On 11 June 1959, the SR.N1 conducted its first flight, demonstrating its capability to cross both land and water, in front of various assembled members of the press. While the demonstration was only intended to involve land-based motion, in response to pressure from enthusiastic journalists, the company decided to proceed with the first water-based flight on that day as well. The demonstration received considerable press coverage, the majority of which being largely positive; reportedly, the craft was dubbed by some in the media as "the flying saucer".Paine and Syms 2012, pp. 88-89.
