How does a hovercraft work?

Large fans push air downwards beneath the hull, where a flexible rubber skirt holds it in, building up pressure slightly higher than the surrounding air. This air cushion lifts the craft just clear of the surface, greatly reducing friction. Separate propellers or fans then push the hovercraft forwards, and rudders steer it. The modern hovercraft was invented by the British engineer Christopher Cockerell, who patented his design in 1955. On 25 July 1959 the prototype SR.N1 crossed the English Channel, and passenger hovercraft services across the Channel ran until 2000.