Changi Airport Singapore Orders Second Griffon Hovercraft

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.

Return to news page