The New Griffon 8100TD Hovercraft

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

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