It was the world's first Hovercraft (the SR-N1), a vehicle that can travel on land and sea. It was invented by Christopher Cockerell, from Lowestoft in Suffolk, England. It was 24 feet wide and weighed 4 tons.

The vehicle had a fan and cushion arrangement underneath which took the weight of the vehicle. The controls inside were said to be more like that of a helicopter.

It had been kept secret by the British Ministry of Supply before it's announcement on this day.

It was hopped that, one day, it could be used to cross the English Channel in 20 minutes.

Hovercrafts are in commercial operation across the English Channel to this day.