The Economic Times

In 1955, a British engineer while trying to prove a game changing theory about a revolutionary invention used a cat food tin, a coffee can, and a reversed vacuum cleaner. Later, the patent changed the landscape of modern transportation forever

In 1955, a British engineer while trying to prove a game changing theory about a revolutionary invention used a cat food tin, a coffee can, and a reversed vacuum cleaner. Sir Christopher Cockerell's experiments led to the hovercraft, which used an air cushion to reduce drag. His patent was filed in 1955, while the SR.N1 prototype followed in 1959. The technology later found uses in transport, military operations, rescue work and research.