Griffon 2000TD hovercraft

The Griffon 2000 series is a light-weight hovercraft built in the United Kingdom by Griffon Hoverwork and used principally by military and rescue organisations

Background
Griffon Hoverwork (GHL) of Hythe, England has designed, manufactured and operated hovercraft for over 40 years.

GHL was the first manufacturer to use turbo-diesel engines on hovercraft, which increases durability compared to conventional gasoline engines when exposed to salt water conditions. The company produces an extensive range of hovercraft, with payloads between 0.38 and 12 tonnes.

Configuration
The 2000 series was introduced in the early 1990s. The 2000TD series is slightly smaller than the older SR.N 6 hovercraft popular with commercial and military services during the 1970s, and has largely replaced the older SR.N6 series in most of these roles. Because it is constructed almost entirely out of aluminium the 2000TDX is less than half the weight of the older SR.N6 hovercraft.

The 2400TD was designed in 2008 due to the popularity of the 2000 series. It has greater obstacle clearance, is capable of carrying a higher payload and can reach higher speeds than the previous craft.

Commercial use
Griffon Hoverwork have provided hovercraft to passenger services around the world, as hovercraft can provide a faster and more economical service than conventional ferries or catamarans. For 8 years GHL operated a passenger service up and down the River Thames in London, and hovercraft were the only vehicles allowed to operate at high speed along the river, as they produce very little wash or wake.

Hovertravel currently uses a Griffon Hoverwork designed BHT craft to provide a passenger route between Southsea, Portsmouth and Ryde, Isle of Wight.

Military use
Griffon Hoverwork hovercraft have been purchased by several armies, navies and paramilitary organisations throughout the World, and several remain on order. The hovercraft can be configured to carry troops or cargo, with optional extras such as armoured glass and ballistic protection.


 * Belgian Army: 1 craft. Acquired in 1995. Exposed cargo deck only. Used for drone recovery and artillery range patrol. No weapons. Radical Decca, I-band radar.
 * Barbara A 999
 * Colombian Naval Infantry: eight craft. First two delivered on October, 2013.
 * Estonian Border Guard: 1 craft. Acquired in 1999. Capable of transporting 16 troops or 2 tons of equipment.
 * PVH 1
 * Finland: Border Guard: 7 craft. First craft acquired on 1 December 1994. Third craft acquired June 1995. Can be embarked in an LCU. Similar configuration to Estonian craft.
 * Lithuanian Border Police: 1 craft. Acquired in 2000. Similar configuration to Estonian craft. Furuno 1000C, I-band radar.
 * Christina
 * Pakistan Navy: 4 craft. First craft acquired in 2006, second in 2008. Two more were expected to be delivered in 2009. Similar configuration to Estonian craft.
 * Marina de Guerra del Peru: 7 craft.
 * Polish Border Guard
 * SG-411
 * SG-412
 * Swedish Coast Guard: 3 craft. First military version of the 2000TD series to be constructed. Three craft delivered 1992-1993. Similar configuration to Estonian craft. Furuno 7010D, I-band radar.
 * KBV 591, based in Örnsköldsvik
 * KBV 592, based in Umeå
 * KBV 593, based in Luleå
 * United Kingdom: British Royal Marines: 4 craft LCAC(L).
 * C 21
 * C 22
 * C 23
 * C 24

Specifications

 * Designer / Manufacturer: Griffon Hovercraft Ltd.
 * Crew 3
 * Dimensions
 * Length 11.7 metres
 * Width 5.9 metres
 * full load displacement 3.5 tons
 * Propulsion
 * Motor: diesel engine
 * Power: 1 Deutz diesel engine 350 horsepower for lift and propulsion
 * Propellers: 1 three bladed variable pitch propeller
 * Performance
 * Speed 35 knots (at sea state 3)
 * Range 450 miles at 35 knots
 * Military Lift:
 * Weapons
 * 1 7.62mm machine gun (not on Belgian craft)
 * Radar
 * Navigation: Various; I-band