2009 is the 50th anniversary of the launch of the first Hovercraft prototype, the SRN1 which was constructed on the Isle of Wight in the UK by Saunders Roe. Sir Christopher Cockerell began work on his greatest invention in 1953, testing his theory with a hair dryer and tin cans. It took dedication and many years of hard work for him to finance from his own funds, the development of his first working model constructed from balsa wood in 1955, the year in which he first patented the hovercraft.
The SRN1 was capable of carrying 4 men at a speed of 28 miles per hour. It made a successful crossing of the English Channel on 25th July 1959.
50 years on, there have been many improvements and developments.The hovercraft we see today are very different from the original design; however, without the imagination, dedication of Sir Christopher, a great many people would not be where they are today. Not only has Sir Christopher created a growing industry of manufacturers, his invention has saved a good many lives from floods, mud and icy lakes.
Three cheers for Sir Christopher Cockerell!
