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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Here are a few of our favourite photos from hovercraft from the past.
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