Holset Turbochargers on Patrol

The Griffon Military Hovercraft is powered by two water cooled Fiat Powertrain Vector 20L 800hp diesel engines complete with four Holset HX55W turbochargers. The Hovercraft will accomplish any task performed by a fast boat but will operate where no boat can venture; sand, mud, ice, snow, rocks, weeds, logs, debris and rapids. The Hovercraft that is over 21 metres long is currently in service with navy, army and paramilitary operations throughout the world.

An important role for the Hovercraft is Mine Counter Measure (MCM). The craft is capable of travelling over land and sea mines ; this is because it is designed to produce virtually no pressure, acoustic or magnetic signatures. The British Royal Navy proved that, should a mine inadvertently be set off beneath a Hovercraft, the air cushion will absorb the shock wave, there will be no injuries to the crew or engines and the craft will travel back to its base under its own power.

Above 10 knots the craft produces virtually no wake, a significant signature at night, particularly if it also induces phosphorescence ( luminescence ). Not being constrained by shallow water, mud or even land, a Griffon Hovercraft is an ideal tool for fast attack. The Griffon Hovercraft also has the ability to reach areas where, for conventional vessels and vehicles, a rescue would be extremely dangerous for emergency personnel.

Griffon Hovercrafts have the ability to deliver troops and equipment rapidly across a beach, regardless of the state of tide or beach, which means a safe disembarkation on to dry land. Depending on the configuration of the craft, there is a capability to carry small conventional or tracked vehicles, or a combination of people, cargo and a vehicle.

With the very shallow water around some of India’s extensive coastline and offshore islands, this Griffon 8000TD (M), with a top speed of 50 knots and armed with a half-inch machine gun, has proven to be the ideal craft for policing and customs duties for the Indian Coast Guard.

Cummins Turbo Technologies continues to partner with its customers in designing and configuring Holset turbochargers to match the diverse needs of applications across the globe.


(Image supplied courtesy of Griffon Hovercraft Limited)

For further information please contact:
Alison Smith, Central Marketing Services,
Tel: + 44 1484 422244, Fax: + 44 1484 452623
E-Mail: alison.j.smith@cummins.com