A new hovercraft was secured by the Coast Guard region that was newly established in the North East in Kolkata. This Air Cushion Vessel was introduced in Haldia on Thursday afternoon. This would be the newest addition to the to hovercrafts that were already present at Haldia.

However, the newest mean machine is a lot more advance both in terms of tehnology and power. The H-188 was built by Griffon Hovercraft Ltd, in Southampton, England. 12 Hovercrafts have been ordered  from the GFL and this is the second one that was dispatched. The first ACV was sent to Okha, Gujrat in June. Commandant D Dinakaran, a specialist in information technology would be in-charge of this vessel.

This vessel has the state of the art sensors and other equipment. It measures 21 m in length and is powered by 1000 BHP Iveco engines which can surf at speeds in excess of 50 knots with the aid of aerodynamic propulsion. It is best suited for shallow waters in both days and nights. It can be used for maritime search, surveillance and rescue operations. It is also equipped with an inflatable boat.

Commandant D Dinakaran said that the vessel would help beef up all the operational capabilities allowing the coast guards to maintain security in the Sunderbans.

(AW- Anil)