SR-N1 Hovercraft

The 1:72 SR-N1 Hovercraft, a firm favourite since its debut in 1960, makes its introduction to the Vintage Classic range; news that is sure to unleash waves of nostalgia in the modeller!

The SR-N1 Hovercraft has not been seen in the Airfix range for almost 40 years, so it was high time for a revival. This classic kit comes with original Roy Cross artwork on the front of the box, 46 parts and one schematic option, the Saunder-Rose SR.N1, National Research Development Corporation (NRDC), English Channel, June 1959.

The SR-N1 Hovercraft rests on an air cushion and flies at an altitude just sufficient to overcome waves and irregularities on land. The lift principle of the Hovercraft was discovered and developed by Mr C.S. Cockerell and in 1957, the Ministry of Supply sponsored a programme of assessment and research conducted by Saunders Rose Ltd (NDC).

The SR-N1 Hovercraft is an experimental machine with space for the pilot and his observer, although in demonstrations it has carried 20 fully equipped soldiers. It is powered by a 450-hp Alvis Leonides engine, giving a normal hover height of 13 inches and a maximum speed of about 25 knots. It weighs almost 4 tonnes and is 30 feet and 24 feet wide.