Do you recognise any of these great machines? The life of the hovercraft began in 1955 when inventor Sir Christopher Cockerell tested his idea for a floating craft by putting a cat food tin inside a coffee tin.
The plan was to run a summer hover service for tourists for the Isle of Wight and the south of England, but it became a year-round service as it was so popular.
Here are a few of our favourite photos from hovercraft from the past.
MORE RETRO PHOTOS: Portsmouth shops from the 90s | Portsmouth in 1990 | Southsea piers
Join our new Portsmouth Retro Facebook group to find more fascinating photos and memories from Portsmouth’s past.
5. Hovercraft from the past
Clarence Esplanade with the hovercraft waiting for customers on December 23, 1972. The News PP4504 Photo: The News archive
6. Hovercraft from the past
SRN4 Hovercraft being towed into The Solent bound for HMS Daedalus on June 28 1994. The News PP3468 Photo: The News archive
7. Hovercraft from the past
SRN2 over an ice pack in Wooton Creek, Isle of Wight in January 1963. Photo: The News archive
