Griffon Hoverwork set for 2400TD launch

Richard Scott

Tuesday, 8 September, 2009

UK-based air cushion vehicle builder Griffon Hoverwork (Stand 1649) will this week launch the first of four new 2400TD hovercraft for the Royal Marines from its Southampton yard.

Griffon was awarded a £3.2 million contract by the Ministry of Defence in June 2008 for the quartet, which are planned to replace four existing Griffon 2000TD craft currently in service with 539 Assault Squadron Royal Marines. 539 ASRM uses these high-speed Landing Craft Air Cushion (Light) to traverse water, land, ice, rocks and sandbars, exploiting their capability to land on unprepared beaches and river banks in hostile environments.

According to Griffon, the 2400TD offers a greater payload, performance and obstacle clearance than the earlier 2000TD, and can carry a crew of two (coxwain and commander) plus 16 fully equipped marines. Centre sections of the cabin roof can be removed to embark two one-tonne NATO pallets, and the craft can be transported on a standard low loader truck or in the hold of a Hercules aircraft. They will also operate directly from the well-deck of Royal Navy amphibious ships.

Each craft is powered by two 585hp liquid-cooled Deutz diesel engines and is equipped with a 7.62mm General Purpose Machine Gun, HF and VHF radios, radar, GPS, ballistic protection and a variety of specialised equipment. Able to achieve a speed of 35 knots, the 2400TD has a range of more than 300 miles, and will be able to land the marines dryshod on beaches or penetrate further inland as required.

Griffon hovercraft are in service with several army, navy, coast guard and paramilitary forces overseas, and these unique but proven vessels will be used by 539 ASRM for commando operations and for flood/disaster relief missions worldwide.

The first 2400TD for the Royal Marines will begin trials shortly and is due for delivery later this year. The other three craft will follow in 2010.

Griffon Hoverwork was formed in April this year after the Bland Group acquired Griffon Hovercraft Ltd and merged it with Hoverwork Ltd.

The combined company claims to offer the largest range of amphibious, diesel-engined military hovercraft available in the world, with designs offering payloads ranging from 380kg to 22.5 tonnes.