Airfix A09171V SR.N4 Hovercraft Classic vintage Model

Airfix A09171V SR.N4 Hovercraft Classic vintage Model Building ki

Produced at a time when British engineering was the envy of the world, the Saunders Roe/British Hovercraft Corporation SR.N4 was impressive in every respect of the word; a mighty craft heralding a new era in high speed, high comfort, cross-Channel travel for the masses.  Entering service in 1969, these Mountbatten Class Hovercraft were able to cruise at speeds in excess of 60 knots, allowing operators to complete 14 return trips each day during the busy summer schedule.  Powered by four marine variants of the Rolls Royce Proteus turboprop engine, each unit drove a massive 5.8 metre diameter variable Dowty Rotol propeller mounted-on pylons, which moved to provide the hovercraft with directional control, along with powered fins and rudders.  At the time the SR.N4 entered service, this floating leviathan was the largest passenger hovercraft ever built, equipped with the largest propellers ever produced.  Allowing these fully amphibious craft to use terminals away from existing busy seaports, but close enough to still be convenient for passengers, you definitely knew when one of these mighty craft were inbound, because of the incredible noise produced by its Proteus engines.  Everything about this hovercraft was spectacular, which also made it one of the most impressive Airfix model kits ever produced, one making a welcome return to our 2026 Vintage Classics range in 1:144 scale.

Safety Warning

WARNING Not suitable for children under 36 months. It contains small parts which can present a choking hazard. Please retain these details and the address for future reference. CAUTION Please remove all packaging before giving the toy to a child.

• Product Info This remarkable 1:144 scale model of the Saunders Roe/British Hovercraft Corporation SR.N4 embodies one of the most significant feats of engineering from the Cold War period. Comprising 276 pieces and rated at skill level 4, this kit enables seasoned modellers to construct the formidable Mountbatten Class Hovercraft, which transformed cross-Channel travel beginning in 1969. It showcases detailed features of the four Rolls Royce Proteus turboprop engines, enormous 5.8 metre diameter Dowty Rotol propellers on pylons, and the unique amphibious design that made these vessels iconic.
• Key Features Detailed 1:144 scale model with 276 pieces for intricate assembly Includes two genuine paint schemes depicting operational SR.N4 hovercraft Skill level 4 kit ideal for experienced modellers aged 8 years and up Features detailed Rolls Royce Proteus turboprop engines and large pylon-mounted propellers Incorporates fully amphibious design elements with powered fins and rudder details Represents the largest passenger hovercraft constructed at the time of its service
• History: Created during a period when British engineering was highly esteemed globally, the Saunders Roe/British Hovercraft Corporation SR.N4 was remarkable in every sense; a powerful vessel that introduced a new era of swift, comfortable cross-Channel travel for the public. Launched into service in 1969, these Mountbatten Class Hovercraft could travel at speeds exceeding 60 knots, enabling operators to perform 14 round trips daily during peak summer months.
• History continued: Driven by four marine versions of the Rolls Royce Proteus turboprop engine, each engine powered a vast 5.8 metre diameter variable Dowty Rotol propeller mounted on pylons, which adjusted to provide the hovercraft with steering capability, along with powered fins and rudders. When the SR.N4 began service, this floating giant was the largest passenger hovercraft ever constructed, featuring the largest propellers ever made.