Griffon Hoverwork, one of the leading manufacturers of hovercraft, place their trust in MAN engines. In April 2016, the British manufacturer finalised two new models for the ferry company Hovertravel. The amphibious crafts “Solent Flyer” and “Island Flyer” – both 12000TD models – began a phased introduction to replaced the 30-year-old AP-188 models at the beginning of summer 2016. The rather outdated models were equipped with four engines, as is customary in conventional hovercraft. Thanks to the innovative new drive system, the new 12000TD model hovercraft only require two power units, thereby allowing potential fuel savings of one third. With the powerful and efficient double-engine system comprising two MAN D2862 LE124, the hovercraft can nevertheless draw upon 1,586 kW (2,158 hp), enabling a top speed of 50 knots (92.6 km/h). The new amphibious vehicles were designed and produced for the ferry service by the sister company Griffon Hoverwork. Thanks to the new drive design for the Solent Flyer and the Island Flyer, there is now a considerable potential for fuel savings to be made. The 12000TD models began a phased introduction in the summer of 2016 and have been transporting passengers more comfortably and more importantly, much more efficiently from Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight. In one trip across the strait, the hovercraft can carry up to 88 people, including the crew, meaning that the hovercraft can cater for three times the capacity of an average city bus.
Significant fuel savings Fitted with two MAN D2862 LE124,793 kW (1,079 hp) output at 1,800 rpm each. These top-of-the-class craft have more than enough power to accelerate the hovercraft up to speeds of 50 knots (92.6 km/h). This means that the water taxis only take ten minutes to complete the crossing. Unlike previous models, the Solent Flyer and Island Flyer are equipped with only two engines, while earlier versions required a total of four; of these, two power units were used for lift and two were used for horizontal acceleration. In the new models, these two functions have been combined, so that the two twelve-cylinder engines provide both lift and propulsion. Thanks to this innovative drive, 12000TD hovercraft have the potential to consume one-third less fuel than comparable vehicles.
Due to their modernised design, however, the new systems not only save money, but also improve comfort levels on board the hovercraft: “The engines are very fuel-efficient and quiet and this is very important in ensuring our passengers have a pleasant experience,” said Mark Downer, Chief Engineer at Griffon Hoverwork. “We have also reduced the noise level in the cabin by using larger propellers. They can deliver the same active power as their predecessors did, but at a lower speed,” explained the Chief Engineer. PME Group Ltd have supported MAN and this project from the design stage, through development to service support in the field (or rather the sea). And are delighted that this project has proved so successful and reliable. For MAN service support and sales contact PME Group on: 01201 622346 or: info@mandiesel.co.uk www.mandiesel.co.uk
