Model: 8100TD Client: Swedish Amphibious battalion Location: Sweden  Fõrsvarets Materielverk (FMV), the Swedish government’s military procurement agency, have ordered three Griffon 8100TD to be used by the Amphibious Battalion. In a competitive tender Griffon beat its rivals to win the contract with a fully compliant bid, despite the customer already owning one of Griffon’s competitor craft. During the tender process FMV visited several of Griffon’s existing 8000TD users around the world. The Swedish Amphibious Battalion has a requirement to carry various types of equipment. In one load case the hovercraft will carry a tracked amphibian (BV-206) and its crew or a Humvee, in another a 20ft shipping container will be stowed on board to carry equipment or medical supplies. Alternatively seating for 50 troops and their equipment can be accommodated. This multi-role craft has a vehicle bow-ramp to quickly deploy the vehicle and/or troops safely and dry on an unprepared beach or river bank. The offset forward wheelhouse has been fitted with Ballistic protection to offer protection against 7.62mm NATO ball, and is also fitted with NBC (Nuclear, Biological & Chemical) protection. Powered by two 1000hp Iveco diesels this craft is capable of speeds in excess of 40 knots (46 mph or 74 kms/hr – In fact, during trials the craft exceeded its design specification in many respects and reached speeds of nearly 60 knots. The craft has a 23kVa generator and a comprehensive 220-400vAC electrical system. It is equipped with climate control which controls a powerful heating and air conditioning system. A new feature on the Swedish Amphibious Battalion’s 8100TD is the development of an integrated navigation and conning system. Griffon have been working closely with Marine Electronic Systems (MES) on this project. The system is run by 3 separate computers, each of which runs its own application. The radar is controlled using Transas “Navi-radar” software, and the chart plotter/AIS system by Transas “Navi-Sailor” software. The conning display is a bespoke system, designed by MES, which monitors engine and control systems as well as displaying course, speed, rate of turn and craft trim. Fuel and ballast system levels are indicated plus a comprehensive array of alarms. Each application can be displayed on any of the three 19” VDU’s. Overall control of the systems is with a ruggedised keyboard and trackball. Griffon Hovercraft Ltd leads the world in the design, development, manufacture and operation of hovercraft and produces the largest range of craft available in the world today. For more information please view our web site at www.griffonhoverwork.com 2009-08-03T11:36:14Z 4 2009-08-03T11:36:14Z 910 Case study: Model: Griffon 3000TD Client: Shell Oil Location: Nigeria, Africa  This is the size of craft chosen by the Shell oil company of Nigeria. Shell completed probably the most extensive worldwide evaluation of hovercraft ever undertaken. After some two years of this practical and theoretical evaluation, they placed an order for three craft on Griffon Hovercraft Ltd. The particular specification for their craft included 30 airline-type seats, a separate cargo/freight hold, a toilet and double air conditioning.
 
The reasons for Shell purchasing hovercraft were:-

 (a) The hovercraft's ability to operate in the Niger delta during all seasons and tides - in the dry season these craft operate over mud, in the wet they operate over logs, debris and flooded areas and

 (b) The lack of wash/wake at high speed.

 Secondary roles for these Shell craft include quick deployment for oil spill response, rig blow-out and medical evacuation. These hovercraft were built to Lloyds Classification. 2009-08-03T11:32:53Z 3 2009-08-03T11:32:53Z 823 Model: BHT 130 Client: Hovertravel, UK Location: Solent UK A BHT 130 and AP188-400 are currently used by Hovertravel in the UK who are the longest serving passenger carrying operator in the world. The route covers the Solent, the stretch of water between Mainland England and The Isle of Wight, and crosses busy shipping lanes. The service operates over sea and sand bars and competes directly with a service operated by catamaran passenger ferries on the same route. The hovercraft offers a faster solution to the catamarans without the need for piers and deep water harbours. This high speed service carries in excess of 800,000 passengers per year as well as freight, 365 days per year. See details of service on their website www.hovertravel.com 2009-07-31T15:32:11Z 1 2009-10-14T10:41:32Z 938