Griffon 2000TD-class

Summary

Description

The Griffon 2000 series hovercraft is designed and manufactured by Griffon Hoverwork (GHL) of Hythe, England, who has over four decades of experience in hovercraft production. A pioneer in utilizing turbo-diesel engines for hovercraft, GHL offers a variety in payload capacities, with the Griffon 2000 series being a notable option for both military and rescue operations due to its lightweight construction and durability—especially in saltwater environments.

Introduced in the early 1990s, the Griffon 2000 series features the 2000TD, which is smaller and significantly lighter than the older SR.N6 model, primarily because of its mainly aluminium construction. The success of the 2000 series led to the development of the 2400TD in 2008, offering improved payload capacity, speed, and obstacle clearance compared to its predecessors. These improvements have made the series popular in commercial and military applications.

Commercially, Griffon Hoverwork had operated passenger services along the River Thames in London, taking advantage of the hovercraft's reduced wash impact, allowing for high-speed travel without the wake concerns of traditional boats. Hovertravel uses a larger 12000TD model to provide passenger services between Southsea, Portsmouth, and Ryde, Isle of Wight. Moreover, in 2012 a 2000TD was delivered for passenger service operations in Québec, Canada, between Pakuashipi and Saint-Augustin to cover periods when an ice bridge is unavailable.

In the military context, these hovercraft have found wide use across global navies, armies, and paramilitary groups, with several countries placing ongoing orders. Differences in configuration are available, with options for carrying troops, cargo, and extra defensive features like armoured glass and ballistic protection. Notably, the craft can be fitted with a machine gun, though the Belgian Army's model eschews this armament.

Significant operators of Griffon 2000 series hovercraft include the Colombian Naval Infantry with eight units, the Estonian, Finnish, and Swedish border guards, the Lithuanian Border Police, the Pakistan Marines, the Peruvian Navy, the Polish Border Guard, and the Swedish Navy. The British Royal Marines also utilize four LCAC(L) crafts as part of their fleet.

From a specifications standpoint, the Griffon 2000TD employs a diesel-driven propulsion system, featuring a Deutz diesel engine with 350 horsepower that serves both lift and thrust with a three-bladed variable-pitch propeller. Its performance capabilities include a respectable speed of 35 knots in sea state 3 and a range of 450 miles at this speed. The series is adept for military missions due to its capacity to carry weaponry such as an M2HB machine gun and is equipped with I-band radar for navigation.

Technical specifications