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.
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17. Hovercraft from the past
Two workers check Hovercraft SRN4 damage in starboard bow caused by vigorous waves, UK, 23rd September 1968. (Photo by Kent Photos/Daily Express/Getty Images) Photo: The News archive
18. Hovercraft from the past
Seaspeed hovercraft passing the Round Tower, Portsmouth, 1972. The News PP4823 Photo: The News archive
19. Hovercraft from the past
The former cross channel hovercraft Princess Margaret arrives at HMS Daedalus at Lee-on-the-Solent. Photo: The News archive
20. Hovercraft from the past
Hovercraft Swift hovers at the hovercraft show. Undated Photo: The News archive