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(Converted from SR.N5 Yard No. 003)
First landing craft hovercraft
1. Port rear view of the well-deck craft while at BHC's Falcon Yard at East Cowes |
2. The SR.N6 Mk 5 on Hovertravel's slipway at St.Helens (prior to move to Attrell's Yard) |
3. Looking forward along the well deck which was being used to store hovercraft parts while on Hovertravel's slipway |
4. A close up of the propeller and rudder etc while the craft was stored at Attrell's Yard, St Helens |
5. The SR.N6 Mk 5 as it is now stored at Fishbourne on the Isle of Wight |
6. A closer view of the craft at Fishbourne |
Click on thumbnails above for larger images
Manufacturer: Saunders Roe Division of
Westland Aircraft, later BHC
Converted from SR.N5: 1972
Original maker's number: 003
Dimensions & Performance
Length: 53 ft (5 ft longer than the
standard SR.N6)
Width: 25 ft 5 in
Max. Gross Weight: 14 tons
Body Shape: Twin cabins with central welldeck
Propulsion / Lift: A single Rolls Royce Marine Gnome uprated to 1,020 shp
Fully-amphibious
Max. speed: 50 knots
Endurance: 3.6 hours
The only surviving, purpose built, British hovercraft designated vehicle landing craft
History
In 1972 the SR.N5s 003 and 005 were cut up and used as the basis for the new, lengthened, well deck version of SR.N6. Both craft had the front part cut away and the main parts re-used in the new model were:
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the tail unit |
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engine |
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transmission |
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fan |
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propeller |
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fuel tank |
These were the only two SR.N6 well deck craft to be built and the only British vehicle landing craft for military use. They joined the Interservice Hovercraft Unit and served with 200 squadron of the Royal Corps of Transport where they took part in numerous duties including a major NATO exercise in Norway. Later 003 went to the N.H.T.U. for trials.
In 1977 005 was acquired by Hovertravel as general purpose utility craft. The craft was deployed in Abu Dhabi but was unfortunately destroyed in an explosives accident. Hovertravel later donated 003 to the Museum, they having obtained the craft in the 1980s from Westland.
Special Features
The well deck version was a great innovation as it enabled vehicles and equipment to be landed quickly and dry into otherwise inaccessible places. Although not followed up in the UK, 97 much larger craft have since been built for defence purposes in the United States. These were built under a licence agreement with Bell Textron USA and are known as LCAC. These craft have been hugely successful.
Heritage Value
This is the only remaining British craft of it's type and it led the world in military development. It is the unique survivor of the type and it shows the versatility of hovercraft applications. Today, hundreds of hovercraft have been developed as landing craft in the USA and former USSR.
Approach to Conservation
The SR.N6 Well Deck could be restored to working condition. It should be repainted to it's Royal Corps of Transport condition and displayed with videos and photographs showing it's life and work.
Ideal Standard of Care
Since the craft is unique, and is the forerunner of many military craft world wide, it should be carefully displayed in a controlled environment where it can be preserved.
Present Condition
This is probably the most complete of the larger craft. It still has it's transmission, propulsion, lift and auxiliary power unit and has it's original engine in store with Hoverwork. It is currently stored in a shipyard compound at Fishbourne in the Isle of Wight. It is less easy to transport than the other SR.N5 and SR.N6 because it is of a solid construction and cannot be dismantled. It can however, be lifted by crane and it could be moved with industrial blowers in the same manner in which the BH.7 was moved.
Area Required For Adequate Conservation Storage as a Complete Craft
220 m² (20 m x 11 m)
Internal - The small crew cabins offer little room for storage of items, although the welldeck area provides some useable space.
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