@derekstroud2781]

I still work at the factory in East Cowes on the Isle of Wight where we built the 'N4' and the other models: N5,N6, N7 as we called them. We now specialise in Aerospace components. When these were built the factory was the British Hovercraft Corporation, no longer Saunders-Roe. The costs were partly due to them being built to aircraft standard, with aircraft spec materials. I helped build several N6s for the Middle East and worked on the navy's N7 and repairs on the N4s. We eventually turned to welded craft and fitted diesel engines and these were cheaper to buy and operate and the ones still used between Ryde on the Island and Southsea are later versions built elsewhere. Good days.

[@peterjennings8258]

I worked at gkn in cowes for a year too!

[@peterharwood1430]

Rock on baby. Great days.

[@DerekGM6]

I was an apprentice at BHC in the late 60s, while the N4s were being built. I used to skive off from the machine shop next to the large assembly hangar to see the latest progress assembling the first SRN4. Exciting times, but parting off lengths of ally tube all day long to 1.98" +/- 0.007" (I think, drawing N4X-201) on what seemed to be a 1930s lathe did my head in with boredom. The tubes were spacers for the sandwich panels that made up the buoyancy chambers (aka chassis/car deck) that formed the central structure of the giant hovercraft. Six months after my five-year apprenticeship ended I was made redundant with about 150 others due to a lack of orders, but not before I had salvaged (with permission) the control column of the SRN-2, which I still have to this day as a souvenir. There were a lot of problems with the SRN-4 to start with, as it was groundbreaking technology and very much a case of trial and error development. These included: -the bow being smashed in by large waves. At the time the skirt was fixed much lower down, it was subsequently raised to make for better seaworthiness. -the control cabin came loose from the roof -passengers were unable to disembark because the sliding doors at the side got jammed with sand -which also got into the Proteus engines and required better intake filters -a rear propeller came adrift and cartwheeled across the roof, slicing through the engine bay I'm sure there were other dramas but I was just an 18 yo apprentice watching and listening from the sidelines. The worst thing was that we all worked on the damn things for five years but never got taken for a ride.. jeez, there was space enough. Once they were in service I had to go all the way to Ramsgate and pay for a day ticket to Calais!

[@peterharwood1430]

@@DerekGM6 Memories eh!

[@peanuts2105]

@@DerekGM6 great story. Did you continue your career in engineering?

[@melanieberger1894]

Rode on this in '84. Yeah, noisy and a lot of vibration, but I loved it and consider myself lucky to have experienced it. Thanks, good memories.

[@brunosco]

I went a couple of times with my family when I was a kid and indeed, great memories! Well, appart from one of the trips on a smaller model (N5/6/7?) when the sea was stormy, the craft was tilting quite a bit and I was scared and a bit seasick! 😂

[@riccardoscavo8485]

Same here, but in '82 liked the stewardesses rolling their Duty Free trollies just like in an aircraft. Yes indeed thanks, good memories

[@riccardoscavo8485]

@Baron Von Grijffenbourg Was an awesome experience indeed. Inside an atmosphere of a Jumbo Jet with a salty sea breeze permeating the seating area.

[@legend9335]

I also took my family and car over to France about then in a roughish sea. It was like being on a cake walk. I remember being worried about the cars suspension and my kids throwing up everywhere. The ferry is much more relaxing. Unless that is there is a heavy swell and the kids start throwiingup again. Maybe a flight is the answer until there is turbulence and then the kids start throwing up again.

[@riccardoscavo8485]

@@legend9335 Must've left a lasting impression on you then. Will I find my car in a heap like car chases in the silent movies, or in one piece. You made it and it's distant, but, fond memories. Same with me. All in all Britain was different then, wish I can turn the clock back.

[@satchpersaud8762]

One of the greatest memories of going to England with my grandparents as a small kid was riding the Concorde of the seas to France, that was back in 83...

[@teddybear3552]

Just found your channel. Just watched Concorde... I have been on both the Concorde and several times the Hovercraft. Both made me cry with their beauty. The hovercraft started its engines one by one till all four were at high speed. Then it turned away in respect and went into the water. I am so proud and lucky to have been on both and at times like these, those memories raise my spirits. Thank you for your Videos - Very enjoyable and informative. Take Care... RIP those on Concorde who died...

[@chrishunter7065]

i love how now you have shirt sponsors

[@zosxavius]

kinda makes sense. that was a smart move by him.

[@michaelfoye1135]

He's sure to clinch the world's ugliest shirt award at this rate. Hope the prize is worth it.

[@tomkent4656]

I thought he was wearing it for a bet!

[@DidItFirst]

they should give him better shirts

[@jeffbetts2]

From the Phyllis Diller collection.

[@PTNLemay]

3:24 Pretty badass of him. You know that's a confident engineer when they're able to stand on a vehicle on it's first serious test run. Like the ancient roman engineers who supposedly stood bellow the arches they helped to design/build when the support beams were finally removed.

[@getfnsed9808]

PTNLemay Smh, no one probably press "Read More"

[@Tsumami__]

PTNLemay engineers have a tendency to be overly confident in their own abilities

[@farvatron]

@@getfnsed9808 Wrong.

[@johnanderson5500]

I know emperor's and Kings made their architects stand behind what they made, Because if it failed or fell down they were killed. So I can imagine that they feel strongly about what they create.

[@chris94kennedy]

I travelled on that SRN4, feel quite privileged to have! I was very young, 7 or so, and my parents and made a crude felt-tipped pen tshirt with something like 'we love hovercraft' on it. A steward saw this and invited us to the cockpit, i'll never forget it. Would never be allowed into any kinda largescale public transpit cockpit now!

[@madinmex]

I was a frequent passenger in the 80's from Dover to Calais. I enjoyed the trip much more than the shopping and sadly the journey was too quick. Often wondered what happened to this wonderful invention and thanks for this video, explains a lot. BTW the quickest journey I experienced from Dover to Calais was 22 minutes.

[@ben5oaks1]

Ah m8, I once took a return journey across the channel as a kid, and the nostalgia just hit me like a brick

[@lewispowell1681]

i had a few school trips on the hovercraft to the isle of white... i feel the nostalgia too

[@steve1978ger]

I never did, but I had a Matchbox SRN6.

[@marc0523]

I missed my chance to go on the hovercraft as I am too young. I wonder what current technologies will end up with obituaries like this in the future? I wonder what trips I should take my daughter on?

[@ddegn]

I don't have the Matchbox Hovercraft but I have the Lego set #6473. Thanks to those sharing channel crossing stories. They sound great.

[@bubba842]

Marc Browne you can still go on one from Portsmouth to Ryde. They even built a brand new one only last year.

[@davidryle]

I feel privileged to have rode across the channel in 1971. I'm and American and had no idea it was no longer in service. A shame.

[@Sacto1654]

Especially once the High Speed 1 rail line from London St. Pancras to the Channel Tunnel entrance on the English side opened. Right now, London St. Pancras to Paris Gare-du-Nord is just over two hours on the _Eurostar_ train.

[@jlastre]

davidryle I took it in 86 and am American as well. Took a regular ferry to Britain and the SRN4 back to France. Got sea sick on the regular ferry but the SRN4 ride was unpleasant as well. But it was exciting.

[@AbuHajarAlBugatti]

I dont trust bullet trains. If boat has problems you jump off and get saved. If train has problem you DIE

[@michaelmartin9022]

In Japan they just designed the train to never have a problem, apparently. Not a single fatality in over 50 years... apart from idiots who get stuck in the door because they ran on at the last second.

[@thinkfloyd2594]

You had no idea something you rode forty six years ago didn't still function? That's fairly naive to how the world works. (FYI - cassettes, eight tracks, pet rocks, the Concorde, the Space Shuttle, Seinfeld, Quincy - none of these are still functional either, sorry to pop your delicate bubble).

[@Syndrometest]

Who's here after Cleetus McFarland got his Scat?

[@GregoryVeizades]

Hahaha, I didn't even think of that.

[@420_Logan]

Not because of it but yes I have seen that video.

[@chaoz_2k185]

I've seen this video like a year ago but gave it a watch again. Big *FAN* (pun intended) of Cleetus 😎🤘🦅

[@mannycweiss3053]

LOL...you got our number man..

[@EvlEgle]

I do not freebase cocaine

[@salemengineer2130]

I took an SRN.4 from Dover to Boulogne when I was a kid in the late 60's (I went to Britain/France on vacation with my parents). I thought it was extremely cool... But I remember it vibrated very badly. But it was very fast and I was impressed by the way it just ran right up the beach and then settled down to unload.

[@Mystakaphoros]

a) this was a cool video. thanks! b) having a "featured shirt" is a brilliant and non-disruptive way to do sponsorship. I like this model!

[@Jetabor123]

Some of the best content on KZbin!

[@georgerubinstein5047]

Jacob Tabor Also the most underrated.

[@motorula]

funny, i thought the very same thing, this is pretty nice stuff and also well made

[@Barrybados]

True .

[@Skiergold]

I remember seeing these come into port near Dover when I was a kid. That was always an impressive sight!

[@iaindarling5959]

Great video - thanks. I remember using them in the 80s for "booze-cruises" - they were just so much quicker than the ferry. But I can see why they couldn't compete with the tunnel. One more fantastic British innovation that was ahead of it's time that has died ahead of it's time sadly.

[@johnmcevoy9322]

They were amazing machines...i remember traveling across from dover to calais when i was 15.that was 33 years ago..i remember it was a sunny day and all the way across it cast a rainbow as it went because of the mist it threw up as it went along...what a shame they are no longer being used....it was a fantastic experience never thinking it would be finished a few years shortly after my journey...loved it...

[@johnmcevoy9322]

That was 1983..i think...

[@fluffybison4655]

Truly an amazing venture you were able to experience! Cheers to a good story. I wish these were still common use.

[@Hvtesla]

very interesting - as for the shirt, well I now need counselling

[@hcpalmer]

Savage comment😂😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[@andrewbowser2794]

Hahaha lmao that’s on the money!

[@TheBodT]

Can't focus on anything but the shirt

[@klaiv5279]

You made me watch to the end!!! And yea, therapy now needed!!

[@studiodevelopers2467]

@@andrewbowser2794 They are sucessfull. Because they do not go deep in water. No friction. They can go fast. Faster than any boat Boat too much wAter too much friction They fly above water. They are successfull.

[@tideoneon6358]

I wonder how many real hover craft enthusiasts are asking themselves who the hell is cleetus 😂

[@speedjibaro4202]

Facts

[@sdusb1243]

Cleetus is a large KZbinr who builds drag cars. He once held the world record for the fastest stickshift GM car, and has a multitude of other vehicles, and even his own speedway.

[@sdusb1243]

And if you're into that kind of thing, you should check it out.

[@Craig-wp3pz]

...just another slack jawed yokel!

[@well_as_an_expert_id_say]

@@sdusb1243 we know Einstein

[@johntamplin]

I grew up near Ramsgate where Hoverlloyd ran the SR-N4 to Calais. As a kid, watching these beasts arrive/depart was a thrill, and as a teenager we used them a couple of times. Chuffed to have lived through that time.

[@christopherbrooks1402]

I'm from a village just outside of Dover and you could hear these beasts firing up and making the trip across the channel 9 miles away, as a kid fishing off the admiralty pier I used to spend hours watching these great crafts dock in and out, so impressive they were

[@Shloomy_Shloms]

Who needs an Uber when you’ve got a Zubr?

[@Outland9000]

Zubr-class LCAC = Beast!

[@idgaf5252]

Comment of the year award

[@SMGJohn]

LAWL, good one mate

[@Marylandbrony]

Uber should have a fleet of Hovercraft in cities on the water or with rivers and bays.

[@oliverempleo5065]

Skyace 95 who needs an uber when its driver is a robber?

[@davidrivero7943]

Back in the 80's a small personal Hovercraft was trailered to Hobi Beach in Key Biscayne , Fl. & what a crowd it drew. No sooner it was started, sands began flying & emptied the Beach. Yeap, havent seen one since.

[@brianmessenger]

I took my car over to France on the hovercraft several times, wonderful crossing.

[@Brotha00]

Shirt was worth a comment, content and polished delivery earned a like. Thank you!

[@cynicalbrit]

Thanks for a really interesting video

[@memzo947]

TotalBiscuit Rip man. :'(

[@mrpancake8888]

F

[@Duppyboi]

The last thing I expected was to see a TotalBiscuit comment on this video, I was never a big fan of you I tuned into your videos once in a while but where every you are now whatever your doing I wish you the best my fellow gamer, God bless you and your family

[@sireugenecourtney5797]

Why does the narrator have a reptile looking face?

[@_tertle3892]

@@sireugenecourtney5797 becues he's a reptilian not a Human

[@TheKevvvMan]

Watching this video makes me feel privileged to be one of those that crossed the channel on one of these.

[@bobz1736]

Same here. 😊

[@vjp724]

This is an amazing video. I grew up in England and remember taking the hovercraft from England to France on school trips in the late 70s early 80s...it was such a thrill.. better than the tunnel these days...thanks again. Great video of brilliant technology that is still not lost, and still effective.

[@kirkjohnson9353]

"Sales from tax free sales were making more money from sales than ticket receipts" This really is a stunning observation.

[@BigBadLoneWolf]

Yes. it was the end of duty free sales that was the nail in the coffin for the cross channel hovercraft. without these sales , they could not make a profit

[@rif42]

That was the case for many ferry routes between EU countries in the 1990's.

[@aritakalo8011]

Kirk Johnson not really it was pretty common for ferry routes. For example to this day the Finland-Sweden ferries make their profit on duty free (due to Finland finagling to get the autonomous Åland region of Finland recofnnized as special tax zone, when Finland joined EU. If you visit Marienham port and go to international waters, hey presto, you are eligible for tax free status since it is concidered to be outside the EU tax zone). In turn they sell the ferry tickets on dirt cheap and even on loss lead just to get people on the ship and specially in to the tax free shop.

[@kekistanikekfrog7051]

Kirk Johnson Taxes in Europe are really high I used to live there and frankly I have no idea where the tax money was going because the host nation we lived in seemed really underdeveloped compared to the USA.

[@davidstorton910]

I was on the hovercraft on the last day that it flew and it was the duty free sales that put the final nail in it's coffin, at the same time the spares for it were unobtainable even at top prices

[@dinoduderocket]

Your videos always brighten my day! Thank u paul

[@typhoon-7]

October 15th 1987, the night of the great storm (or hurricane as it was often called). I was on the Princess Anne trying to get back to the UK from France. They cancelled it then reinstated it and cancelled it a few times. Eventually we got the nod after half the booked passengers had given up and gone to find hotels for the night. Less than half full we set off for Dover. What should have been a half hour crossing took nearly 3 times that long. We were hammered by waves, the hard underside of the hovercraft would bang as the water hit it and we got pushed up and down and blown around. We subsequently found out we were the last civilian commercial vessel in the channel that night. After 2 attempts to guide the thing between the harbour walls we made it up and on to the ramp. Captain said he was on full rudder but the vessel was still being blown towards Holland. You will read that hovercrafts are not good in rough seas. And maybe some of the smaller ones hold that true but that night, while alongside us the MV Hengist Sealink ferry got beached by the storm the SR-N4 made it safely home. What a journey. What a machine.

[@chrisdixon7305]

I crossed the channel westbound in this vessel during a fierce winter storm. The flight took well over an hour, and all flights after that were cancelled for the day. Being an insensitive twenty-something, I may have been the only person in the passenger lounge who wasn't sick. There was one pane in the front wall of glass that remained clear enough to look out at small coastal ships that were wallowing in the heavy seas. I was amazed at our speed, and at how such huge swells were smoothed out by the skirt. It would have been a very different ride at normal cruising speed in a calm sea, but I loved every second of my experience. What a machine!

[@VE3FAL1Fred]

August of 1991 during my month long stay in the UK we took one across to Calais, was amazing.

[@bertiesworld]

Yeah, I first went on a Hovercraft out of Ramsgate Harbour proper (about a 30min ride around the bay on what I think was an SNR 5 or 6 in around 1967). Then Pegwell Bay started up and we went on Sure (a huge, noisy Hovercraft) from there to Calais. Couldn't see much out of the windows though.

[@Greatpyreneess]

@@bertiesworld I remember pegwell bay and it's hover terminal, taking the Swift, Sure and Prince of Wales to Calais. Across the Goodwin Sands. As a 9 year old I couldn't believe it. Captain announced the speed of 60 something knots. Also took one from Dover about a week before they discontinued the service. Happy memories of a thrilling machine.

[@hugh_jasso]

Holy shit warn somebody when you cut in Anyone wearing that shirt! Like a countdown ticker or something.

[@bernieponcik1351]

I nearly fell out of my chair...

[@650Ryder]

Mans a straight up savage with that thing. Where do you suppose the batteries go??

[@teshomacalkins3257]

Reminds me of Austin Powers the spy who shagged me 🤣

[@richardwadd9769]

No warning could prepare you for that shirt. He must have lost a big bet.

[@richardwadd9769]

Thanks for making me laugh out loud

[@magicknight8412]

I loved going on these! Always so exciting and getting to France really quickly.

[@paddy20111000]

I was on it four times in the early 70's ( two return trips to France with my parents ) It was a bit cramped , no deck to walk around , very noisy and limited duty free . We used it because my dad always got very bad sea sickness on standard ferries thanks to a problem with his inner ear , but never felt sick on the hovercraft. They were quicker than the ships but when I got old enough to do the trip on my own I preferred the ferry . I would love to be able to bring my own kids for a trip on it but like the Jetfoil that used to sail from Dublin to Liverpool , it's just a fond memory . Cheers for the vid.

[@KarlenBell]

3:10 The Flying Saucer, wow, how original, it just goes to show how the media back then also liked "clickbait titles."

[@MrRoboman333]

I mean it was the 1950s, they hadn't really seen anything like it before so it's method of propulsion looked alien, thus "flying saucer". I agree it's a silly name in hindsight because it doesn't even go through the sky, it's a water based vehicle but it's understandable given it was a new method of propulsion and the shape of the thing.

[@kirkjohnson9353]

Technically , it is a saucer and it is flying. But I get your point.

[@SECONDQUEST]

Karlen Bell There was a historical craze for the phrase "flying saucer." It's not bait buddy, it's a damn nickname for floating circular boat. Seems to fit pretty good.

[@Gazgit555]

Jay Bee Yes but the British one actually worked ha ha!!

[@craniumbear]

Your mom is click bait.

[@willneverforgets3341]

I loved the Hovercraft and Concorde... The world of technology was more daring back then

[@renanlecaro]

Will Neverforgets the innovation happens on the inefficiency and cost effectiveness now. Countries don't need to impress other countries so much anymore, and gas ain't so cheap those days

[@ziegfeld4131]

The concorde were completely shit glad they died

[@elias_xp95]

@@ziegfeld4131 The Concorde was an engineering marvel and in no way 'shit'

[@27Zangle]

Now the big powers have many safety regulations that hinder taking daring chances with innovative technology.

[@iwansays]

@@elias_xp95 Relatively speaking, the concorde wasn't efficient (and even comfortable) enough as a transportation method and the main purpose of the aircraft was not to impress people, but to, you guess it, transport people.

[@nunyabusiness8538]

is there anything better than this channel? like this reminds me of how the history channel used to be. just accurate information precisely delivered and real footage to add to it. i just love it

[@rustynuts82]

Came back from France in 1980 on one of these. Was one of the highlights of the trip for a 13 year boy.

[@theheck5176]

The best narrator. Top notch presentation and content. Other notes: Wicked shirt!

[@gosportjamie]

Both the SR-N4 Mountbatten-class cross-channel hovercraft (Princess Anne and Princess Margaret) are at the Hovercraft Museum at Lee-On-Solent now. Princess Anne, as shown in the film, is in a bit of a state having had her 4 Rolls-Royce Proteus engines and propellers and drive gear removed when she was taken out of service, along with a number of interior fittings. Fortunately the lift engines were left in place and I remember watching them hauling her up the ramp at Daedalus with heavy recovery trucks to position her at her current site. Princess Margaret, however, remains largely complete and as she retired from service, and I understand that a large number of the parts removed from Princess Anne which were retained as spares for Princess Margaret are also there as well which will immensely aid in the restoration of Princess Anne. Princess Margaret is officially still for sale and is being maintained in a serviceable condition by the staff at the hovercraft museum but it seems unlikely that she will be sold on (it is nearly 20 years since she retired from service) so she may well remain preserved at the museum for future generations to view. Of course, if you have a very large bath or garden pond and a similarly large wallet you might fancy having a toy that absolutely no-one else on earth has to play with... The footage of the SR-N1 with the skirt was also shot at HMS Daedalus, which, as well as being a Fleet Air Arm airfield and home to the Solent coast guard and search and rescue operations, was home to the Royal Navy hovercraft operations unit. It used to be a fairly common sight for the sea front road to have traffic stopped on it as a hovercraft crossed the road to launch or returned to base from operation. It was a sight that, I believe, was unique in the UK and very probably in the entire world. Hovercraft were, of course, ideally suited to roles as amphibious assault vessels though their relatively low payload capacity made them more suited to landing infantry such as the Royal Marines rather than armoured fighting vehicles so eventually the project was shelved in the more financially straitened times, though a lot of people feel that the project was shelved prematurely as it was only very shortly after this that the technological and developmental break-throughs that allowed the development of the ZUBR were made. Sadly another British innovation that went begging due to political shortsightedness...

[@lfewell2161]

Both the Anne and Margaret entered the museum under their own power, it was the Swift you were thinking of, it was hovered not by its own lift engines, but by 3 diesel powered fan units connected by wooden air ducting mounted on the car deck. It's a great pity that the Swift and the princess Margaret are no longer in existence.

[@gcom9052]

I have three goals in life, (1) fly to New York on Concord, (2) Cross the Channel in a Hovercraft, and (3) Watch a live Space shuttle launch... Guess I'm fooked.

[@KandiKlover]

Those are all pointless and stupid anyways.

[@TheSebiestor]

you need a new bucket 🤣

[@fr-tigerfangs7039]

I remember having crossed the Channel on one such behemoth back in 1989. The feeling on board was that of being on an airplane, with a key exception: the noise level was much higher! Nevertheless, the ride was remarkable: it was gliding smoothly on the 3ft swell, it was fast and, more than anything else, there was this sensation of being on board a truly exceptional machine. Back then, there was this fleeting feeling that the civilian hovercraft were already past their peak, however, and I boarded on one of these knowing that I wouldn't have many more opportunities to do so. 30 years later, I'm so glad I was given at least this one occasion!

[@gabewrsewell]

smokin shirt and great episode!

[@shakesmctremens178]

Nice shirt. I think I saw Jefferson Airplane headed that-a-way.

[@mikealmere70]

Shakes McTremens 70s wallpaper..

[@laurensreitsma7049]

Shakes McTremens You mean Jefferson Hovercraft

[@douglasbull7829]

I rode it back in Nov. 1976 from Calais. A 3 day storm had just abated but the Channel was still chancy and the winds were as high as allowable for it to cross. In the middle of the Channel one engine died and we had to hover for 20 to 30 minutes while they worked on restarting it, weaving and bobbing in the wind. Many barf bags were filled.

[@hauitsme5678]

Can't break the record because it's against the rules/law. This is brilliant!

[@49ccMopedWorld]

Went from Dover to Calais on a hoovercraft in the early eightees. In around 30 minutes or so we hoovered to France and yesss it was a great experience for a young boy aged 12 or 13. The take off and arrival were both also very special and almost unreal.

[@ec5338]

That shirt makes you look like an Austin powers villian 😂 yeah baby

[@Lokeyy1]

A white cat would topped it off.

[@SebAnders]

It's mojo baby!

[@saepulrohman3338]

Preparation H

[@TheDannyschoofs]

One billion dollars, sticks up pinky :p

[@Yt_xrider]

*OH* *_BEHAVE_*

[@johaarup]

Thank you for mentioning metric units.

[@thomaspayne6866]

johaarup Fuck off

[@Rhubba]

For those outside of the US and UK.

[@Rhubba]

It uses both.

[@davidmarquardt2445]

Yeah, like stones for weight. I can see it now, a glass box under a spotlight with a large oval dark blue river stone. This is the Stone standard of weight.

[@rogervoss4877]

That's how the Metric system was as well for a LONG time. One official meter stick kept in a vault at a specified temperature.

[@mikedestiny4122]

I was extremely privileged to fly on this Mountbatton Class Hoverspeed to Calais, on my trip of a life time, from Dover Hovercraft port in 1989. I did three weeks through Europe ending up at my hotel in Vienna, for Christmas. I took my nearly new Vauxhall cavalier on board, then went up the little staircases up to the cabins. I still remember to this day, the noise of the panels vibrating on the ceiling!!.....I really miss these. 30 minutes and was in Calais disembarking, just loved the experience.

[@guano1274]

So happy I had the chance to go on one in 96. Went on holiday to the UK with the family (myself 10yo back then) and we drove from Germany to the channel and took the Hovercraft. To this day I can pretty well remember how epic it was standing on the beach and seeing these HUGE "boat" coming right at you. I will probably never forget this, impressed my younger self so much. Sad they are not in service anymore.

[@numbatkeller]

This was gold. Brillant episode!

[@AUSSIEDAVEROCKS]

Is that a shirt you are wearing? or were you attacked by 70's wallpaper?

[@simonframpton2554]

It's the new camouflage for beachgoers

[@nihilistcentraluk442]

@@simonframpton2554 put a yellow wig on,sunglasses, a cigar..how's about that then?

[@simonframpton2554]

@@nihilistcentraluk442 nice,you have a sense of humor too

[@divinusnobilite]

I immediately paused the video when I saw it to find this comment.

[@algojo2008my]

Its called batek, famously use in some of SEA countries..

[@chippie779]

You forget to mention that the SR-N4 used the run out of pegwell bay as well and i think that was before dover

[@darrengill4765]

That was operated by Hoverlloyd (in red and white livery), to Calais. I went on that as a 13 year old on a school trip.

[@bharatbhagwat]

I travelled from Calais to Dover by Hovercraft in August 1984. It was a very good experience. The onboard service was nice. :)

[@damanorelse]

Wasn't expecting this video to be presented by Lord Varys.

[@SanCA1812]

this comment deserves far more likes

[@sirius4k]

@@SanCA1812 Maybe, but many people don't get the reference. Like me.

[@SanCA1812]

@@sirius4k fair enough. But if you ever have some free time, do yourself a favor and watch game of thrones! You won't regret it

[@sirius4k]

@@SanCA1812 meeh.. not interested. The hype killed it for me.

[@SanCA1812]

@@sirius4k the hype is an illusion

[@CNCmachiningisfun]

Having built and flown small hovercraft in the past, this brings back some great memories :) .

[@ericrawson2909]

I absolutely loved using this. So fast and you sat on the sand dunes waiting for it. Beautiful machine. 50 knots unless the weather was bad when they slowed down and all the sick bags came out!

[@ARCTCFOXMAN]

Travelled on them so many times. I loved the speed, the sense of adventure and the buzz when you saw them coming in off the sea and just carrying on straight up the ramp! Of course they're called Giant but they were tiny in comparison to the large cross Channel ferries. The othe r fast craft was the Hydrofoil which again I used regularly over to the Channel Islands. Faster 30 years ago than todays "Fast Cats" and not so sick inducing!

[@ColinJonesPonder]

Not on this scale, but there's still a regular hovercraft service between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight... even though the new pair that were introduced last year have been withdrawn UFN due to mechanical problems.

[@Dave_Sisson]

I understand that is the last scheduled hovercraft service in the world. Hydrofoils are getting scarce too. Soon the only fast ferries will be wave piercing catamarans.

[@DavidMacchiaW]

Thanks. :) On my to-do list. www.hovertravel.co.uk/

[@phils4634]

That reminds me of my Student days in Portsmouth - caught the Hovertravel service (Portsmouth to Ryde) there and back a number of times. More expensive than taking the Wightlink ferry (but far more fun, especially in bad weather). I believe this is the only scheduled hovercraft service in the World now.

[@kekistanikekfrog7051]

Colin Jones Not surprising, when engineering fell victim to Politcal Correctness and profiteering the results were predictable.

[@rfvtgbzhn]

So what do you think that people could find politically incorrect about a hovercraft?

[@fartonaut2291]

Now, all we need is a hovercraft aircraft carrier.

[@padmosss.voidstellar2525]

Fartonaut We need hovercraft shoes

[@kmankman8519]

That would be awesome take your jets anywhere you want

[@nortonansell]

Went on one of these with my dad and a car. I think it was the mid 90's. Awe inspiring things, More like being on a plane than a boat. Very quick!

[@andrewwebb4635]

I’m so glad to have travelled on the cross channel hovercraft but it was definitely the noisiest and most vibrations crossing ever! Also you couldn’t see a thing outside because of the spray. The catamaran services are infinitely better for the passenger ( when they work).

[@HOFFgame]

that shirt is next level brah

[@Timecop1983]

Awesome, i've been on that hovercraft when i was young!

[@davidainsworth5239]

Kidney transplant

[@Richard_Ashton]

Since then, the hovercraft has progressed in leaps and bounds - which is why it's so uncomfortable to ride in (Copyright ISIRTA)

[@Exige000]

But we didn't used to say Awesome in those days.........

[@harmknol5841]

Timecop1983 do you know why it isnt there any more. Didnt hear the reason or cause from that snobist

[@iancorney4077]

Timecop1983 I

[@kapilesh14]

In this video I was simply astounded by Hover Crafts and hardly noticed the shirt.

[@Romin.777]

As a youngster i went to dover from Boulonge sur mer and back with this monstrous machine. It was awesome!!

[@Romin.777]

@mr. poprovolski Yes it was! Impressive machine! Still have a plastic bag with the craft on it, kept it all these years.

[@brickshouse9897]

can make a video about the replacement vessels you mention @7:06

[@depenthene]

GEV (Ground Effect Vehicle) would be interesting topic to cover.

[@seansher]

Yes, I was just thinking that. Caspian Sea Monster! Very interesting machines.

[@tomf3150]

Da ! Ekranoplan for the win(d)

[@rif42]

And aérotrain / hover trains.

[@AttilaAsztalos]

And SWATH ships...

[@flybyairplane3528]

Speaking of ground effect, have you seen the video, of a Piper APACHE, try to land at ST BARTS? He should have aborted, & go around, he wound up on the beach & water , do find it !

[@svyalinirnhut890]

I remembered seeing one of these in a Hongkong movie, almost forgot this technology existed, amazing.

[@petergilbert72]

Nice to see the footage, but I was surprised at no discussion about ride quality and the on board experience. In roughish seas I remember them pitching horribly (it didn’t ‘flatten’ the waves!) and no visibility at any time because of the spray.

[@clairepapadatos1116]

Such a shame that the hovercraft was scrapped!😕 Never went on one myself, but my parents, who were always sea sick, actually travelled on her, without adverse effects! 👍👍👍👍

[@Pippinn13]

Claire Papadatos there are smaller ones between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight, bit noisy but so fast.

[@dennisbuns]

I've always been fascinated by hovercraft since the first time I read about it, Thanks for making this video. Wish I could ride one, someday.

[@recklesssquirel5962]

Dennis Bunjamin be in the military or go to a place that they use one

[@jamesbaxter5203]

Go to the Isle of Wight! Last public operating hovercraft service in the world still going.

[@dennisbuns]

James Baxter guess I'll never make it, I dont even have enough money to go out. But hey at least james baxter replied my comment, I'm happy enough, I think..

[@serenityenderson]

I was actually on the final journey across the channel, along with two members of senior P&O board members... The waves were pitching +/- 7ft and it was the most terrifying thing I've ever done. The execs decided that day that it wouldn't run again - even the return was cancelled and we had to get a ferry... I'll save you from the horror I saw when I tried to use a toilet!

[@wayinfront1]

It wasn't supposed to run when the swell was over 3ft high.

[@The670533]

Don't know how the algorithm got this to me - but FANTASTIC! I used to drive past that big beast in Lee-On-Solent on the way to Segensworth. Additional bonus is the runway behind is for the police spotter plane and I worked in that area too!

[@VocalMabiMaple]

5:35 when you break a record, but you "break a law" to do it and it "doesn't count"

[@NaD-o2p]

I know right? So stupid. What's the point in setting a record if there's a speed limit? We're just automatically limiting the record. It's ridiculous.

[@nygelmiller5293]

About the speed limit across the English/French Channel. Remember how British Minis won the Monte Carlo 3 times, and were "disqualified" by changing the rules about car's lighting, because they knew Minis, with their sideways-on engine design, had the radiator at the SIDE, "breathing" air through slots in the wheel arch.So that meant the grill at the FRONT was just ornamental.So they were able to fit lights across the grille! They seized on this, and disqualified the Minis.Pathetic.

[@Frejborg]

That's stupid...

[@robertbennett9949]

@@nygelmiller5293 That was so unfair. However, the perfidy sounds British.

[@vladkistler8669]

I'm a simple man, I see a new Curious Droid video in my feed, I click.

[@Kioskflippingfilms]

I loved that shirt, I really do. It just shocked me a little.

[@colingoode3702]

I travelled on the cross channel hovercraft a few times on camping trips to France. Because you were on a cushion of air it was referred to as a "flight" - not a sailing as per a ship. As per an aircraft you had flight attendants as well. I remember going across one time on the first flight out of Dover after a force 10 storm had shut all channel crossings down. It was a rather scary crossing as it had to cope with massive wave peaks & troughs. It was like being on a roller coaster ride at Alton Towers. Flight attendants were hanging on for dear life trying to serve drinks & duty free come what may. Cars were lashed down tight in the hold & sick bags were passed out & used by quite a few people. That video brought it all back. Really fast crossing.

[@ramosel]

Great story on a cool machine

[@ryanflood635]

I remember seeing this whenever I went over to France on the ferry.

[@anitainglis2005]

I live locally and I can remember the hover craft at peggwell Bay and Dover i never went on one but I use to love watching them go out to sea shame they stopped them from running. Anita from Kent UK 🇬🇧

[@finscontingencyplan7005]

Imagine your crush comes over but your crush is the Zubr-class air cushioned landing craft and her triple ring-enclosed propellers smash her through your front door. Her jaw unhinges and up to three tanks or eight apcs and 375 Russian special forces troops pour into your living room

[@laz001]

That was hot

[@herobrinesbudy]

That was the best thing I’ve ever heard ever.

[@ungertron]

I'm a Hovercraft fan and liked the concept, but they had cheaper competition that drastically reduced their usefulness - thanks for the great update.

[@simonabbott]

Hovercraft "fan," hehe, I see what you did there

[@user-cq6bm3xk2t]

I'm living on Volga and I can see machines like this every winter

[@mattkaustickomments]

In Russia, Craft hover You.

[@AllAmericanGuyExpert]

Thanks. A few years ago I tried to research these ferry boats. I had ridden on one in my younger years, and when I went to research them, very little info was available about them. This is a decent overview, although I wish more had been stated about the craft, its performance, and the ferry routes. I would have liked to see more landings and launchings and more interior shots.

[@pomerau]

My parents and grandparents went from Cork to the UK on holiday in 1966 and came back with stories and photos of a trip on the ... N4 I guess. I don't think I ever saw one though I moved here in 1987, and watch the small one in Portsmouth / Southsea when I'm there. Interesting the large ones were still running up to 99/2000. Great vid, thanks.

[@woooster17]

My parents live just a mile or so from the Hovercraft museum in Lee-On Solent. The IOW - Southsea hovercraft still operates

[@anselmguile6070]

His shirt triggered my epilepsy and now I'm dead.

[@lordeden2732]

IF ONLY!

[@arbaabsheytaan6723]

#metoo

[@ForeLab]

Good.

[@starcruiser9325]

My grandfather was involved in the hovercraft project as a progress chaser while at the Ministry of Supply. I rode to France and back on one only once not too long before these were retired. Glad I did, it was quite an experience, especially knowing my grandpa had been involved. The little model or one like it, is on a pillar in the Suffolk village of Somerleyton.

[@vxrdrummer]

I live minutes from the Hovercraft musuem and that SR-N4 is enormous! It sits in front of the gates and is a beast!!!

[@renatoigmed]

and now it will be the Airbus A380 that will be discontinued. Europe really has great engineers but lousy investors.

[@ianghose1]

@@pandahsykes602 :Way better ROI on sociopolitical virtue signalling, than in creating/inventing things that Really work, sadly.

[@3strll]

As if they can stop it.

[@kosmologist]

With the 787-type planes coming out, it's more popular and costs about the same to fly smaller planes to more routes, rather than funneling everyone into one giant plane.

[@deaddoll1361]

@@pandahsykes602 It's always about the money people might make from talking up climate change, never the money people are making right now by denying and maintaining the status quo.

[@atariandre5014]

Uhmmmm, who’s outselling Boeing so much that they can’t deliver their products for 4 years ? Fact: both Boeing and Airbus are heavily government subsidised and protected.

[@glennlawrie-smith8570]

I always thought that hovercraft could do away with the TeeVee show "Ice Road Truckers".

[@kimberlyjhoraitis5665]

Thought the same thing. More than 19 loads in 4 months.

[@rogervoss4877]

They'd have to clear a WIDE roadway, and the things were NEVER economical for carrying loads. Quite expensive per pound carried, low total capacity.

[@davebest5624]

Drove the family to Disneyland Paris in May 2000 and was booked on these bad boys, stormy weather meant the outbound trip was cancelled so used the tunnel at great expense, got one of these bad boys back, got some pictures somewhere, awesome engineering.

[@Kiltoonie]

My Father in Law, Denys Bliss, designed the segmented skirt that made this viable. Nice to watch!

[@teddybear3552]

Well Done Denys Bliss and thank you...