Travelling on a cushion of air

"Hovercraft will always be around – you can’t

un-invent something!"

MM

He invented the hovercraft by experimenting with a hairdryer, tin cans and scales.  By 1955, he had a working prototype. 1956, his idea had been patented and was immediately CLASSIFIED 'SECRET'.  By 1959, after declassification, and a long battle with finances, it was officially launched in the Solent.  His patents provided him with a reasonable living, but they did not make him rich.

MM

"The ADMIRALTY said it was a PLANE and not a BOAT,

the RAF said it was a BOAT and not a PLANE,

the ARMY  were plain NOT INTERESTED."

Christopher Cockerell

Photo: Unknown • Believed to be in the Public Domain (No known Copyright restrictions)

1956