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Vickers VA. 1 hovercraft
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Vickers VA. 1 hovercraft
Vickers VA.1 hovercraft, (G-15-252) at Royal Naval Air Station Lee on the Solent, for trials. Date: circa 1961
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Media ID 21132369
© The Peter Butt Aviation Collection / Mary Evans A The Peter Butt Aviation Collection / Mary Evans
1961 Hovercraft Solent Trials Vickers
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In this photograph, the Vickers VA.1 hovercraft, registration number G-15-252, is seen undergoing trials at the Royal Naval Air Station Lee-on-Solent, circa 1961. The hovercraft, a groundbreaking innovation in aeronautical transportation, hovers above the water's surface with an air of defiance against the elements. The VA.1, designed and manufactured by Vickers-Armstrongs, was a significant milestone in the development of hovercraft technology. This particular model was the first to be powered by a gas turbine engine, providing it with the necessary lift and thrust to hover and travel at impressive speeds over land and water. During this trial period, engineers and test pilots meticulously evaluated the hovercraft's performance, safety, and capabilities. The trials at Lee-on-Solent were crucial in demonstrating the versatility and potential of this revolutionary aircraft. The VA.1's ability to take off and land vertically, as well as its impressive speed and maneuverability, captured the imagination of the public and military officials alike. The photograph showcases the VA.1's sleek and innovative design, with its distinctive fan-like skirts and powerful engine exhausts. The hovercraft's large size and imposing presence are further accentuated by the open water and expansive sky in the background. This photograph is an intriguing glimpse into the past, offering a unique perspective on the early days of hovercraft technology and its transformation from a futuristic concept to a viable mode of transportation. The VA.1 paved the way for further advancements in hovercraft design and technology, ultimately revolutionizing the way we travel across land and water.
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