Hovercraft Research (1965)

Southampton, Hampshire. L/S of hovercraft reaching the shore. C/U shot of the testing of an air cushion of a hovercraft on wavy conveyor belt. Several M/S of a man working on the oscilloscope and observing the functioning of an air cushion. Cut to a big command board - "tracked hovercraft analogy computer study" board - operated by a man with glasses. L/S of the hovercraft model being tested in a big pool with a 'wave making construction' at one side. Succession of shots showing scientists at work - different stages of testing of the model. "Hover around here at Southampton where this Government sponsored research team is taming and training a new idea." Several great C/U shots of the motor and propellers of the small hovercraft model. "Stabilising the hovercraft has been the most jolting problem of all." - informs the narrator - but the engineers have found the answer to the problem - "The secret's in the 'skirt'... ...which levels out what could be a pretty rough ride through choppy seas." Various L/S of the model hovercraft circling across the testing ground. Model moves through the water and across dry terrain under the observing eyes of the engineers. The improvements are visible - model keeps stable, does not wobble at all. Finally, L/S of the real hovercraft at sea - impressive. FILM ID:331.08 FOR LICENSING ENQUIRIES VISIT http://www.britishpathe.com/