I am British, but have lived in a number of places over the years. I’ve visited even more, just like you, I reckon. In the 1960’s and 1970’s, Britain was on the top of many things. Tech was one, and a highlight of Britain’s prowess were the hover crafts that powered the country by making connections between the British mainland and the islands. Small seaplanes did the job, but never really carried the payload of passengers to make it viable as a business. Luckily, technology all over Europe (and in this case (Asia) tech was (and is) king. So imagine my thrill when I learned recently that Japan now has a hovercraft that can be used by anyone. Say hello to the Oita Hovercraft (Oita Station→Oita Airport. Click here
used everyday by anyone with a ticket. For background, In the 1950s, inventor Christopher Cockerell, evolved into massive cross-Channel giants, and ultimately faded due to high fuel costs and modern competition. The Idea: used empty cans and a vacuum cleaner in 1955 to test if a ring of flowing air could lift an object, creating a cushion of lift. Next: The First Cross-
Channel Test: The experimental craft SR.N1 successfully crossed the English Channel from Calais to Dover in July 1959, proving the concept. The Giant SR.N4: Built by Saunders-Roe (later part of the British Hovercraft Corporation), the massive Mountbatten-class SR.N4 hovercraft could carry over 400 passengers and 60 cars. Concorde of the Seas: Operating via companies like Seaspeed and Hoverlloyd (later merged into Hoverspeed), these loud, gas-turbine vehicles sped across the Channel at 130 km/h, cutting trip times down to just 35 minutes.
One of our fave YouTubers is The Tim Traveler. He’s smart, original and on the air. Watch the video above for hovercraft fun. As you watch, make sure that you remember is that Oita still has one! Oita Station→Oita Airport. We hope they save some ticketsdor us! What are you waiting for? Save your money and take a ride on history. See below for offers and tips.
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