Saab 401

The Saab 401 MEFA project was created in the late 1950s as a collaboration between Saab and the Royal Swedish Naval Materiel Administration,[2] Karlskronavarvet (Saab Kockums) and the Swedish National Aeronautical Research Institute (FFA). Later the project was continued on lean funds at FFA.[3][4][5][6] MEFA is the Swedish acronym for Markeffektfarkost (ground effect vehicle); the craft was also known as the "MEFAN".[7]

Its design was led by Olof Ljungström.[7] Vickers-Armstrongs was contracted for engineering work.[8]

It was first tested March 4, 1963, in Norrköping.[9][10] In January 1964, the 401 prototype was delivered to the Berga Naval Base for testing.[7] The craft was retired by the Navy in 1967, and donated to the Karlskrona maritime museum.[7][11]

The vehicle's lift was created by an eight-blade fan, driven by a 180 hp Lycoming O-360 piston engine.[12][13][14] Propulsion was achieved partly with adjustable drive ports in the air chamber, and also by two 72 hp motors driving external propellers.[15] Its hovering height was maximum 17 cm.[16]

The Saab 401 was not equipped with the large rubber-skirts used to direct airflow that are typical in hovercraft.[7] Instead, the vehicle was designed so that it could withstand direct contact with the lake and solid surfaces such as ice.[7]

Saab 401 hovercraft circa 1960