Hovercraft.
Hoffmann products drive hovercraft throughout the world providing a reliable propulsion system; with 35 years’ experience and over 1 million operating hours.
The propeller products are available in 3 to 5 blades, ground adjustable or variable pitch, and with mechanical or hydraulic control – a choice which provides the optimum propeller to meet any operational demand.
History
A hovercraft is a craft capable of traveling over surfaces while supported by a cushion of slow moving, high-pressure air which is pressurised against the surface below and contained within a "skirt."
The Hovercraft began its life in 1955 when British engineer Sir Christopher Cockerell tested out his idea for a floating craft using a stream of air to create a cushion After fine-tuning his designs, he secured funding to build a hovercraft and Saunders Roe, the flying boat company at Cowes on the Isle of Wight was given the contract.
It took eight months to build the 20 ft craft, called SR.N1 ‘Saunders-Roe Nautical 1’, which in 1959 crossed the English Channel in just two hours. It was powered by an Alvis Leonides aircraft engine which drove a lift fan, and using ducted air generated by the fan for propulsion. Forward and backward thrust was provided via a set of longitudinal ducts which were fixed to either side of the craft's deck.
Today after continuous development Southampton based Griffon Hoverwork Ltd continues the tradition at the forefront of hovercraft technology and has been involved in the manufacture and operation of hovercraft since the early prototypes.
Hovercraft are used throughout the world for specialised transport such as after a natural disaster for emergency purposes. Because they are supported by a cushion of air, hovercraft are unique among all other forms of ground transportation in their ability to travel equally well over land, ice, and water.
They are used for sea rescues, where conventional rescue boats are often in danger of running aground when attempting to rescue survivors of displacement vessels that have run onto the reefs, or for special forces missions by crossing shores inaccessible to all other transport means.
hovercraft transport
Small hovercraft are used for sport or passenger service, while larger hovercraft have civilian and military applications and are used to transport cars, military vehicles, and large equipment in rough terrain and harsh environments.
The propriety Hoffmann wood composite blade construction offers:
· Excellent vibration dampening
· High material lifetime
· Easily replaceable erosion protection
· Repairable blade structure
· Low weight and high quality
· Highly competitive price structure
· Blade covering and painting options
The advantage of the wooden composite construction method is that blades are individually manufactured and no moulds or castings are required. The low weight of the wooden composite is advantageous and the entire blade can be coated with high solids polyurethane which guaranties excellent erosion protection.
