Tag Archives: Hovercraft Museum

A Wardroom on a Hovercraft?

In the 70s, the potential for hovercraft was unknown and there were many types being developed. The BHC-7 was a military design that was tested by the British Interservice Hovercraft Trials Unit. It went through a variety of modifications as different roles were evaluated. I think some were exported but the UK never bought any more of them. However, the thing that I found amusing was that, because the Navy were involved in operating it, there was a wardroom.

It might not be the most glamorous of locations and I suspect other warships have nicer wardrooms. The sofas looked a little rough and the tea facilities were basic. However, it is fun to see that the important things were taken care of while the trials programme was underway.

The Super 4 is a Beast

When I was a small kid, BHC was stretching a couple of the SRN-4s to the Super 4 configuration. Despite living in the same town, I never saw them while they were being tested. The late 90s and I got to travel on one for a Channel crossing as we went on holiday to France. Not long after that, they were withdrawn from service. The two hovercraft made their way to the Hovercraft Museum at Lee on Solent. One has since been scrapped but the other survives and is on display.

Getting this close to it, you really appreciate the size of the machine. It is interesting to wander through the passenger cabins on the side, up the main ramp, through the car deck and around the outside. It really is a most impressive piece of engineering. It dominates the grounds of the museum and gets you thinking about what it was like when it was in service rising high up on the massive skirt.

It was a cold and dreary day when I was there. The grey skies don’t provide a nice backdrop to the exterior vie and I will have to try and go back on a nicer day at some point. However, it was worthwhile having the chance to view it when few other people were around so a cold and gloomy winter day might have had it advantages.

The Hovercraft Museum on a Chilly Sunday

Quite a few years ago, Pete and I took a flight around the Isle of Wight and we took a small diversion near the Hovercraft Museum at Lee on Solent. At that time, both of the Super 4 craft were present along with a lot of other types. I had it in mind that I wanted to visit the museum at some point and, having now moved back to the UK, I figured I would do it. One Sunday morning, I didn’t have a plane or anything else so bought a train ticket and headed off.

It was a morning that could be best described as bloody cold. Walking around some old hangars on the edge of an airfield is not going to make you any warmer. I was glad I had my warm coat but probably should have taken some gloves with me! There are some special items on display and there will be some more posts to come. In the meantime, here is some more general shots of the collection. More to come.