Indian Coast Guard commissions 11th Hovercraft H-197

The Indian coast guard (ICG) has commissioned the new Hovercraft H-197 as part of efforts to beef up surveillance, search and rescue operations in the South Tamil Nadu coast.

Also called the Air Cushion vehicle (ACV), the latest Hovercraft H-197 is the 11th in the series of 12 Griffon 8000TD(M) vessels, which is designed and constructed by British shipbuilder Griffon Hoverworks.

Powered by two industrial water cooled diesel engines, the 20m-long hovercraft offers a displacement capacity of 30t, while achieving a maximum cruise speed of 45k.

The new vessel is also integrated with inertially stabilised day and night optronic system, which facilitates the hovercraft in carrying out night navigation.

Expected to be based at Mandapam under the Administrative and Operational Control of the Commander Coast Guard Region (East), the latest H-series Hovercraft adds to the station’s already existing four Hovercraft fleet.

Capable of offering quick response to emergencies, this hovercraft can also be deployed on missions across the spectrum ranging from surveillance, rendering assistance, search and rescue and interdiction, to small boats/craft in distress at sea.

ICG’s procurement programme is in proportion to its strategy to double its existing force level with planned inductions by next four years.

Earlier, ICG commissioned H-189 and H-191 versions for deployment at Okha under the Administrative and Operational Control of the Commander Coast Guard Region (North-West).