The amphibious hovercraft has made a significant contribution to the search and rescue role and in humanitarianrnactivity. In the pure search and rescue role a number of agencies including the RNLI, use small hovercraft on adjacentrnmudflats. More recently, radio controlled model hovercraft have been used on trials to assess their capability tornfacilitate the rescue of trapped persons.rnHowever, it is in the response to disasters and to overcome transport difficulties in remote areas that the greatestrncontributions have been made. This started with expeditions to Nepal, Papua New Guinea, China and Nicaragua and ledrnto current activity in Madagascar and Zambia.rnWith hovercraft being used by Coastguards around the World and at International Airports, the usefulness of this type ofrnvehicle is increasing. However, there is no time to be complacent, as all too often, when areas are flooded, reliance isrnstill placed on boats and helicopters, not always the best solution.
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