RNLI - Hovercraft
The hovercraft used by the RNLI is the 6 seat Griffon 470SAR. It has distinct advantages in the rescue of people in areas where it is difficult for the RNLI's convential lifeboats to reach i.e. in areas of very shallow water, mud flats and sandbars. There are many tidal areas around the United Kingdom in which boats frequently go aground, or areas where people become marooned by floods, or where people fall through ice.
The Griffon 470SAR achieves speeds of over 30 knots (35 mph or 56 kms/hr) and is powered by twin Volkswagen/Audi 63kW (84hp) automotive diesel engines driving twin air propellers, with a 'get-you-home' capability on one engine. The craft are all equipped with VHF radio, intercom, GPS, anti-spray skirt, heater, liferaft and searchlights, as well as a full compliment of specialist life-saving equipment.
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