SR.N3 from the UK Interservice Hovercraft Trials Unit, Lee-On-Solent

The British Hovercraft Corporation SR.N3 was a 37.5 ton hovercraft originally designed by Saunders-Roe.[1]

Launched in 1963, it was primarily aimed at military deployment. It was a military version of the SR.N2[2]

Propulsion and lift was provided by four rear-mounted Bristol-Siddeley Gnome gas turbine engines that allowed the SR.N3 to cruise at 70 knots. The British IHTU (Interservice Hovercraft Trials Unit), based at Browndown, Stokes Bay, tested the SR.N3 in a wide variety of conditions, including ice.[3] On 16 September 1964 an SR.N3 operated satisfactorily in a full gale and six foot seas.[2] The SR.N3 never entered full service and ended up being used for target practice.

References

  1. ^ Wragg, David W. (1973). A Dictionary of Aviation (first ed.). Osprey. p. 250. ISBN 9780850451634.
  2. ^ a b H.F. King (27 May 1965). "The SR.Ns Till Now". Flight International: 69–70.
  3. ^ Air-Cushion Vehicles. June 1964.((cite journal)): CS1 maint: untitled periodical (link)

External links


Hovercraft produced by Saunders-Roe, British Hovercraft Corporation and Westland Hovercraft
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