SR.N6

The SR.N6 is one of the most successful hovercraft designs ever produced. The Mk. I entered production in 1965, while the Mk. 8 continues in production today. They have seen service in several NATO navies, and a variation known as the PACV saw combat with the U.S. Army and Navy in the Vietnam War.

Configuration

The SR.N6 hovercraft was an update 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. Though the Mk. 1 was initially built to the same width as the earlier SR.N5, its length was stretched, providing 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. 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 Aalesund 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.

The increase length of the SR.N6 allowed it to accommodate 38 passengers instead of the 18 carried by the SR.N5. It was subsequently extending again to accommodate a further 20 passengers. This made SR.N6 commercial operations much more viable than any previous hovercraft design. By eventually increasing the capacity to 58 seats the Mk 1S became the first hovercraft capable of transporting a typical coach load of people.

Military use

The SR.N6 has been purchased by several NATO countries, and was used extensively in the 1970's. The Canadian Coast Guard is the last military operator of the type, and have only one still in active service.

Survivors

The original prototype SR.N6 Mk. I (009) is currently on display at the Hovercraft Museum in Lee-on-the-Solent, Hampshire, England. With 22,000 hours of service over a twenty year period it is the world's most extensively operated hovercraft. The museum has several other SR.N6 on display or in various states of restoration. One is operational and occassionally used for demonstrations.

Capacity

(Military configuration) The SR.N.6 class is capable of carrying 55 fully equipped troops, or 6 tons of equipment.

Operators

Royal Canadian Navy

Military registry

• CG 045 (Canadian Coast Guard). Second of class used for spares in late 1998.

Specifications

• SR.N6 Mk. 1S Winchester Class - SR.N6 Mk 8 (in production)
• Designer / Manufacturer: Saunders-Roe, (later British Hovercraft Corporation)
• Crew 3
• Dimensions
  • Length 17.78 metres
  • Width 7.97 metres
  • Height (on cushion)6.32 meters
  • full load displacement 10.9 tons
• Propulsion
  • Motor: gas turbine engine
  • Power: 1 Rolls-Royce Gnome turbine engines 1050 horspower for lift and propulsion
  • Propellers: 1 three bladed variable pitch propeller
• Performance
  • Speed 50 knots
  • Range 170 miles at 30 knots
  • Military Lift: 55 fully equipped troops or 6 tons of equipment
• Weapons
  • Either a ring-mounted machine gun (0.5in or 7.62mm) or short range wire guided surface-to-surface missiles mounted on the side decks.

References

Saunders, Stephen (RN) Jane's Fighting Ships 2003-2004 ISBN 0 7106 2546 4