Explore detailed photos of the Solent Express, a BHT 130 series hovercraft engineered by Griffon Hoverwork Designed for high-capacity passenger transport, the Solent Express served as a testament to advanced hovercraft technology during its operational tenure
Key Specifications:
- Length: 29.3 meter
- Beam: 15 meter
- Passenger Capacity: 130
- Crew: 2
- Payload: 1,600 k
- Endurance: 6 hour
- Top Speed: 40 knots at full payload
- Engines: 4 × MTU diesel engines (2 for lift, 2 for propulsion)
Operational History: Commissioned in 2007, the Solent Express was built to Lloyd’s Register standards for passenger operations in the UK It operated on the Hovertravel route, transporting passengers between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight#
Despite its impressive capabilities, the craft was found to be too large for the cross-Solent route and was withdrawn from service in 2011 after four years of operation
Design and Legacy: The Solent Express was inspired by the proven AP1-88 design and featured a welded aluminium hull fabricated by Aluminium Ship Builders in Fishbourne, Isle of Wight
As the first of its kind, it showcased advancements in hovercraft technology and contributed to the evolution of high-speed maritime transport
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