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SR.N6 Mk 1

Designed primarily as a fast ferry for operations in sheltered waters, the SR.N6 Mk I can accommodate either 38 passengers or 3 tonnes of freight. Fully amphibious, it can operate from relatively unsophisticated bases above the high water mark, irrespective of tidal state.

Directional control is achieved by twin rudders and skirt lift, with a thrust port system to assist in low speed manoeuvring. Two manually actuated elevators provide pitch trim at cruising speed.

SR.N6s have been in regular civil operations since 1965. Operators have included Hoverwork Ltd and the Canadian Coast Guard.

Military variants have seen service with the Egyptian Navy, Iraqi Navy (type Mk 6C), Iranian Navy and the Saudi Arabian Frontier Force.

TYPE

10 Tonne amphibious passenger transport.

LIFT AND PROPULSION

Power for the integrated lift / propulsion system is provided by a Rolls Royce Marine Gnome gas turbine with a maximum continuous rating at 15 ºC of 900shp. This drives a BHC 12-blade centrifugal 2.13 m diameter lift fan, and a Dowty Rotol four-blade variable pitch 2.74 m diameter propeller for propulsion.

EXTERNAL DIMENSIONS

Overall Length: 14.80 m
Overall Beam: 7.70 m
Overall Height on landing pads: 3.80 m
Skirt Depth: 1.22 m

INTERNAL DIMENSIONS

Cabin size (l x w): 6.62 m x 2.34 m
Cabin headroom at centre line: 1.83 m
Door aperture size (h x w): 1.75 m x 0.99 m

WEIGHT / CAPACITY

38 passengers or 3 tonnes of freight.
Normal Gross: 10 tons

PERFORMANCE
(at normal gross weight at 15 ºC)

Max. water speed over calm water, zero wind (continuous power rating): 52 knots
Average service water speed: 30 - 35 knots
Endurance at maximum continuous power on 265 Imperial Gallons: 3.6 hours

CRAFT BUILT
(as at 1990)

SR.N6 Mk 1 to 5: 42
SR.N6 Mk 6: 7
SR.N6 Mk 8: 8

SR.N6 Mk 1S

In 1972 a 'stretched' version of the SR.N6 passenger craft known as the SR.N6 Mk 1S was introduced, increasing the seating capacity from 38 to 58.

The Mk 1S is 3 metres longer than the Mk 1 and has additional baggage panniers on the rear sidedecks. To maintain performance, the rating of the Rolls Royce Gnome gas turbine is increased by 100shp to 1,000shp. Three Mk 1S craft had been built by 1990.

SR.N6 Mk 6 GENERAL PURPOSE

The SR.N6 Mk 6 is the most recent development in the successful SR.N6 series and represents significant steps forward in terms of all-weather performance and increased manoeuvrability, especially in high winds and at low speeds. There is also a significant reduction in the external noise level.

These advances have been achieved by the introduction of twin propellers, a more powerful engine and a redesigned skirt system. The tapered skirt, which is deeper at the bow than the stern, cushions the effect of operating over larger waves and surface obstacles and enables the craft to operate in winds up to Beaufort Scale 8 and waves of up to 3.04 m.

The cabin is the same size as that on the SR.N6 Mk 1S.

LIFT AND PROPULSION

Originally motive power on the prototype was supplied by a single 1,125shp Rolls Royce Marine Gnome GN 1301 but the craft has been modified for hydrographic survey work and is now fitted with a Gnome GN 1051/1. Two 3.05 m diameter Dowty Rotol variable pitch propellers are fitted.

EXTERNAL DIMENSIONS

Overall Length: 18.80 m
Overall Beam: 7.92 m
Overall Height on landing pads: 4.00 m
Skirt Depth: 1.50 m

WEIGHT

Maximum operating: 17,010kg

PERFORMANCE
(at normal gross weight at 15 ºC)

Max. water speed over calm water, zero wind (continuous power rating): 60 knots

SR.N6 Mk 6C

(See military hovercraft page for details)

SR.N6 Mk 8

(See military hovercraft page for details)

(Technical information courtesy BHC)

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