Griffon Hoverwork Ltd designs and manufactures the largest range of amphibious, diesel-engined hovercraft available in the world today, with payloads ranging from 380kgs to 22.5 tonnes (5-180 troops), capable of cruising at speeds of 27-50 knots with a full payload. All the craft can be offered in differing configurations to suit a client’s requirements, from troop carrier to open well decked cargo carrying craft for use on different terrains and climates.
Cruising at high speed, these amphibious diesel-engined craft operate best where it is difficult, if not impossible, for conventional boats to operate, ie over land and shallow water, sand, mud, sea mines, rocks, weeds, logs, debris, ice and rapids.
With over 40 years operational experience, these unique, durable and versatile craft are custom designed to provide a reliable, efficient and economical solution in geographical locations. Griffon Hoverwork Ltd expertise is not just limited to the production of fast amphibious hovercraft. There are many such military and paramilitary applications for the
air cushion principle and Griffon Hoverwork Ltd leads the world in designing and building such unique solutions to
satisfy our clients particular needs.
Welcome to Griffon Hoverwork Ltd
Griffon Hoverwork Ltd -
Proven • Reliable • Durable
The management of Griffon Hoverwork Ltd has been involved in the design, development,manufacture and operation of amphibious hovercraft for over 40 years. The founder directors of Griffon Hoverwork Ltd together with the inventor of the hovercraft, Sir Christopher Cockerell, set up the world’s first hovercraft operation in the early 1960’s. Griffon Hoverwork Ltd has been a key player in the pioneering and innovation of hovercraft technology and leads the world in the design, development and operation of hovercraft and manufactures the largest range of hovercraft available in the world today.
Griffon Hoverwork Ltd’s company structure has been established to keep costs and overheads to a minimum, and this is reflected in the prices of their craft. GHL offers its clients the world’s largest range of high quality craft, designed by the world’s most experienced hovercraft design team, and backed-up by an after-sales service which is second to none.
As a result, Griffon Hoverwork have sold and have in service more than 150 hovercraft in over 35 countries worldwide, ranging from the jungles of South America to the freezing conditions of the Arctic.
Griffon Hoverwork Ltd has more hovercraft in operation with military, paramilitary, commercial and rescue clients in more countries around the world than any other manufacturer.
Advantages
Fully amphibious
Operate over water, land, sandbanks, mudflats, weed, ice, rocks and rapids.
High speed
Cruise with full payload at speeds of 27-50 knots.
Low initial costs
Similar prices to conventional boats of the same size, speed and payload.
Low operating costs
Similar operating costs to conventional boats of the same size, speed and payload.
Diesel engines
Give reliability, long life and economy.
Negligible noise levels
About the same as trucks or high speed boats.
Highly manoeuvrable
Can turn 360 degrees in own craft length.
Durable
Griffon Hoverwork aluminium hulls offer a greater protection from impact, an improved fire resistance, a longer life span as well as ease of repair compared to composite materials such as GRP.
Simple technology
Simple in design, manufacture, operation and maintenance.
Reliable
Proven over tens of thousands of operating hours worldwide.
Easy to operate
Takes the same time to learn to operate as learning to drive a car or truck.
Easy to maintain
Ordinary diesel or boat mechanics can service and maintain the craft.
Minimal training
From one day for the smallest craft to eight weeks for the largest.
Very little spray
Low cushion pressures keeps spray to a minimum.
No wash/wake
There is virtually no wash/wake at high speed.
Can be classified
Classified by Lloyds Register, US Coastguard and other classification societies.
No berthing problems
Will operate equally successfully from unprepared beaches and riverbanks as from piers, pontoons and harbours.
Experienced team
The management of Griffon Hoverwork Ltd has been involved in the design, development, manufacture and operation of amphibious craft for over 40 years.
Applications
Griffon Hoverwork -
Hovercraft that work
Griffon Hoverwork Limited leads the world in the design, development, manufacture and operation of hovercraft and produces the largest range of amphibious hovercraft available in the world today.
Fast AttackGriffon hovercraft will lie-up on land - perhaps beneath trees or cliffs - undetected visually and amongst the shore radar clutter, and then ‘pounce’ on a suspect craft by taking the direct line over the beach, shallow water, mud or sandbanks.
Reconnaissance
Griffon hovercraft will move from offshore to the littoral and deep into the hinterland via a riverine network. They will also, over an extended and unsupported period, deploy and recover foot-borne ‘recce patrols’ and work with special forces’ sub-surface and canoe/RIB patrols.
Amphibious Assault
Griffon hovercraft will, in advance of taking part in any amphibious assault, also help prepare the Amphibious Operating Area through reconnaissance, the insertion and support of special forces’ Advance Force Operations and the guarding/blocking of maritime choke points on the flanks.
Policing/Coastguard/Search & Rescue
Over 50 Griffon hovercraft are deployed in paramilitary roles throughout the world. With their high speed and amphibious capability, they are uniquely suited to areas where it is difficult or impossible to operate conventional boats or vehicles.
Mine Counter Measures
Griffon hovercraft produce virtually no magnetic, acoustic or pressure signatures and will operate over sea mines with impunity. Since the craft’s air cushion and flexible skirt absorb most of an exploding mine’s shock wave, they can be deployed more safely and cost-effectively as mine hunter/killers than conventional boats.
Medical Evacuation
Griffon Hovercraft will recover evacuees in areas impossible for conventional craft and vehicles to reach. Evacuation is amphibious, fast and effective. In order to get mobile medical clinic and supplies to some of the remotest and inaccessible corners of the globe, our hovercraft can be the only solution.
Weapons Platform
Griffon hovercraft are much more stable weapons platforms than conventional craft, especially whilst manoeuvring. All Griffon Hovercraft can be fitted with protection from ballistic, nuclear, biological and chemical weapons.
Logistics
Griffon hovercraft deliver both troops and equipment rapidly across a beach, regardless of the state of the tide or the nature of the surface. This enables troops and equipment to disembark safely and dry-shod not only onto dry land, but even more critically, inland from the exposed water gap.
Technology
Dedicated to Innovation
From the moment we unveiled the first hovercraft, Griffon Hoverwork Ltd has been dedicated to innovation in design and engineering and pursues a constant programme of product research and development for both the standard range of craft and for specific client requirements.
Excellence in Engineering
Griffon Hoverwork has become the most respected name in the industry through a dedication to high standards of design and engineering and careful consideration is given to all aspects of performance and safety. Griffon Hoverwork Ltd has ISO 9001:2000 accreditation and our hovercraft are regularly classified by Lloyds Register of Shipping and other classification societies.
Investment in the future
Our research and development is aided by the latest computer analytical software and feedback from our worldwide operators. Our investment in the future hovercraft design allows us to introduce new state of the art models and designs into the growing hovercraft market.
Consultancy
Griffon Hoverwork Ltd offer a consultancy service on all aspects of hovercraft operation including route analysis, task organisation and implementation, base and terminal planning, selection and training of crews, spares parts, service support and after sales services. We also offer a consultancy service on all aspects of design and research with regards to hover technology.
Support & Services
Spares
Griffon Hoverwork Ltd has a dedicated after sales and spares department which is committed to providing a fast and reliable service. Our spare parts packages are tailored to suit your specific requirements, with the majority of items available from stock and so can be shipped at short notice.
Warranty & Support
Warranty and after sales support is very important to us and we appreciate that your purchase does not end when you take delivery of your hovercraft. Our after sales and support team will work closely with you to discuss any concerns that you may have and will keep you updated with product improvements and upgrades.
Servicing & Maintenance
Like all vehicles, hovercraft require regular servicing and maintenance to ensure their smooth operation. Griffon Hoverwork Ltd can advise on maintenance schedules and service intervals on all aspects of the craft. We offer a complete maintenance and service package as well as a full re-fit service. Whatever you require we will supply free advice and competitive quotes.
Training
All our hovercraft are sold with a level of in-country pilot and crew training. Additional in-country or UK based training including hovercraft military tactics training is available from our experienced Griffon Hoverwork instructors.
Hovercraft engineer training is also available from Griffon Hoverwork. Be it that you have just taken delivery of your new hovercraft or you require refresher training courses for your engineers, Griffon Hoverwork will be able to assist.
The Griffon Hoverwork Range
Length(m) hovering
Beam(m) hovering
Height(m) hovering
Passengers(excluding crew)
Minimum crew
Maximum payload(tonnes)
Normal endurance(hours)
Fuel consumption(litres/hr)
Speed at full payload (knots)
Engine type(diesel)
Power per engine(kw/hp)
Approximate obstacle clearance (m)
Maximum recommended wave height for passenger operation (m)
380TD
*Maximum payload figures denote payload for an open basic well-deck craft (without main cabin, but with crew cabin), the craft containing full ballast, full fuel for the endurance shown and with the number of crew shown. 6.8 3.76 2.65 5 1 0.38 5 16 30
1xVW / 1xB&S
63/84 / 24/32
0.36 0.6 500TD 8.04 3.92 2.41 5-7 1 0.5 4.5 22 30 1xVW 63/84 0.45 0.7
1050TD (Single)
9.5 4.89 2.5 7-11 1 0.8 4 28 30 1xVW 90/140 0.5 0.75
Length(m) hovering
Beam(m) hovering
Height(m) hovering
Passengers(excluding crew)
Minimum crew
Maximum payload(tonnes)
Normal endurance(hours)
Fuel consumption(litres/hr)
Speed at full payload (knots)
Engine type(diesel)
Power per engine(kw/hp)
Approximate obstacle clearance (m)
Maximum recommended wave height for passenger operation (m)
4000TD 21.2 10.1 5.34 36-68 2 5.9 5.5 165 35 2xDeutz 440/590 1.25 1.7 8000TD 21.3 11 5.52 54-82 2 9.3 5 230 45 2xIVECO 630/840 1.25 1.8 8100TD 22.55 11 5.86 60-98 2 12 5 250 45 2xIVECO 745/1000 1.25 1.8
1050TD (Twin)
9.5 4.89 2.5 7-11 1 0.8 4.5 22 30 2xVW 74/98 0.5 0.75 2000TD 12.7 6.1 3.93 11-22 1 2.2 10 45 35 1xDeutz 330/440 0.73 1 2400TD 13.4 6.8 4.3 11-25 1 2.4 7 90 35 1xDeutz 440/585 0.8 1 3000TD 18.4 10.1 5.34 26-42 2 4 6 150 37 2xDeutz 440/590 1.25 1.7 BHT130 29.3 15 10.7 130 2 20 6 650 45 4xMTU 800/1200 1.8 2 BHT150 31 15 11.2 150/47/2 2 19 6 650 45 4xMTU 800/1200 1.8 2 BHT160 32.3 15 11.2 160/47/2 2 22.5 6 650 45 4xMTU 800/1200 1.8 2 BHT180 37.2 15 11.2 180 2 22.5 6 650 45 4xMTU 800/1200 1.8 2
Griffon Hoverwork Limited
Hythe Marine Park | Shore Road | Hythe | Southampton | SO45 6HE | UK
T:+44 (0) 2380 431466 | F:+44 (0) 2380 431477 | E: [email protected]
