The Moroccan Marine Police have recently ordered two Griffon 500TD hovercraft, to be used along Morocco's 1,835 km coastline bordering both the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The Griffon 500TD will be launched in March 2010 and replaces the ever popular and successful 420TD. This state of the art craft that grew out of the 420TD is a twin diesel-engined craft capable of speeds in excess of 30 knots (35 mph, 55kms/hr) designed for amphibious operations in protected waters. Seating 6-8 people, including the driver, or carrying a total of 470kgs (1036lbs) of payload, this highly manoeuverable small hovercraft will operate where no boat can venture - over land, shallow water, sand banks, mud flats, rocks, weed, logs, debris and rapids. It is Morocco’s strategic position on one side of the Strait of Gibraltar and large, mainly unexplored coastline that has made the purchase of hovercraft essential. The shallow water and exposed position make operation of conventional craft difficult, yet is suitable terrain for hovercraft, making the 500TD an ideal choice for the Marine Police. Originally conceived as a search and rescue craft, where manoeuvrability in small, remote shallow waters is paramount, the 500TD is designed with a 'get-you-home' capability on only one engine. Like all Griffon Hovercraft, the 500TD is able to perform virtually any role undertaken by a conventional workboat i.e. VIP transportation, crash rescue, survey, dredging and civil engineering support, military and paramilitary duties. Unlike a workboat, however, the 500TD needs no piers, pontoons or deep water channels - it will operate from unprepared riverbanks, beaches and fields. This small unique twin diesel-engined craft is the most advanced hovercraft of its size available in the world today. 2010-03-11T12:03:34Z false 27 2010-03-11T12:03:34Z 972 1 Griffon Hoverwork are pleased to announce that they are the title sponsor of the World Hovercraft Championships this year. Organised by the Hovercraft Club of Great Britain on behalf of the World Hovercraft Federation (WHF) this year’s event will be held at the Towcester race course, Northampton, between the 25th to 29th August 2010 with the main racing occurring on 27th, 28th and 29th. The World Hovercraft Championships are held on a bi-annual basis with the most recent previous meetings being Sweden in 2008 and France in 2006. The picture shows Rachael Gifford competing in the 2004 championships held in Germany. It is expected that over 100 of the world’s top racing hovercraft and drivers will attend and offer three days of exciting racing. Griffon Hoverwork acknowledge that the members of the hover club’s have made great advances in small hovercraft design and are proud to be associated in this event with the World Hovercraft Federation and Hovercraft of Great Britain. Griffon Hoverwork are planning to have on display some of the hovercraft and general information on their product range at Towcester race course. All spectators will obviously be welcome throughout the event, tickets will be available on the gate or online. For more information please see http://www.whc2010.org.uk 2010-01-15T14:55:55Z false 26 2010-01-18T09:47:35Z 1030 5 Recently, Griffon Hoverwork Ltd in collaboration with QinetiQ, BMT Nigel Gee and Aluminium Shipbuilders Ltd has launched and successfully trialled the latest innovation in military landing craft. The PACSCAT (Partial Air Cushion Supported CATamaran) recently entered the water for the first time at Griffon Hoverwork’s facilities in Hythe and will shortly commence rigorous sea trials. The high speed, all aluminium PACSCAT is 30m long, 7.7m in the beam, has a design vehicle payload of 55 tonnes and an approximate loaded weight of 175 tonnes. It is propelled by twin waterjets, driven by MTU Diesel engines and is designed to test at full scale the hydrodynamics of the PACSCAT hullform and to investigate its feasibility to deliver significantly faster speeds than traditional landing craft. The vessel makes use of the PACSCAT concept originated by John Lewthwaite of Independent Maritime Assessment Associates Ltd. The original fast landing craft design requirement was to accommodate up to five Viking armoured fighting vehicles. It is intended to off-load front line vehicles and troops from Royal Navy amphibious ships to the beach and is in response to the MOD’s requirement to launch rapid and effective amphibious operations from over the horizon. QinetiQ was contracted by the MOD’s Research Acquisition Organisation, (now the Defence Technology Innovation Centre) to manage the procurement of the demonstrator vessel, act as the design authority and to manage the all important safety process and trials programme. QinetiQ then invited competitive bids from companies in the shipbuilding sector, to bring a broad mix of experience to the project. As the world leaders in hovercraft construction, Griffon Hoverwork Ltd lead the construction team and are also fitting out the vessel. “The PACSCAT concept is a leading contender to meet the MOD’s fast landing craft requirement. It will be capable of performing a variety of roles, where high speed and high payload capacity are required and has exceptional beaching qualities because of its low and variable draught,” explained Iain Kennedy, practice leader for QinetiQ’s Maritime Platforms Consultancy business. “The industry partners are all working well together and the trials of the full-sized PACSCAT that start later this year will determine the performance of the PACSCAT hullform at full scale and the relevant operational capability.” 2009-11-30T16:50:25Z false 25 2009-11-30T16:55:45Z 1028 2 Griffon Hoverwork Ltd has recently won a contract with the Swedish Coast Guard, the first tender bid to be conducted entirely online, to supply a Griffon 2400TD that will join their growing fleet of Griffon hovercraft. This is the same model recently purchased by the British Royal Marines (as shown in the picture, above), however it will be specially modified for use in cold temperatures with sump heaters, battery heaters, twin cabin heaters, heated windows and extensive insulation. In addition, it will have the capacity to carry two snow buggies. The new 13 metre, high-speed amphibious Griffon 2400TD (M)s offer a greater payload, performance and obstacle clearance than the 2000TD model. Each craft is powered by a 440hp liquid-cooled Deutz diesel engine, has a maximum payload of 2.4 tonnes and obstacle clearance of 0.73 metres. It will also be built with a variety of specialised and state of the art equipment, similar to their existing craft which have cellular phones, Coast Guard radio, GPS, radar and electronic compass. Stretchers and a large complement of crash rescue equipment are also carried. These 40 knots craft, which have a range of over 300 miles, will allow the Coastguard to patrol areas where it is difficult, if not impossible, for conventional craft to operate. The Swedish Coastguard currently operate three 2000TDs and this newer model will enhance their current operational capabilities. In addition, Griffon hovercraft are now in service with several Army, Navy, Coast Guard and Paramilitary forces overseas, including the Indian and Canadian Coastguards, which proves that Griffon Hoverwork is the world’s leading provider of hovercraft. 2009-11-30T16:28:35Z false 24 2009-12-01T09:47:40Z 1027 3 The Abu Dhabi Special Forces recently purchased six Griffon 380TD hovercraft to provide the security for the Formula 1 race that took place on Yas Island in November 2009. The 25 km2 island, located between the coast and city of Abu Dhabi and Duba, is home to the Marine Circuit, described by Bernie Ecclestone as “one of the most exciting tracks I’ve ever seen”. However, it is also surrounded by shallow water, making it almost inaccessible by conventional boats. The low-noise 380TD will accomplish almost any task performed by a conventional boat of the same size, but it will operate where no boat can venture – overland, shallow water, sandbanks, mudflats, weed, logs, debris and rapids, making it the ideal choice for this task. The craft were completed in less than two months and the Abu Dhabi Special Forces visited Griffon’s new offices in Hythe for tactical hovercraft training. The 380TD is the smallest craft in the Griffon range, capable of carrying 6 persons or a payload of 450kgs. The 380TD is a rugged rigid-inflatable hovercraft that benefits from having two diesel engines, one for lift and one for thrust, improving craft control in a rescue scenario. With the hover-on hover-off trailer, one person can quickly and easily transport and operate this unique vessel, virtually anywhere. This sale follows similar orders for larger hovercraft to a number of Middle Eastern clients and shows that Griffon Hoverwork Ltd leads the world in the design, manufacture and operation of hovercraft. 2009-11-30T14:44:06Z false 23 2009-11-30T14:45:38Z 1026 2 For the fourth year running, the Emergency Services Show will take place on the 24th and 25th of November at Stoneleigh Park in Coventry. There have been many recent incidents that have highlighted the need for emergency service organisations and agencies to work closely together to ensure a co-ordinated and more effective response, including the Italian earthquake in April 2009, worldwide terrorist attacks and the potential swine flu pandemic, which has promptly activated civil contingency plans. The main aim of the Emergency Services Show is to facilitate this much needed cooperation, as well as providing all organisations involved in emergencies with access to the latest cutting edge technology, a unique opportunity to network with likeminded professionals and the chance to share industry information. One of this year’s exhibitors will be Avon Fire and Rescue Service (AF&RS), which provides emergency and protection services to the communities of Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. One recent addition to their fleet of vehicles is a Griffon 380TD hovercraft, which will cover an area of the shoreline from Brean Down to Sand Bay, and is equipped to deal with a range of incidents including rescuing people who have became trapped in the mud and providing support to the area during times of inland flooding. The 380TD is the smallest craft in the Griffon range, capable of carrying 6 persons or a payload of 450kgs and with the hover-on hover-off trailer, one person can quickly and easily transport and operate this unique vessel virtually anywhere. AF&RS Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive, Kevin Pearson, described the hovercraft as a major asset to the service. He said: “The hovercraft will increase the flexibility of Avon Fire and Rescue Service’s rescue capacity. As well as assisting us with incidents along the shoreline, we will be able to use the vehicle in more remote locations, where fire appliances may not be able to reach.” 2009-11-20T12:11:35Z false 22 2009-11-20T12:15:08Z 844 3 As many Emergency Service and Rescue personnel can testify to, more often than not the scene of an emergency is in an area where local conditions make it difficult if not dangerous to attempt a rescue. This means that the crucial first minutes of a rescue can pass before personnel have reached the scene of the accident. A small amphibious hovercraft can help Emergency Services reach a casualty quickly and safely; their unusual properties mean they can travel at high speed over difficult terrain such as flood waters, rapids, mud flats, thin ice, swamps, debris strewn rivers, and snow. This is certainly true for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) – the charity that saves lives at sea around the coasts of the UK and Republic of Ireland. The charity has purchased seven of Griffon Hoverwork’s 470TDs to add to its fleet of more than 300 lifeboats, which range from 5m to 17m in length. RNLI lifeboats can be divided into two categories: all-weather lifeboats and inshore lifeboats. Different classes of lifeboat are needed for different places due to the geography of the area and the nature of the rescue. Hovercrafts are a complement to the lifeboat fleet as they can operate in areas such as mud flats or river estuaries, allowing the charity’s volunteer crews to carry out vital rescue work in the areas that are inaccessible to conventional lifeboats. The RNLI is not the only rescue service that Griffon Hoverwork has supplied. The Avon Fire and Rescue Service purchased a Griffon 380TD hovercraft to operate along the shoreline of Weston-super-Mare, which is equipped to deal with a range of incidents including rescuing people who have became trapped in the mud and providing support to the area during times of inland flooding. Looking further afield, Griffon hovercraft also help with rescue missions around the World. The Indian Coast Guard recently purchased six Griffon 8000TD(M) hovercraft, to be used for anti-smuggling and anti-infiltration, particularly in areas of very shallow water around India’s extensive coastline and offshore islands, whilst the Kuwait Coast Guard use their fleet of five 470TDs for customs and policing duties, as well as for search and rescue, maritime pollution limitation and logistics support. When airports are surrounded by difficult terrain, Griffon hovercraft are often the only craft capable of providing rescue services in these areas. Equipped with full fire fighting and life saving equipment, these unique amphibious high speed craft will deal with almost any emergency scenario. Airports currently operating Griffon rescue hovercraft including Singapore Changi airport, Rio de Janero International Airport, Auckland International airport, Dundee Airport (UK), Shannon Airport (Eire). See below a video of Griffon hovercraft being used by the RNLI. <object classid='clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000' codebase='http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=8,0,0,0' width='450' height='370'><param name='movie' value='http://www.rnlivideolibrary.org.uk/swf/rnli_player.swf?vid=3bcKzhKy' /> <param name='quality' value='high' /><embed src='http://www.rnlivideolibrary.org.uk/swf/rnli_player.swf?vid=3bcKzhKy' quality='high' pluginspage='http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' width='450' height='370'></object> 2009-11-09T09:40:31Z false 21 2009-11-09T13:21:23Z 968 2 Pictured, the latest addition to the Canadian Coast Guard’s hovercraft fleet undergoing trials off the Isle of Wight. Mamilossa (Abenakis Indian for “he who goes from water to the land”) weighs in at 75 tonnes, was manufactured at St Helens on the Island by Griffon Hoverwork Limited and can exceed 60 mph. Mamilossa will be based in the St Lawrence Estuary where she will be utilised for the deployment of buoys and ice breaking duties. She is fitted with a very large crane with a reach exceeding 12 metres for lifting buoys up to 5.6 tonnes. Length 28.5m, width 12m, maximum loaded weight 75 tonnes, speed 45 knots maximum 40 knots full loaded, range 400 n.m. Engines – four Caterpillar C32 twelve cylinder diesels each producing up to 1125HP. Engines are electronically controlled and meet Tier 2 emission standards. The crane is a Palfinger 650002 marine hydraulic knuckle boom unit with 12m outreach. The hull is manufactured from marine grade aluminium and both hull and flexible skirt were manufactured by Griffon Hoverwork at St Helens where fitting out and completion of the craft was also carried out. The Canadian Coast Guard has been a faithful customer to Griffon Hoverwork since the 1960s when they took delivery of their first five tonne SRN5. Canadian Coast Guard Project Manager Frank Jess said “It has been a pleasure working alongside Griffon Hoverwork Ltd, management team and staff during the construction of the hovercraft. I am confident that the craft will be a valuable asset to the Canadian Coast Guard”. Griffon Hoverwork’s associated company Hovertravel has been operating the similar size passenger hovercraft service between Ryde, Isle of Wight and Portsmouth, a ten minute journey, for the last 44 years. 2009-07-31T14:25:38Z false 20 2009-11-05T10:06:30Z 960 2 The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has ordered a second Griffon 8000TD hovercraft from Griffon Hoverwork Limited (GHL) of Southampton England. The 8-10 tonnes payload Griffon 8000TD is to be based at Changi International Airport for crash rescue duties in the shallow waters of the Johore Straits and the Straits of Singapore. The new hovercraft will work alongside the Griffon 8000TD currently in operation in a search and rescue role. Powered by two MTU 12V183TB32 water-cooled diesel engines and twin 2.6m air propellers, the Griffon 8000TD cruises at speeds of over 40 knots (46 mph or 74 kms/hr) with a full payload and can achieve speeds of over 50 knots (58mph or 93 kms/hr). This particular craft has an endurance at maximum cruise power of six hours and its wheelhouse is offset to allow for rescue via a central hydraulically-controlled bow ramp. The wheelhouse is air-conditioned and seats the driver and three firemen. The portable fire pump produces 2,300 litres/minute from the monitor at 4 bar, or 450 litres/minute from each of two handlines, the pump being powered by its own separate engine. A 400 litres foam tank provides 6% concentrate Tridol AFFF foam. The craft is configured to carry 50 seated survivors around the cabin periphery plus 10 stretcher cases. A comprehensive array of rescue equipment is included and the craft is built to comply with the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO’s) High Speed Craft Code as interpreted for hovercraft. Lloyds Register of Shipping classifies the craft. CAAS has operated an American C7 hovercraft for over 8 years and is therefore among the more experienced airport operators of hovercraft around the world. For CAAS’ third hovercraft, it chose the Griffon 8000TD for its proven capabilities and its competitive price. In fact this is the third 8000TD to be purchased for an airport in the Far East – the first is currently operating at the new Incheon/Seoul airport in Korea. GHL has now sold some 50 hovercraft around the world for crash rescue or search & rescue (S & R) duties, ranging from the smallest 5 seat (380 kgs payload) craft to the 80 seat ( 8-10 tonnes payload) 8000TD. The Griffon 8000TD is due to be delivered to Changi Airport in early 2010. GHL will be training both INDECO and CAAS personnel in the operation and maintenance of this craft. After delivery, INDECO will be undertaking all servicing and maintenance of the Griffon 8000TD for CAAS. All Griffon hovercraft operate where no boat or vehicle can venture, and more and more airport and S & R authorities are choosing Griffon hovercraft for their proven unique high-speed amphibious capabilities. 2009-07-31T13:59:56Z false 19 2009-08-03T10:26:55Z 958 3 A new model has been introduced at the top of the Griffon range: the Griffon 8100TD. There has been a sustained interest in carrying a little more payload than the 8000TD from both military and paramilitary market sectors. In response to this Griffon has designed a new, larger craft, based on the experience gained with the successful Griffon 8000TD. At 22.5m by 11m, the craft has a longer and wider hull with increased freeboard. The operational width of the craft is the same and it uses the same proven skirt as the 8000TD. The payload of the Griffon 8100TD is 12 tonnes. 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 2009-07-31T13:46:58Z false 18 2009-08-03T10:26:55Z 959 4 The Kuwait Coast has just taken delivery of five 470TD (8m) hovercraft, and has just placed an order for one 8100TD (22.5m) hovercraft. The Kuwait Coast Guard (“KCG”) will operate their hovercraft in the un-marked shallow creeks and riverine areas around Sabiyah and Bubiyan islands. The hovercraft will be used for customs and policing duties, as well as for search and rescue, maritime pollution limitation and logistics support. The 470TD has a normal payload of 470kgs and is designed to carry 5 personnel at speed of 30 knots. To enable the crew to operate at night, search lights and night vision equipment is fitted. The KCG will potentially be operating their craft in hostile conditions, so for the safety of the crew, the craft have been fitted with the lastest light weight armour protection, offering protection against 7.62mm NATO ball, NIJ level III. The craft are provided with purpose built hover-on hover-off road trailers, enabling the Coast Guard to easily transport and deploy the hovercraft very quickly. The 8100TD will have a multi-purpose role, and be able to carry a combination of 36 troops, a 4x4 vehicle, logistics equipment and accommodation for the crew. The craft will be fitted with a 0.5 calibre machine gun, armour protection, night vision equipment and a crane and a special well-deck (complete with bow ramp) to carry a vehicle. Double air conditioning is provided to cope with temperatures sometimes exceeding 50° C, and each craft is powered by two Iveco Vector 20 C8 water-cooled diesel engines and two controllable pitch propellers. To support the KCG’s operations, Griffon Hoverwork provided a complete training package for the piloting, maintenance and tactical operations to ensure that the hovercraft are used to their maximum potential. This order from the KCG follows a similar order for 470TD hovercraft for the Moroccan Gendarmerie Royale. Whereas the basic hull and machinery of both craft are exactly the same, the superstructure and fit-out are entirely different. GHL always provides the customer with his preferred craft configuration in order to fit his own specific operational requirements. Griffon Hovercraft Ltd leads the world in the design, manufacture and operation of amphibious hovercraft. 2009-07-31T13:44:35Z false 17 2009-08-03T11:06:40Z 966 4 The Indian Coast Guard has purchased six Griffon 8000TD(M) hovercraft from Griffon Hovercraft Limited (‘GHL’) of Southampton England. These craft will be used for anti-smuggling and anti-infiltration, particularly in areas of very shallow water around India’s extensive coastline and offshore islands. The Griffon 8000TD(M) has a top speed of 50 knots and a payload of 8 tonnes. Armed with a half-inch machine gun, these craft will be capable of operating in areas difficult, if not impossible, to conventional boats and will therefore significantly enhance the Indian Coast Guard’s (‘ICG’s’) operational capabilities. Operated by a crew of two (plus eight seamen) these craft will be able to lie up, perhaps hidden under trees on a beach, and dash out to intercept over land, very shallow water, sand, rocks and mud, taking the quickest straight line to intercept. Alternatively, they can patrol like conventional craft, using conventional berths, piers and pontoons as and when required. In a unique arrangement, two of the Griffon 8000TD(M)s will be manufactured at GHL’s new boatyard in Southampton England, and four will be assembled from completely knocked-down kits (CKD’s) by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (‘GRSE’) in Calcutta, India. GRSE and GHL together won a worldwide Tender to supply these craft to the ICG, and GHL will train GRSE and ICG personnel in the operation, servicing and maintenance of these craft both in UK and India. GRSE sees many prospects for Griffon hovercraft in India and believes that local production will pave the way to several more significant sales in the future. The unique combination of the preferred lightweight alloy hull, the two powerful 597 kW (800 h.p.) water-cooled MTU 12V183TB32 diesel engines, the large 2.6m variable-pitch propellers and the deep 1.25m skirt, gives the Griffon 8000TD(M) the best performance of any hovercraft of this size in the world. This sale by GHL constitutes the largest order for this size of hovercraft for over 25 years, and reflects the world’s increasing interest in, and use of, amphibious hovercraft. Griffon Hovercraft Limited leads the world in the design, development, manufacture and operation of amphibious hovercraft and produces the largest range of hovercraft available in the world today. 2009-07-31T13:42:27Z false 16 2009-08-03T11:07:08Z 964 2 Griffon Hoverwork Limited (“GHL”) of Southampton England has licensed Kvichak Marine Industries Inc (“KMI”) of Seattle WA in the United States to manufacture its Griffon range of diesel-engined amphibious hovercraft. The advantage of this tie-up for GHL is to overcome the protective Jones Act, which effectively bars foreign boat and hovercraft builders from selling their craft into the USA for commercial operations. The advantage for KMI is that it now has the largest range of hovercraft available in the world to manufacture - possibly in the world’s largest market. KMI is renowned for producing many different high-quality aluminium boats in the U.S.A. over many years. It has an enviable record for producing custom-built boats on time, and was selected by GHL following an evaluation of several boatyards in the USA. The first order for a KMI-built Griffon hovercraft has already been confirmed and building has commenced. Crowley Marine Inc, a well known and respected boat operator for the oil industry, has placed an order for a 20 seat Griffon 2000TD to be operated on the North Slope of Alaska for British Petroleum (“BP”). This craft will operate in one of the most inhospitable climates and under some of the most testing conditions in the world. The hovercraft will be used as a logistics vessel carrying personnel, goods & equipment to a man-made offshore production island in Prudoe Bay. The journey from the mainland base to the island is roughly six nautical miles and the sea is frozen for some 8 months of the year. Whereas an ‘ice road’ is sometimes constructed during the worst freeze-overs, the ice is frequently of indeterminate thickness, creating dangerous conditions for travelling personnel. Uniquely, the 2000TD will operate year-round, during the all-water summer months, the ice formation period, the thick-ice winter and the ice break-up in the Spring. Crowley Marine and BP undertook an extensive evaluation of all hovercraft, and even tested a competitive hovercraft on site in Alaska. Their team visited many hovercraft operations worldwide including the most northerly of the three Swedish Coast Guard’s Griffon 2000TD operations (which has operated in similar arctic conditions for some 10 years now). The Griffon sales team in the USA, Griffon Hovercraft–USA (“GH-USA”), was instrumental in bringing this sale to fruition and GH-USA now operates from a new office in Bethany Connecticut. It is envisaged that the combination of GHL, KMI & GH-USA will satisfy the many requirements for the unique amphibious range of Griffon hovercraft in the USA. 2009-07-31T13:38:25Z false 15 2009-08-03T10:26:55Z 964 4 The British Royal Marines have recently placed an order for four new Griffon 2400TD to further expand their fleet of military hovercraft. The Griffon hovercraft were the first hovercraft ever purchased by the Ministry of Defence for operational duties. The British Royal Marine currently successfully operate four Griffon 2000TD’s and are doubling the size of their fleet with the purchase of four new Griffon 2400TD. The new 13 metre, high-speed amphibious Griffon 2400TD (M)s offer a greater payload, performance and obstacle clearance than the 2000TD and can carry a crew of two (driver and commander) plus sixteen fully equipped Marine Commandos. Centre sections of the cabin roof can be removed in order to carry two one-tonne Nato pallets and the craft can be transported on a standard low loader truck or in the hold of a Hercules aircraft. They will also operate directly from the well-deck of LSDA (Landing Ship Dock (Auxiliary) and other Royal Navy vessels. Each craft is powered by a 440hp liquid-cooled Deutz diesel engine and is equipped with a 7.62mm GPMG (General Purpose Machine Gun), HF and VHF radios, radar, GPS, ballistic protection and a variety of specialised equipment. These 35 knots craft, which have a range of over 300 miles, will land the marines dry-shod on beaches or penetrate further inland as required. Due to Griffon’s experience with supplying and supporting the British MOD, GHL was single sourced for the order for the new hovercraft. The Royal Marines require their craft to traverse water, land, ice, rocks and sandbars with impunity, and require their craft to travel fast, with low noise, and to land on unprepared beaches and river banks in hostile environments. The first of the Griffon are due out of production this summer and will be undertaking sea trials. Griffon hovercraft are now in service with several Army, Navy, Coast Guard and paramilitary forces overseas, and these unique but proven vessels will be used by 539 Assault Squadron for typical Commando operations and for flood/disaster relief missions worldwide. 2009-07-31T13:32:35Z false 14 2009-08-03T10:26:55Z 965 3 The Bland Group have recently purchased Griffon Hovercraft Ltd and increased its ownership of Hovertravel Ltd and Hoverwork Ltd from 25% to 99.92%. As from the 1st April 2009 Griffon Hovercraft Ltd and Hoverwork Ltd have merged to become Griffon Hoverwork Ltd (GHL). The Bland Group is a family-owned international enterprise which owns a diverse range of companies across transport, leisure, and tourism industries. During 2008, they have also diversified by investing into marketing, property and web based financial service companies. This group has a pedigree which stretches back almost 200 years and yet has current companies involved with innovation at the forefront of technology. With the merger Griffon Hoverwork Ltd can now boast designing and manufacturing the largest range of amphibious, diesel-engined hovercraft available in the world today, with payloads ranging from 380kgs to 22.5 tonnes (5-180 personnel), capable of cruising at 25-45 knots with a full payload. As well as having the financial backing to increase production of its range as well as invest into research and development of new models. From its design, production and servicing teams, Griffon Hoverwork Ltd provides a full before-sales and after-sales support. GHL offers training for pilots and crews, the supply of all spare parts as well as service support, refits and a general after-sales service. 2009-07-31T12:54:52Z false 13 2009-08-03T10:26:55Z 961 3 The Avon Fire and Rescue Service (“AFRS”) has purchased a Griffon 380TD hovercraft to operate along the shoreline of Weston-super-Mare. The hovercraft, which will cover an area of the shoreline from Brean Down to Sand Bay, is equipped to deal with a range of incidents including rescuing people who have became trapped in the mud and providing support to the area during times of inland flooding. The 380TD is the smallest craft in the Griffon range, capable of carrying 6 persons or a payload of 450kgs. The 380TD is a rugged rigid-inflatable hovercraft and benefits from having two diesel engines, one for lift and one for thrust, improving craft control in a rescue scenario. With the hover-on hover-off trailer, one person can quickly and easily transport and operate this unique vessel virtually anywhere. Avon Fire & Rescue Service’s hovercraft will be used to complement the services already provided by the Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) and HMS Coastguard. AF&RS Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive, Kevin Pearson, described the hovercraft as a major asset to the service. He said: “The hovercraft will increase the flexibility of Avon Fire & Rescue Service’s rescue capacity. As well as assisting us with incidents along the shoreline, we will be able to use the vehicle in more remote locations, where fire appliances may not be able to reach. 2009-07-31T12:32:13Z false 12 2009-08-03T10:26:55Z 962 2