Griffon 2000TD-class
British patrol hovercraft, introduced in 1993, uses a Deutz diesel engine for lift and propulsion.
| Subtype | Hovercraft |
| Displacement | 3 tons |
| Crew | 3 members |
| Width | 5.9 m (19.4 ft) |
| Length | 11.7 m (38.4 ft) |
| Propulsion | 1 Deutz diesel engine 350 horsepower for lift and propulsion |
| Maximum speed | 35 knots |
Description
The Griffon 2000TD class is a lightweight hovercraft designed and manufactured by Griffon Hoverwork in Hythe, England. Griffon Hoverwork developed the series using turbo-diesel engines instead of conventional petrol engines to improve durability in saltwater environments.
The propulsion and lift system of the Griffon 2000TD consists of a single 350-horsepower Deutz diesel engine driving a single three-bladed variable-pitch propeller. The hovercraft can be configured to carry cargo or troops, with optional installations including ballistic protection and armoured glass. For military and paramilitary configurations, the Griffon 2000TD is typically armed with one M2HB machine gun and equipped with an I-band navigation radar.
The Griffon 2000TD has been acquired by various military, paramilitary, and commercial operators. The Swedish Coast Guard received the first military configuration of the class, operating two craft: KBV 592 (delivered in 1993, based in Umeå) and KBV 590 (delivered in 2011, based in Luleå). Both feature a configuration similar to the Estonian Border Guard craft, utilizing a Furuno 7010D I-band radar. The Swedish Navy operates three craft, designated 302, 303, and 304.
The British Royal Marines operate four craft under the designation LCAC(L), numbered C 21 through C 24. The Estonian Border Guard acquired PVH 1 in 1999, configured to transport 16 troops or 2 tons of equipment. The Finnish Border Guard operates seven craft, first acquired in December 1994, which can be embarked inside a Landing Craft Utility (LCU). The Lithuanian Border Police acquired one craft named Christina in 2000, fitted with a Furuno 1000C I-band radar.
The Belgian Army acquired one unarmed craft named Barbara A 999 in 1995. Featuring an exposed cargo deck and a Radical Decca I-band radar, it is used for drone recovery and artillery range patrol. Other military and border guard operators include the Colombian Naval Infantry with eight craft (ARC 331 through ARC 338), the Peruvian Navy with seven craft, the Pakistan Marines with four craft, and the Polish Border Guard with two craft (SG-411 and SG-412).
In civilian service, the Société des Traversiers du Québec in Canada acquired a Griffon 2000TD in 2012 to operate a passenger service between Pakuashipi and Saint-Augustin during winter ice bridge closures.