RNLI Hovercraft H-001
RNLI Hovercraft H001 Molly Rayner in 2005
Class overview
NameH-class rescue hovercraft
BuildersGriffon Hoverwork
Operators Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI)
Preceded byNone
Built2002–2009
In service2002–
Completed7 (production ongoing)
General characteristics
Displacement3.86 tonnes
Length6.88 m (22.6 ft)
Beam3.36 m (11.0 ft)
DraughtN/A
Propulsion2 x VW 1.9 turbo diesels
Speed30 knots (35 mph; 56 km/h)
Endurance3 hours
Capacity10
Complement2-4

H-class rescue hovercraft serve the shores of the United Kingdom as a part of the RNLI inshore fleet. A modified Type 470TD design built by Griffon Hoverwork, they were developed to operate in tidal areas such as Morecambe Bay, where strandings by incoming tides can have fatal consequences; and in waters too shallow for normal craft.

Hovercraft also operate out of Hunstanton, Hoylake, and Southend-on-Sea stations.

Fleet

Op. No.[lower-alpha 1] Name In service Principal Station
H-001 Molly Rayner 2002– Relief fleet
H-002 The Hurley Flyer 2002– Morecambe
H-003 Hunstanton Flyer (Civil Service No. 450) 2003– Hunstanton
H-004 Vera Ravine 2004– Southend-on-Sea
H-005 Hurley Spirit 2005– Hoylake
H-006 John Russell 2005– Relief fleet[1]
H-007 Samburgh 2009– Relief fleet[2]
  1. Op. No. is the RNLI's Operational Number of the boat.

References

  1. "RNLI's latest hovercraft named in Poole". RNLI. Retrieved 28 April 2012.
  2. "Hovercraft funded by generous legacy to be named in special ceremony at RNLI HQ". RNLI. Retrieved 28 April 2012.
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