The Hovercraft Society was originally formed in 1971 as the ‘United Kingdom Hovercraft Society’, changing its title to the present one in 1980.
The principal objectives of the Society are:
Current membership is spread across the globe, and includes enthusiasts and manufacturers of racing and light utility craft as well as academics and some representatives of leading large manufacturers.
If you, our visitor are interested in Air Cushion Technology, or are studying or working in the field, please do register on the site so we can keep you informed via email. Better still join us at THS! Find out more about membership click on the button below.
To request membership you will need to mail us at the Membership Secretary address on the ‘Get in Touch’ page in the sub menu to this page. Technical Questions, information about events etc can be answered by the Technical Secretary.
If Air Cushion Technology is new to you, take a look at the Frequently Asked Questions page on the button below.
We attempt to keep abreast of industry news and technical developments, as well as activities within the various recreational hovercraft clubs and report that through bi-monthly News Notes for members, and our briefer blog page which is open to all site visitors.
You will find the blog archive under the Visitor News menu tab in the header. Members will also see the NewsNotes archive under the Member News tab.
Technical Resources
The Library tab shows a core list of links to documents available publicly for visitors. Members have access to a wider listing in the Members Library including classic papers available on this site. Members will see the full library including technical resources, THS conference proceedings, and access to our meetings recordings.
Visitors and members alike should note that this site is a continuous work in progress, with technical material added as fast as practical based on a limited manpower!
If you as a visitor are a student, research student or engineer (or indeed enthusiast) are looking for technical support on a subject, do make contact and we will try to assist or advise you. While having links to commercial organisations, we are not involved in recruitment or in sales other than reporting these activities.
Our remit is technical knowledge and its advancement for the pleasure of our members!
Membership of The Hovercraft Society will connect you with the world of Air Cushion Technology and the enthusiasts, engineers, and entrepreneurs that are connected to the industry, sport, and operations.
In addition to the newsletter and blog materials on this site you will gain access to a wide range of technical information and the latest research. Entry to events supported by THS will be available to members at a discount where also open to the public. We will also connect you directly with other members where you have a need, or enable you to join a group working on a particular issue.
The Hovercraft Society issues a membership card, and organises lectures, discussions, meetings, visits and an annual dinner (after Covid of course).
We aim to be an advocate on Air Cushion Technology for our members towards National and International regulatory bodies. To do that we need your help!
The Society’s Events Programme currently includes evening lectures and discussion meetings held on Zoom, so as to enable access wherever you are located. Recordings are subsequently available to view, by request of log-on codes from the Technical Secretary.
Visits to hovercraft manufacturers and establishments and social events are also organised from time to time.
The physical venues for such meetings are arranged and varied to suit the membership location, but tend to be mainly in the south of England at present. Once Covid subsides fully it is hoped to begin physical meetings again!
Individual Membership
Student under 21 GBP 5 Full site access
Member GBP 15 Including retired members
Fellow GBP 20 by transfer from member
Light Craft Subscription GBP 10 News Notes and access to Light Craft Library
Corporate Membership with named members
Corporate 1 person GBP 15 + 5 for profile
SME to 5 persons GBP 45 + 5 for profile
Large Organisation GBP 50 + 5 per persons above 5
The categories of membership and fees apply from July 2025. THS Financial Year is from July to end June following year.
The Light Craft Subscription is introduced in July 2025 to give enthusiasts, designers, builders, and recreational operators of Light Hovercraft access to the Light Craft Library, and the regular News Notes.
The Light Craft Library is a resource being assembled over the second half of 2025. Members will be updated on progress.
Bank Transfer
The Hovercraft Society has a Bank Account to which direct transfers can be made. This is simplest and most efficient method for people in the UK. Members and applicants will be sent an invoice/payment request with the bank details for payment.
For payments from outside the UK, it is possible to use other services that will deposit into the THS Bank Account. Instructions will be sent to members and applicants when subscriptions are due.
In addition to individual and corporate membership we offer annual subscription to organisations such as libraries that wish to receive our News Notes and published papers. The News Notes are issued by email, or on request by paper post.
If you are simply interested in air cushion technology and wish to connect through the site to answer queries or help with a project, please do register with us as an Associate. We will then keep you updated by email from time to time. You can always cancel a registration at any time. Our services are personal rather than automated at present.
To register on our site please use the registration menu tab and fill in your details. We will be pleased to answer technical questions, give you a direction to help your research, or connect you with organisations that can help. If you are already involved in the Air Cushion world, please tell us – and help us to spread the knowledge.
We would like to connect with everybody who has a genuine interest in Air Cushion Technology. Your email is sufficient to connect us at least initially!
Please note that THS is committed to the GDPR directive!
To Join as a member in one of the above categories please send details of your involvement and/or interest in hovercraft by first completing the form on our Get in Touch page (via button below) and emailing it to THS Treasurer/Membership Secretary.
Alternatively write to:
The Hovercraft Society
23 Silverlock Place, Commonside
Westbourne
Emsworth
Hampshire PO10 8TB
Great Britain
Your membership request will be checked by the Council for approval, as quickly as possible and we will revert to you with confirmation by email.
Access to the full THS Internet site, and email delivery of the regular THS News Notes will be set up once membership fee is received.
