SR.N6

The Saunders-Roe (later British Hovercraft Corporation) SR.N6 hovercraft (also known as the Winchester class) was a larger version of the earlier SR.N5 series. It incorporated several features that resulted in it quickly becoming the most produced and successful hovercraft design in the world. Compared to the SR.N5, the SR.N6 Mk.1 was stretched in length, with over double the seating capacity.

While the SR.N2 and SR.N5s operated in commercial service as trials craft, the SR.N6 was the first production craft to enter commercial service. Experience with the design would lead to the very large automobile ferry SR.N4, which is no longer in service.

Configuration

After initial trials the prototype was operated by Scandinavian Hovercraft Promotions of Oslo, Norway under the name 'Scanhover'. It entered service in June 1965 and it was later joined by 011. They operated on a 120 mile route, with six stopping points, in the Ålesund area. These craft were later operated between Aarhus and Kalundborg in Denmark and in February and March 1966 also successfully underwent cold weather trials in Sweden, in the Gulf of Bothnia.