Case study: Griffon craft operating in sub zero temperatures

Griffon Hoverwork has provided bespoke craft to operate in sub zero temperatures for several customers, including the Swedish Coast Guard, Canadian Coastguard, Crowley Alaska and the Royal Marines, whose 2400TD was deployed in Norway. In 2007 Dr John Hall, a retired marine geophysicist with the Geological Survey of Israel, purchased a 2000TD to be used as an alternative polar research platform. The craft has since been stationed at UNIS, Longyearbyen and operates in snow, ice and blizzards. This has enabled Griffon Hoverwork to gain a deeper understanding into the most effective design and materials necessary to operate in such cold conditions.

Whilst the basic hull structure and craft machinery are the same on all Griffon hovercraft, the superstructure and fit out are entirely different. For craft deployed in cold climates, specialist equipment can be provided. For Dr. Hall’s 2000TD the hovercraft’s specialist insulation, heating system and comfortable interior have made it possible for up to four people to live and work on the craft whilst on location. On the exterior of the craft, an ice drill was fitted, as well as an external probe to measure the thickness of the ice.

In cold climate areas where environmental preservation is crucial, there are huge benefits to operating a hovercraft over any other vessel. Extensive research by Blackwell and Greene, Jr. (2005) and another independent consultant has proved that the noise levels of a hovercraft are in the frequency band 80-95 Hz, far lower than most conventional craft or helicopters. Underwater noise levels are also significantly lower than any other craft of a comparable size. As the craft hovers above the surface, it exerts a pressure on the ground that is less than that of a seagull standing, therefore leaving the fragile eco-systems intact. Similar research was undertaken in Alaska on a much larger craft and the conclusion was the same.

For almost all research or exploration projects that take place in cold climates where snow, ice or blizzards are a possibility, hovercraft are the only transport solution, as they traverse these terrains with ease. To optimize operational time in isolated areas where re-fuelling is difficult, Griffon craft can be fitted with long range tanks for an additional 1500 liters of fuel. This increases the amount of time the craft can operate, allowing the customer to get maximum efficiency from their hovercraft.

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