This page is aimed at providing material on the historical development of Air Cushion Technology, including papers, booklets, and links to books available, and Museums That have ACVs on display.
We start with a concise account by Leslie Hayward originally published in 1963 – ‘The History of Air Cushion Vehicles’. This covers development from a ‘patent engineer’ point of view, as Leslie was Patents Manager for Westland Aircraft Ltd, the parent of British Hovercraft Corporation.
Please click on the image below to view the booklet in pdf form.
Authors: Robin Payne and Roger Syms
Publisher: Writersworld
ISBN: tba
Published: 12 Aug. 2012
Pages: 706
Price Amazon Kindle GBP 11.90, softback GBP 37.39
This is the story of how private foreign enterprise in the form of Swedish Lloyd and Swedish America Line, who formed a British company called ‘Hoverlloyd’, galvanised the British Government in to supporting this new concept in transport through the formation of a British Rail subsidiary called ‘Seaspeed’.
It is a story, told by those who were there, of how young adventurous men and women, most of whom were in their twenties and early thirties, took on the exciting challenge of getting an operation, in which they all believed had a great future, off the ground. It tells of the difficulties and near disasters, through lack of experience, that nearly wrote off the industry in the early days; the clashes of cultures between the free enterprise and Government operations; and why, after so much early promise, the great adventure with the giant car and passenger carrying hovercraft came to an end.
The story begins with the history of Saunders Roe and their involvement as a result of the discovery by Christopher Cockerell in 1953 that big weights could be supported on a cushion of low pressure air and that the concept could be practically applied.
Much has already been written about Christopher Cockerell, later Sir Christopher, and the development of the hovercraft by Saunders Roe, as well as the hovercraft industry to the present day. Those relevant parts showing the frustrations and disappointments they too suffered are repeated in this book, together with new material that has come to light, to provide a comprehensive narrative of the hovercraft industry and the giant SR.N4 cross-Channel operations.
Thanks also to Amazon for this text
Author: Ashley Hollebone
Publisher: The History Press
ISBN: 1445672766
Published: 1 Aug. 2012
Pages: 272
Price Amazon Kindle GBP 12.99, Paperback GBP 16.99
The hovercraft was first created in 1959, when Sir Christopher Cockerell came up with a prototype that crossed the English Channel.
The SRN1, the first ever hovercraft, is now proudly housed by the Science Museum and this very British invention enjoys an active role in many arenas, from travel, leisure cruising and racing to lifesaving and transporting goods.
This detailed book delves into the history of the hovercraft, from the early days of its development through to the commercial and military applications of the craft. It looks into the exciting world of hovercraft leisure, cruising and racing from amateur to Formula 1, and also explores the important role the hovercraft plays in rescues whether on water or delivering aid around the word in places that helicopters can’t reach.
Finally, it details the types of hovercraft in use today, and what the future holds. The hovercraft is more than a product of 1960s Britain: it is one that has pushed the boundaries of transport as we look into the future and we have the back-shed culture of Britain to thank for its invention.
Thanks also to Amazon for information
Author: R L Wheeler and J B Chaplin
Publisher: Cross Publishing, Chale, IoW, UK
ISBN: 978 1 873295 17 5
Published: 1st March 2007
Pages: 112
Price Out of print originally GBP 15 approx
This is the definitive document covering the early days of hovercraft including the initial studies in Cowes from Christopher Cockerell’s patents and the eventual design, construction and operations of SR.N1. A wealth of large format photos and drawings are presented.
Ray Wheeler has also written a book ‘From River to Sea – the Marine Heritage of Sam Saunders’, also published by Cross in October 1993. The book is a large format document and covers the whole background of S E Saunders, and Saunders Roe as well as the subsequent Westland and British Hovercraft Corporation between 1959 and 1993. It is not as detailed on SR.N1, but gives a good account and is currently available via Amazon at a bargain price of GBP 29.99 plus carriage
Data from Amazon: Price for 2nd hand (no new available) 35 to 75 GBP
Author: Raymond L Wheeler
Publisher: Cross Publishing; First Edition (January 1, 1993)
Language: English
Hardcover : 316 pages
ISBN-10: 1873295057
ISBN-13: 978-1873295052
Item Weight: 2.94 pounds
This book covers the history of Saunders Roe Ltd in East Cowes as well as the early years at Streatley on the river Thames. The company’s design of fast boats, aeroplanes, speed record boats, seaplanes, hydrofoils, pontoons, and latterly development of hovercraft are covered in detail. The format at 27.8 x 21.9 cm is a large format and allows a wealth of photos and drawings to be included. The Saunders Roe and British Hovercraft Corporation hovercraft through to 1993 are described including the background to design and manufacture. Appendix 2 lists the hovercraft built between 1959 and 1972.
Author: Peter J Mantle
Publisher: DTNSRDC, for sale by US Government Printing Office
ISBN: report DTSNRDC-80/012 (4727 revised)
Published: January 1980 (hardback)
Pages: 503
Price Out of print
This book gives an overview of ACV development up until 1980 from the US viewpoint. Chapter 2, background development is the historical summary (pages 9 to 34). The rest of the book covers air cushion theory and design synthesis as developed up to that point including performance evaluation, stability, control, skirt and seal systems, structures, lift systems and propulsion systems. A view on hugh speed developments is also given. Much statistical data is presented on ACV and SES developed in the US as well as the UK.
An updated paperback version of the book was published in 2000. This also appears out of print.
Peter has also published in 2015 a book ‘High-Speed Marine Craft: One Hundred Knots at Sea’ describing the research and development of the SES 100A and SES 100B for the US Navy. It is also a substantial tome of 626 pages and is available via Amazon at around GBP 85 for the Kindle or hardback books.
Author: Brian J Russell
Publisher: Hover Publications
ISBN: 0 9506470 0 4
Published: April 1979
Pages: 56 plus 14 pages of photos and craft data sheets
Price Out of print (enquire with THS Techsec)
The author worked at ASWE in Gosport during the 1960’s and 70’s and supported much of the research work at IH(T)U. Additionally Brian performed many roles in the Hovercraft Society all the way from the 1970’s up until his passing in 2019.
The IH(T)U was set up in September 1961 at HMS Ariel (later HMS Daedalus) in Lee on Solent near Gosport. It tested all the early hovercraft built by Saunders Roe, Vickers Armstrong, Denny and others in the period up until December 1974 with participation by all armed services, Army, Navy, and Air Force. IH(T)U was disbanded in at end of 1974 and was succeeded by the NHTU supported by the Royal Navy up until its disbandment in 1984.
IH(T)U craft performed trials and trial services around the uK coast, and in addition in the Far East including Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. Trial were also carried out in the Falkland Islands in 1967.
Brian also wrote an appendix to the book ‘High Performance Marine Vessels’ published by Springer Publications called ‘UK Military Hovercraft Trials Units’ that covered in summary form both IH(T)U and the Naval Hovercraft Trails Unit NHTU that operated up until mid 1982. This material is available as a free download pdf if you go to the page for the HPMV book and look at ‘back matter’
Author: Jim Gray
Publisher: Amberley Publishing
ISBN: 1445672766
Published: 2017
Pages: 96
Price GBP 10 to 15, paperback, from Amazon and Book Depository
Lee-on-the-Solent is synonymous with planes and seaplanes, but it is also the home of another, slightly more unusual form of transport – the hovercraft.
After the first cross-channel crossing by a hovercraft in 1959, there was a revolution in design and development. Within a decade, the mighty SRN4, capable of carrying 400 passengers and sixty cars across the English Channel in less than forty minutes, had arrived. As the commercial hovercraft thrived, the military also continued to innovate; the British Interservice Hovercraft (Trials) Unit (IHTU) being established in 1961.
Utilising the archive of the world’s only hovercraft museum, based in Lee-on-the-Solent and boasting more than seventy historic craft, Jim Gray uses a wealth of rare images – many unpublished – to explore the importance and impact of the hovercraft, offering a fascinating glimpse into a vehicle that has captivated the imagination of the public for more than fifty years.
Thanks also to Amazon for information
Author: Squadron Leader Michael Cole
Publisher: Lion Publishing
ISBN: 9780 85648 481 4
Published: 1981
Pages: 223
Price GBP 7.95 (originally) now used available via Amazon at various prices
This is the story of one of Mike Cole’s special expeditions combining adventure, and humanitarian medical support to the third world. The idea was to use the Missionary Aviation Fellowship hovercraft project as a basis for application as a transport for doctors and medical supplies along the river Kali Gandaki in Nepal to reach villages otherwise almost unreachable apart from on foot.
The starting point was development of the ‘River Rover’ hovercraft, which on its own was quite an achievement. This was followed by gathering the resources and personnel willing to give their time and expertise to participate.
Over the months from December 1978 through March 1979 the team established a base on the river and progressively navigated parts of the Kali Gandaki that had until then never been traversed. Team, materials, and logistics management were delivered following military lines as most personnel were from the UK Air Force, including hovercraft pilots from the Interservice Hovercraft Trials Unit.
The book includes valuable observations on hovercraft operation in extreme conditions as well as the aid the team were able to give to the local population. A massive achievement.
Author: Peter Dixon
Publisher: Hodder and Stoughton
ISBN: 9780 340 32713 8
Published: 1984
Pages: 192
Price GBP 9.95 (originally) now used available via Amazon at various prices
This is the follow-up from the expedition to Nepal, having similar objectives but this time at the head waters of the Amazon River in Peru. Another amazing story of humanitarian efforts by the joint services team and their supporters. A chronology of this expedition is as follows, extracted from the book.
Dec 78 to Mar 78 Joint Services Hovercraft Expedition to Nepal
July 79 First Broadcast of BBC film ‘Journey to the fourth World’
Jun 81 Cole/Dixon reconnaissance to Apurimac Valley
Jan 82 Team Selection, Stand at London Boat Show
1 Apr 82 Cole visit to Lima
1 May to 28 July 82 Intended dates of Expedition to Peru (delayed by Falklands War)
9 Sept 82 Team departs Gatwick to Lima
13 Sept 82 Team travels Lima-Ayacucho-San Francisco
14 Sept – 5 Nov 82 Establishment of clinic service; training of pilots and engineers
4 Oct 82 Dr Bill Gould makes first medical trip in hovercraft to Sivia
17 Oct 82 Official Inauguration of Medical Service
29/30 Oct 82 06 travels to Puerto Ocopa at President’s request and 05 makes upriver exploration
2 Nov 82 Hovering Medical Service operated by Peruvians. Dr David Langley as passenger
6/7 Nov 82 Medical Symposium for teachers and health workers
8/12 Nov 82 Journey to Pucallpa. Overnight struggle through caño
13 Nov 82 Arrive Wycliffe Translators camp at Yarinacocha
18 Nov 82 Jim Mudie at Lake Choclacocha: World Altitude Windsurfing record
24 Nov 82 Lunch at Presidential Palace
26 Nov 82 Arrival Gatwick
5 May 83 Report Meeting, Royal Aeronautical Society, London
This expedition again showed the capabilities of the River Rover hovercraft in extreme conditions, this time on river ways that had extreme water level changes through the seasons, as well as high ambient temperatures taxing the engines. Again, travel through uncharted terrain and development of medical services to people otherwise unable to access them.
Authors: Dick Bell
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
ISBN: 0-340-53841-1
Published: 1991
Pages: 381 with 44 photo images and 3 maps
Price Amazon hardback from GBP 3.69 used, softback GBP 2.15
This is a report of a major expedition in its own right; as well as an extreme achievement for Hovercraft, and a medical mission to deliver vaccination to remote areas in China. The book is well written by a team helping Dick Bell who was one of the hovercraft pilots. At the currently available price point this is a part of Hovercraft history you will learn much by reading through and should not miss! The book is very readable with a very good balance of a human story and descriptions of the challenges of navigating hovercraft on one of the world’s most powerful rivers.
Two craft were involved, a River Rover, and a Griffon Hovercraft 2000TD. Preparation for the expedition took most of the period from the previous hovercraft expedition to Peru in 1982. After delivery via Hong Kong for demonstrations the two craft were re-containerised and sent to Chengdu. The team spent quite some time finalising the contractual arrangements with the different government and regional organisations in Chengdu, Sichuan, and Beijing before they were allowed to check out the craft and take them by road to the starting point at Denke.
From this point ‘Camp 1’ the hovercraft operations were able to start, and after exploring operation on the river to begin their project for the vaccination programme which was a primary target.
In a similar way to previous expeditions (Peru, Nepal) there were a raft of different technical experiments carried out, major medical operations, and some real trials for the craft operations themselves. One must remember that the upper reaches of the Yangtze are at elevations above 4000m so before even making their way to China both craft had been tested in special chambers where the lower oxygen content could be simulated, and the engines adjusted.
The book really does draw the reader along like a thriller novel, except this is all real. Yes, the team make it to the actual source of the river, and yes, the medical team deliver much more than the ‘contract’ that had to be signed with the Chinese authorities. It was a herculean task though and demonstrates what can be achieved by a team of people with belief in themselves, their faith, and an indomitable respect for humanity.
While China may well have changed a great deal over the 30 years since this expedition in the great cities of the east and south, the description of the places and people in the west would probably still be quite accurate. The cultural observations also ring true with the reviewer’s own experience, East and North Asia being very different from Europe and North America. (ab)
Authors: W A Zebedee, M R Richards, E W Furnell, R R C Wilkins, G A Gifford, P White
Publisher: Hellgate Press
ISBN: tba
Published: 21 September 2021
Pages: 228
Price Amazon Kindle GBP 7.31, hard cover GBP 34.81
This is the story of a company based in Southampton, England, which over a period of fifteen years grew from two people to more than a thousand. With extremely limited backing, it successfully competed with British, Russian, Italian and US enterprises that enjoyed far superior resources.
Working almost entirely in export markets, it manufactured and sold more than a hundred high speed craft to thirty-six different countries, with a present-day sales value of more than £350 million ($500 million US dollars).
Its success was born from technical capabilities, a highly skilled and motivated workforce, immeasurable enthusiasm, and an absolute refusal to accept defeat. Ultimately, and sadly, its demise lay in a clash of cultures and the emergence of new technologies.
The story is on two main parts focusing on when Bill Zebedee came in to rescue the company from liquidation in 1969 through 1980 when Vosper came in to take ownership, and the company eventually closing down some years later. The authors are enthusiastic about the ups and downs that occurred in rapid succession, and the various adventures of delivering craft to some amazing parts of the world and operating there. Heady days.
Hovermarine were a pioneer of sidewall hovercraft, and built a significant part of the Hong Kong and Yaumati Ferry Company fast ferry fleet in those heady 1970’s. The SES competing with Boeing Jetfoils across to Macau. The concept of an SES with very slim sidewalls did not get taken up by other shipbuilders.
In the US Bell Halter, and in Norway Brødrene Aa developed SES with wider side hulls at sizes as large as Hovermarine’s HM527. The Brødrene Aa ferries are still today in operation in the Mediterranean! Currently SES are being developed as Zero emission ferries in Norway, and are also in active service as Minehunters, and Fast Attack craft. Cushion damping for ride quality control was an area that was worked on following Hovermarine’s heyday at Brødrene Aa, Ulstein, and latterly UMOE and is now an integral element of modern SES.
Hovermarine were therefore the technology forerunner and leader in the early days and this story is an important part of Air Cushion History.
Author: Richard M Jones
Publisher: Lodge Books
ISBN: 978-1-326-548484-9
Published: 2016
Pages: 48 with 26 photo images
Price: Amazon Kindle GBP 2.99, softback GBP 5.99
Richard M Jones has researched disasters of historical significance. This book is his fifth and covers the Hovertravel SR.N6 overturn just off the beach at Southsea on 4th March 1972 in stormy weather. The author covers the event for the different points of view of the hovercraft and its crew, the passengers, and the emergency services, and also the investigation afterwards. The story is a harrowing one as five people died that day. The crew aboard played a heroic part in saving lives, as did the other Hovertravel personnel and the emergency services.
An enquiry was carried out, with conclusions on 20th December 1972 following model testing that the wind and wave conditions contributed to a hazardous situation that the crew would not at that time have known to avoid.
The story is an important one for hovercraft history. It had important implications for operational procedures and weather limits by Hovertravel.
The event also triggered a large-scale investigation programme by the British Hovercraft Corporation and the industry that resulted in publication of a Department of Industry, Ship and Marine Technology Requirements Board document in 1980, ‘Stability and Control of Hovercraft – Notes for Commanders’ (BHC SP 4432). This latter is an important reference for all potential hovercraft designers and operators. More information on this is as below. (ab)
Authors: R T Old and T F Arlotte (of British Hovercraft Corporation, Cowes, IoW) together with personnel from BHC, Hovermarine, Vosper Thornycroft, HDL, DOT and CAA
Publisher: HMSO (Department of Transport)
ISBN: No ISBN, Doc reference is BHC SP 4432
Published: Completed 1979, published 1980
Pages: 130 folio size, 111 figures, 5 tables
Availability Out of print, not digitized by HMSO, hard copy can be requested to see in UK National Archive.
THS members may access the document online under the Members Library Menu for Members Technical Books and Booklets.
The document is in two parts, with chapters 1 to 4 providing a self-contained reference on the hovercraft principle, its mechanics. Detailed information on craft and skirt stability in various situations is outlined and limiting conditions. Chapter 5 and 6 discuss an operator’s safe approach to hovercraft operation and control, including under hazardous conditions, giving advice on avoidance of such conditions.
A key element to amphibious hovercraft behaviour is its ability to sideslip, including significant drift when turning. The dynamic stability of the craft and the forces generated on the forward (including side part) of the skirt is critical to determining stability limits.
The insights in this document have guided hovercraft designers since its publication and is recommended reading. (ab)
Authors: Ian Cross and C A O’Flaherty
Publisher: Pitman Publishing
ISBN: 978-0273003168
Published: 1 September 1974
Pages: 160 with 56 diagrams and photos, and 17 tables
Price: Out of Print, sometimes available second hand on Amazon, AbeBooks, or Goodreads
This is the only text so far published presenting data and design approach to commercial hoverports. The authors have used reference material from the late 60’s through early 1970’s and so relate to craft such as the SR.N6, SR.N4, VT-1, and the Hovermarine Sidewall craft. There is a chapter on ACV principles leading through a discussion of the different types and uses to a chapter on the environment in relation to hovercraft operations and comparisons with other transport types.
The last three chapters cover overall design of a hoverport including approaches bearing in mind the site and environment; discussion of the siting itself, and design of the terminal facilities.
While ACV design has progressed significantly since the 1970’s, the basic approach to siting and design of commercial terminal facilities is still relevant and so the book remains an important reference. (ab)
Editor: J R Amyot
Publisher : Elsevier Science Ltd; First Edition (November 1989), out of print
Availability:
Available (2024) from Elsevier online direct as E-book, DRM-free pdf at USD 65.77
(original print price USD 192.75 possible to find second hand copies at similar price)
Also available via Amazon Kindle at GBP 74.11 in UK
Language: English
Hardcover: 770 pages
ISBN-10: 0444881522
ISBN-13: 978-0444881526
Item Weight: 3.15 pounds (1.44 kg)
Dimensions: 7 x 1.5 x 10 in
The amphibious versatility, marine speed and low footprint pressure have given the hovercraft a role in specialized applications. Among them are search and rescue, emergency medical services, military and arctic operations, icebreaking, patrol, law enforcement, ferries, and recreational activities such as racing. To meet these demands, the hovercraft has undergone considerable development since its inception.
A comprehensive review of the analysis, design, operation, economics and applications of hovercraft as the technology stood in late 1989 is presented in this volume by a team of highly qualified experts. The topics covered range from first principles to the state-of-the-art, with extensive references to current literature.
The overall presentation is intended not to exceed the final year level of undergraduate engineering.
The introduction and summary sections of all chapters are intended to give a qualitative grasp of the material covered without having to read all the technical portions.
In varying degrees, the volume will appeal to managers, decision-support staff, operators, technologists, undergraduate students, and anyone entering the hovercraft field or seeking an introduction to it. It will also be of interest to design engineers, researchers and graduate students. Thus, this volume can serve as an up-to-date reference on several important aspects of hovercraft for a wide range of readers.
The editor and several of the authors are based in Canada and the USA. In this period Canada had a significant research programme into hovercraft, air cushion platforms, and cushion system drag and dynamics and this is reflected in the contents. It remains a valuable reference!
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