Demonstration of Aquaglider on River Thames, London
Jan. 01, 1966 - Thames Demonstration of The Aquaglider. A demonstration took place from Putney Pier, on the River Thames, of the Aquaglider, a revolutionary new type of air-cushion craft designed by Mr Jeremy Fry. It has currently been on show at the International Boat Show. The Aquaglider could revolutionise all forms of water transport, from speedboat to cross-channel ferry. It works on a new principle, not unlike the air-cushion idea of a hovercraft but very much simpler, and is capable of carrying heavy loads at speeds over 30 miles an hour with great economy and comfort. The hull is like a raft, which on the prototype is 20 ft long by 9 ft. 6ins wide x 9 ins thick. This is specially shaped at the front and below the water line at the sides so that, as the boat gathers speed, air is rammed into the slot formed by the raft bottom side runners and the water. This causes the raft to glide on a cushion of air. Keystone Photo Shows: The Aquaglider seen during demonstration on the Thames at Putney, SW London
