The design of SR N1 hovercraft was made by Sir Christopher Cockerell (1910-1999) who was a radio engineer who turned to boat building, when investigation into the problems of water-drag, led to building a simple craft which could fly over the surface of water and land.
First the invention was offered to the British Government but not much happened till a small contract was awarded to Saunders Roe to check the design of the craft.
After this company did give a favourable report Cockerell got permission to approach the National Research and development Corporation (NRDC).
Cockerell who did have the patent (12 December 1955) on the design sold it to the NRDC for £1.000, thereafter the NRDC ordered in 1958 a experimental craft, the SR-N1 from Saunders Roe (Aviation) in East Cowes.
Dimensions 7.30 x 6.96 x 3.05m. weight of the craft around 4 ton.
Powered by an Alvis Leonides engine of 435 hp. speed 25 knots.
11 June 1959 she made her first trial flight in the Solent off Cowes.
She was then transported by tender to France and on 25 July under command of Capt. Peter Lamb and two more men under which Cockerell, she made the crossing between Calais and Dover in 2 hours 3 minutes.
December 1959 the Duke of Edinburg visited Saunders Roe and he made a test ride on the craft, he flew her so fast that she got a dent in the bow, which still is there., and known as the Royal Dent.
Further design work on her by the inventor C.H. Latimer-Needham on the flexible skirt did improved the air cushion where after the craft could fly so high that she could fly over higher waves and obstacles.
1962 the SR. N1 was fitted out with a Rolls Royce Viper jet engine for forward propulsion and could thereafter easily made 50 knots. With a 4 feet skirt fitted around the perimeter of the craft, she could cope with waves-height of 6 to 7 feet.
How long the SR N1 is used I could not find but on 20 July 1962 an experimental passenger service commenced between Moreton and Rhyl across the River Dee with a new hovercraft the 24 seater VICKERS VA3.
The SR.N1 was gradually modified over time.
As an important historic craft the SR.N1 is now in the care of the Science Museum of London.
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Source: Log Book http://www.hovercraft-museum.org/years.html