Ryde, Isle of Wight Monday 27th June 2016 The world's only passenger hovercraft company has invested in two new craft to replace its existing fleet during this summer: Solent Flyer and Island Flyer. Pictured is Neil Chapman MD of Hover Travel and Martin Groves Neil Chapman, managing director of Hovertravel, explains: “Hovertravel's current craft will soon be due to be replaced or need extensive refurbishment and we wanted to plan for the future. Credit: uknip/Alamy Live News
Ryde,Isle of Wight Monday 27th June 2016 The world’s only passenger hovercraft company has invested in two new craft to replace its existing fleet during this summer: Solent Flyer and Island Flyer. Pictured is Neil Chapman MD of Hover Travel and Martin Groves Neil Chapman, managing director of Hovertravel, explains: “Hovertravel’s current craft will soon be due to be replaced or need extensive refurbishment and we wanted to plan for the future. Ordering two new craft allows us to benefit from the obvious advances in technology since our existing craft were built. Our research indicated that two, more efficient, hovercraft would be the best replacement option and would allow us to continue to serve our customers in the most effective way.” Hovertravel’s regulator and governing body is the Marine & Coastguard Agency which has been overseeing the build of the two new craft. Solent Flyer and Island Flyer are highly innovative designs which combine enhanced ergonomics alongside weight and energy efficiencies. The new craft will deliver these efficiencies through the latest developments in engine technology and an overall design philosophy to reduce weight across all components. There will be two of the latest fuel efficient, low emission, diesel engines with a hybrid diesel-electric drive to the bow thrusters, eliminating the need for a mechanical drive. Passenger comfort will be improved through speedier and easier boarding, a quieter ride and better visibility. The new craft has large slow turning propellers for noise reduction, much bigger windows and powered bow ramps and steps. ©UKNIP
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Keywords: chapman, hovercraft, hovertravel, isle, neil, uknip, wight
