The Hovercraft Society

The Hovercraft Society was originally formed in 1971 as the ‘United Kingdom Hovercraft Society’, changing its title to the present one in 1980. The principal objectives of the Society are: Encouragement of invention, research and development of hovercraft and other related principles. Lectures and Discussion on technical, operating, and trading aspects of Hovercraft and Air Cushion Technology (currently using Zoom Meetings). The circulation of a Regular Newsletter, giving information about research, industry and current events. The establishment of an Electronic Libraryon the history of the development of hovercraft and current literature on the subject on this site. The Publication of Proceedings (in electronic form) for distribution to members. The Society’s  Events Programme currently includes evening lectures and discussion meetings held on Zoom, so as to enable access wherever you are located. Recordings are subsequently available to view, by request of log-on codes from the Technical Secretary. Visits to hovercraft manufacturers and establishments and social events are also organised from time to time. The physical venues for such meetings are arranged and varied to suit the membership location, but tend to be mainly in the south of England at present. Once Covid subsides fully it is hoped to begin physical meetings again! Current membership is spread across the globe, and includes enthusiasts and manufacturers of racing and light utility craft as well as academics and some representatives of leading large manufacturers. If you, our visitor are interested in Air Cushion Technology, or are studying or working in the field, please do register on the site so we can keep you informed via email. Better still join us at THS! Find out more about membership click on the button below.  To request membership you will need to mail us at the Membership Secretary address on the ‘Get in Touch’ page in the sub menu to this page. Technical Questions, information about events etc can be answered by the Technical Secretary. If Air Cushion Technology is new to you, take a look at the Frequently Asked Questions page on the second button below. We attempt to keep abreast of industry news and technical developments, as well as activities within the various recreational hovercraft clubs and report that through bi-monthly News Notes for members, and our briefer blog page which is open to all site visitors. You will find the blog archive under the Visitor News menu tab in the header. Members will also see the NewsNotes archive under the Member News tab. Technical Resources The library tab will show a core list of links to documents available publicly for visitors. Those who register can gain access to a wider listing including classic papers available on this site. Members will see the full library including technical resources, THS conference proceedings, and access to our meetings recordings. Visitors and members alike should note that this site is a continuous work in progress, with technical material added as fast as practical based on a limited manpower! If you as a visitor are a student, research student or engineer (or indeed enthusiast) are looking for technical support on a subject, do make contact and we will try to assist or advise you. While having links to commercial organisations, we are not involved in recruitment or in sales other than reporting these activities.  Our remit is technical knowledge and its advancement for the pleasure of our members!