What is the origin of hovercrafts?

Hovercrafts originated in the late 1950s, with significant development led by British engineer Christopher Cockerell. He conceptualized the vehicle's design using a combination of air cushion technology and a fan system, which allowed it to travel over land and water with minimal friction. The first successful hovercraft, the SR.N1, was built in 1955 and showcased the potential of this innovative mode of transport. Since then, hovercrafts have been utilized for various applications, including transportation, rescue operations, and military use.