VESSEL REVIEW | H-561 – Indian Coast Guard acquires locally built patrol and rescue hovercraft

The Indian Coast Guard recently welcomed its first locally built hovercraft into service.

Built by Chowgule and Company, the air cushion vehicle (ACV) H-561 is intended for patrol, surveillance, interdiction and search and rescue operations in coastal environments where shallow water and difficult terrain restrict conventional vessels.

H-561 is the first of six ACVs ordered from Chowgule and was constructed under a technology licence from UK-based hovercraft manufacturer Griffon Marine. The Indian Coast Guard currently operates other ACVs from the same Griffon-designed series.

The vessel measures 22.52 metres (73.88 feet) in length, 11 metres (36 feet) in beam and 5.5 metres (18 feet) in height, making her slightly larger than her earlier sisters in Indian Coast Guard service. The craft can reach a top speed of 45 knots and a cruising speed of 35 knots while operating endurance is set at nine hours.

Versatile platform designed for challenging environments

The ACV utilises more than 50 per cent indigenous content in line with the Indian Government’s “Make in India” initiative. Chowgule will also maintain the craft for five years after delivery.

The hovercraft has a hull made of aluminium and composite mouldings. Its two diesel engines are turbocharged and radiator-cooled and drive ducted propellers with wide diameters and adjustable pitch.

The ACV’s skirt incorporates netting within its loop section as part of an anti-bounce system, according to Griffon Marine.

The standard Griffon specification also listed an obstacle clearance of 1.25 metres (4.1 feet) and operation in a maximum wave height of 1.8 metres (5.9 feet), making the vessel suitable for a range of coastal and inland marine environments.

Significant transport capacities

H-561 can carry an eight-tonne payload and up to 42 passengers while being operated by 13 officers and enlisted sailors. The payload can include relief aid for delivery to disaster-stricken areas.

Potential operating environments for the ACV include the Gulf of Kutch, the Rann of Kutch mudflats, and the tidal creeks near Sir Creek close to the India–Pakistan maritime boundary. The Sundarbans in West Bengal are also a possible operating area for the vessel due to marshy terrain and waterways that can pose navigational difficulties for conventional vessels.

H-561 will be stationed at Haldia in West Bengal.