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Southdown Motor Services and Westland Aircraft ran the SRN2, a 48 seater craft, between Eastney to Ryde across the Solent, in 1963/4. This experimental service was a precursor to the route still used by today's AP1-88s operated by Hovertravel. The SRN2 was replaced after 30,000 passengers proved the concept viable, with the SRN5 and later SRN6 and AP1-88. The SRN2 underwent various changes during its short operational life such as the deepening of the skirt further to air cushion research going on at the time. Features of the SRN2 are quite similar to those on the SRN4, in terms of the design of some of its parts such as the propeller pylons, air intakes and rudders. The propeller pylons were also used on the SRN3, a craft primarily used by the British Armed Forces' IHTU (Inter-service Hovercraft Trials Unit).
Table: Performance specifications for the SRN2 hovercraft (Source: Barton, 2004).
| Feature |
Specification |
| Length (m) |
19.80 |
| Beam (m) |
9.14 |
| Height (hovering) (m) |
8.20 |
| Height (landed) (m) |
7.43 |
| Max speed (kts) |
73 |
| Hoverheight (m) |
0.77 |
| Engines |
4 x Bristol Siddeley Nimbus engines (2 lift, 2 thrust) |
| Main Engine Power (kW) |
608 |
| Passengers [Designed] |
38, 53 or [70] |
| Steering system |
Variable pitch ropellers on rotating pylons and one rear rudder |
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An SRN2 shown hovering outside the then Westland Aircraft Ltd. hangar at East Cowes, Isle of Wight. This hangar, known as the Columbine Works, later gained the insignia of the British Hovercraft Corporation, and its doors were painted with a giant Union Jack, making it famous among the local and enthusiast communities. (Image scanned by Peter Insole) |
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Many a craft took this route on their way to sea trials. (Image scanned by Peter Insole) |
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SRN2 at full cruise power. (Image scanned by Peter Insole) |
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Colour image scanned and sent to me from a J. A. Dixon postcard by Michael Gardner |
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