The SR.N5 was subsequently developed into a "stretched" variant, which was designated as the SR.N6; this model had a much expanded payload capacity and went on to be produced in greater numbers than the SR.N5.

Seven SR.N5s were directly sold to Bell; the type was militarised into the Patrol Air Cushion Vehicle (PACV) and adopted by the US military.

[7] That same month, the first SR.N5 commenced sea trials; as a result of experiences gathered from these early test runs, various changes were made to the design.

Specifically, the fin area was increased while a new system for ducting plenum thrust was also adopted, which improved the craft's low speed handling.

[citation needed] In response to customer feedback, which showed interest in a stretched variant of the SR.N5 that would be capable of carrying a much greater payload, Saunders-Roe quickly commenced work on such a project.

[12][13] The endurance of the fingers would be progressively improved over time, issues with salt spray negatively affecting both the engine and propeller were also encountered early on.

[17][18] The Saunders-Roe SR.N6 (also known as the Winchester class) was based on the SR.N5 design to carry 110% more payload, making it more economical to run passenger services.

Assigned the military aircraft registration numbers XT492, XT493, XT657, and XW246, these were deployed in the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Thailand, Aden, Libya, and Belgium.

[citation needed] By 2013, only a single SR.N5 was reportedly still intact; having been primarily used as an overseas demonstrator, it had been withdrawn during the 1980s and preserved at the Hovercraft Museum at Lee-on-the-Solent.