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Designed and built by Hoverwork Ltd., UK, the BHT-130 is the modern successor in their line of craft to the widely used BHC/Hoverwork AP1-88. Using many of the design principles of the AP1-88 (centre, elevated cockpit, bilateral bow thrusters, ducted rear propellers and more) the BHT-130 provides a quieter, smoother ride than its predecessor, and increased capacity for both passengers or freight (in its "Well-Deck" variation) [Hoverwork, 2009].
Hovertravel currently use AP1-88's and the BHT-130 craft on their 10-minute Southsea to Ryde route from the British mainland to the Isle of Wight.
Video used with permission from YouTube user UKWMO (YouTube channel)
Onboard and external shots (March 2009).
Arriving at Southsea hoverport
Arriving at Southsea hoverport
Arriving at Southsea hoverport, front view
Tracking into the wind at Southsea
Spray-covered arrival at Southsea
At Southsea
Departing as seen through the windows of Southsea Hoverport
Powered down - view from Southsea Hoverport arrivals lounge
Resting on the pad at Southsea
Cockpit
Aft luggage compartments
Bow thruster
Inside the passenger cabin
Looking toward the forward passenger compartment and the cockpit access steps
Looking toward the cockpit from the forward windows
Solent Express at Ryde
Me next to Solent Express
Solent Express with AP1-88 Island Express
Looking toward Solent Express from Ryde hoverport's breakwater
Passengers boarding at Ryde
Bow thruster pointing aft in flight
Lift air intake, mid-Solent
On approach to Southsea, still doing 34mph
Landed at Southsea, aft shot