Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Innovative Hovercraft Solutions for Military, Rescue & Commercial Use
Established in 1956, Griffon Hoverwork has pioneered hovercraft technology, delivering innovative marine solutions across military, rescue, and commercial sectors. Our engineering-led approach combines over six decades of expertise with ISO 9001-certified quality standards to design high-payload hovercraft capable of operating in 41+ countries. We specialise in crafting versatile amphibious vehicles that overcome environmental challenges, from Arctic conditions to flood zones, while maintaining a commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency. Our team of maritime and aerospace professionals provides tailored training programs, spares supply, and technical support to ensure client success. With a heritage rooted in Sir Christopher Cockerell's original hovercraft invention, we continue to push boundaries in marine engineering, extending our capabilities to include lightweight marine structures and high-speed interceptors.Our relocation to Southampton in 2011 expanded manufacturing capacity, enabling lean production of class-certified hovercraft ranging from 380kg to 150-tonne payloads. We serve global clients including the Canadian Coast Guard and UK Royal Marines, offering solutions for border patrol, disaster response, and passenger transport. Our Wyvern-class LCAC hovercraft represents cutting-edge military transport technology, while commercial applications span search-and-rescue, cargo logistics, and mobile medical clinics. Through continuous innovation and adherence to quality standards, we maintain our position as the world's leading hovercraft manufacturer.
Services
Hovercraft Design & Manufacturing
Military Hovercraft
Rescue Hovercraft
Commercial Hovercraft
Training Programs
Marine Solutions
Hovercraft Spares Supply
LCAC - Landing Craft Air Cushion
Search & Rescue
Passenger Ferries
Details
- Year established: 1956
Highlights and features
- We have over 60 years of hovercraft engineering expertise
- Our ISO 9001-certified manufacturing processes ensure quality
- We operate in over 41 countries with global support networks
- We offer tailored training programs for pilots and engineers
- Our Wyvern-class LCAC represents cutting-edge military technology
Associations and certifications
- ISO 9001
- UK Chamber of Shipping
Services
Hovercraft Design & Manufacturing
We engineer class-certified hovercraft with payloads from 380kg to 150 tonnes, tailored for military, rescue, and commercial applications. Our designs overcome environmental challenges through 1.8m hover height and high-speed capabilities. Each craft undergoes rigorous quality assurance to meet international maritime standards.
Military Hovercraft
Our Wyvern-class LCAC provides rapid amphibious transport for military forces. These hovercraft enable troop deployment, border patrol, and disaster response through uncharted terrain while maintaining operational readiness in extreme conditions across global theatres.
Rescue Hovercraft
Specialist hovercraft for humanitarian missions and disaster relief operations. Capable of reaching flooded areas and inaccessible regions at speeds up to 50 knots, these vehicles support search-and-rescue, medical evacuation, and environmental monitoring missions worldwide.
Training Programs
Comprehensive training covering pilot certification, engineering maintenance, and crew operations. Our UK Chamber of Shipping-accredited courses ensure safe, efficient hovercraft operation through practical instruction and theoretical knowledge transfer.
Marine Solutions
Beyond hovercraft, we develop lightweight marine structures and high-speed interceptors using hover principles. Our engineering team creates bespoke solutions for challenging maritime environments, combining traditional expertise with modern technological advancements.
Questions
When was Griffon Hoverwork established?
We were founded in 1956 as the world's first hovercraft manufacturer, building on Sir Christopher Cockerell's original invention.
What hovercraft payload capacities do you offer?
Our range spans from 380kg light transport models to 150-tonne heavy-lift LCAC vessels for military and industrial applications.
Do you provide operator training?
Yes, we offer UK Chamber of Shipping-accredited training programs for pilots, engineers, and operational crews.
What environments can your hovercraft operate in?
Our vehicles function in extreme conditions from Arctic ice to tropical flood zones, overcoming obstacles that restrict conventional craft.
Are your hovercraft ISO certified?
All manufacturing processes maintain ISO 9001 quality standards with regular independent audits ensuring compliance.
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