Military & Paramilitary

Griffon Hoverwork Ltd design and manufacture hovercraft for military and paramilitary around the globe. Our hovercraft will accomplish any task performed by a fast boat, but will also operate where no boat can venture.

Over land and sea mines, sand, mud, ice, snow, rocks, weeds, logs, debris and rapids, Griffon hovercraft are powered by diesel engines and are in service with navy, army and paramilitary operations throughout the world. All our craft are available with differing levels of armour protection to suit our clients requirements. Griffon Hovercraft are used for a number of military and paramilitary roles:

MINE COUNTER MEASURES

Griffon hovercraft, with their low pressure cushion design, will operate over mines with impunity in deep or shallow water, since they produce virtually no pressure, acoustic or magnetic signatures.

Hovercraft do not set off mines over which they travel (they produce virtually no acoustic, magnetic or pressure signatures) and the Royal Navy proved that, should a mine inadvertently be set off beneath a hovercraft, the air cushion will absorb the shock wave, there will be no injures to the crew, and the craft will travel back to its base under its own power.

RECCE

Griffon hovercraft can generate an extensive recce capability, moving from offshore to littoral and deep into the hinterland via riverine movement, over an extended and unsupported period, as a platform that is suitable for the requisite communication fits.

FAST ATTACK

Above 10 knots the craft produce virtually no wake, a significant signature at night, particularly if it also induces phosphorescence. Not being constrained by shallow water, mud or even land, a Griffon hovercraft is an ideal tool for fast attack. The top photo shows one of eight Griffon hovercraft operated by the British Royal Marines.

MEDICAL EVACUATION

Griffon hovercraft have the ability to reach areas where, for conventional vessels and vehicles, a rescue would be extremely dangerous for emergency personnel.

AMPHIBIOUS ASSAULT

Configured to the customer’s requirements, Griffon hovercraft will both prepare the theatre and take part in an amphibious assault.

LOGISTICS/TROOP & VEHICLE CARRIER

Griffon hovercraft have the ability to deliver troops and equipment rapidly across a beach, regardless of the state of tide or beach, which means the troops and equipment will disembark safely on to dry land. The Saudi Arabian order Guard's 8100TD (Photo 4th from top) is configured to carry 4x4 vehicle. All the Griffon Hoverwork range can be configured for carrying cargo and vehicles up to 22.5 tonnes.

RANGE PATROL

As seen in the photo (bottom right), the Belgium Army Griffon 2000TD hovercraft has been adapted for drone recovery in a designated firing range area. This area comprises open sea, surf and a wide stretch of muddy beach, an area generally inaccessable by any other craft.

POLICING/CUSTOMS/COASTGUARDS

With the very shallow water around some of India’s extensive coastline and offshore islands, this Griffon 8000TD (Photo 2nd from top), with a top speed of 50 knots and armed with a half-inch machine gun, has proven to be the ideal craft for policing / customs duties for the Indian Coast Guard.

WEAPONS PLATFORM

All of the Griffon Hoverwork range can be configured to carry differing levels of weoponary and ballistic protection to suit a clients requirements.