In the First Tiberium War, the Jeff (A) hovercraft was the most popular choice when deploying ordnance and men and was capable of delivering MCVs and even Mammoth tanks to shores to enter combat, aside from helicopter and transport airplane. The hovercraft is deployed from expeditionary task force's amphibious assault ship that has the capability to host them. GDI used another, infantry-only variant.
In-game, they can only approach shores from the southern end of the map due to engine limitations. A beta-stage image that is visible in the back cover of the Covert Operations expansion pack shows two hovercrafts approaching from a different angle, with minigunners wading through the shallow water, both of which is impossible in the actual game, and is a result of intentional image manipulation by Westwood Studios.
Gallery
DOS manual render scan
Render
Render of Hovercraft carrying Medium tanks
Nod Hovercraft in secret dinosaur mission cutscene
Early FMV render
Early FMV render
Early FMV render
Edited Tiberian Dawn beta image, showing hovercrafts approaching from an unusual angle and minigunners wading through shallow water
Real-life Jeff-A hovercraft, one of the prototypes that led to the LCAC hovercraft.
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Global Defense Initiative First Tiberium War Arsenal 
Brotherhood of Nod First Tiberium War Arsenal 
