HOVERCRAFT built in Bembridge, and destined for use by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has been undergoing sea trials off the Island.

The 8000TD hovercraft, built on the Island by Griffon Hoverwork, who have their headquarters at Hythe, is due to be shipped to Singapore in a few days time, and is the third of its kind to be bought by an airport in the Far East.

It will become an integral part of any search and rescue operation at Changi International Airport in Singapore. Search and rescue provision can prove a problem for many airports surrounded by water, mud, grass or concrete; areas which are impossible to reach by most forms of transport but are ideal hovercraft territory.

Griffon Hoverwork provide the solution, proven by the fact that the company has more hovercraft in service in the airport search and rescue sector than any other manufacturer in the world. Griffon Hoverwork craft provide a valuable service in the airports of Brazil, Korea, New Zealand and Ireland, amongst others.

This Griffon 8000TD is to be based at Changi International 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.

CAAS has operated an American C7 hovercraft and its first Griffon 8000TD for over eight years and is therefore among the more experienced airport operators of hovercraft around the world. For CAAS’ third hovercraft, it chose the Griffon Hoverwork as its supplier of choice and the 8000TD for its proven capabilities and 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.

Powered by two 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).

A feature of all Griffon hovercraft is their high-speed reaction time in emergencies, regardless of where the emergency occurs. These unique craft will traverse the concrete aircraft parking area or grass as easily as the mud, sand or water surrounding the airport. Hovercraft also have no need for additional infrastructure; they can be parked on concrete as close to the main runway as possible and be ready for high-speed take-off at any moment.

The hovercraft is designed to carry 50 seated survivors plus 10 stretcher cases, and a comprehensive array of rescue equipment is included.