SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
India’s state-owned shipyard, Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE), has embarked on an ambitious initiative to indigenously design and develop hovercraft for military operations. As part of this effort, GRSE has sought collaboration from the private sector to build a prototype with high indigenous content, aligning with the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative to reduce dependency on foreign manufacturers and strengthen India’s defense capabilities.
Hovercraft, also known as Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs), are highly versatile and can traverse a range of terrains, including sand, marshes, mud, ice, and water. Their unique ability to glide over various surfaces without the need for specialized infrastructure like harbors or docks makes them invaluable for military operations. However, India currently lacks expertise in hovercraft design, relying heavily on foreign technology and equipment. This reliance on foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) not only creates logistical challenges but also limits the ability to tailor hovercraft to the specific operational needs of the Indian military.
GRSE’s initiative aims to break this dependence by developing an indigenous hovercraft prototype, designed specifically for military-centric applications to serve the Indian Coast Guard and Indian Army. By doing so, GRSE seeks to ensure that the lifecycle support of these vehicles is fully managed within India, thus eliminating the need for foreign support and enhancing the country’s defense self-reliance.
Technical Specifications of the Proposed Hovercraft
GRSE’s proposed hovercraft will have the following principal requirements to meet the diverse operational needs of the Indian defense forces:
Propulsion: Diesel propulsion with at least two main engines and an electro-hydraulic controllable pitch propeller (CPP) and steering system
Length: Not less than 28 meters
Beam: Not less than 10 meters
Displacement: As per design to suit range, endurance, loading, and speed requirements
Maximum Speed: Not less than 45 knots with maximum All-Up Weight (AUW)
Cruising Speed: Not less than 35 knots
Endurance: At least 12 hours with expendable fuel at cruising speed
Range: Not less than 420 nautical miles at cruising speed
Payload: Minimum payload capacity of 20 tonnes, which may include vehicles, troops carriers, Gemini boats, ATVs, or pollution response equipment
Hull Material: Marine-grade material composition such as aluminum, GRP, or composite materials
Sea Worthiness: Capable of operating in sea state 4 with significant wave heights of up to 2 meters and survivability up to sea state 5
Obstacle Clearance: Ability to clear obstacles of at least 1 meter in height without damage to the hull or fittings
While the initial focus of the hovercraft is on military operations, the technology developed in collaboration with the private sector can be scaled up for various civilian applications as well. GRSE has identified several opportunities to leverage hovercraft technology for national waterways and tourism:
National Waterways Expansion: With multiple waterways being developed across states like Maharashtra, Kerala, Gujarat, and West Bengal, hovercraft can be a game-changer for transportation, offering an efficient and versatile solution for both passengers and cargo.
Tourism and Ferry Services: The Indian government’s Arth Ganga model, which aims to establish ferry terminals across more than 60 locations, presents a significant opportunity for hovercraft deployment in transportation and tourism.
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