British Hovercraft Corporation AP1-88 Overview and Operational History

The British Hovercraft Corporation AP1-88 was a significant development in hovercraft technology. It was a large and versatile hovercraft designed for a variety of tasks.

The AP1-88 was designed to be a high-speed, long-range hovercraft. It had a maximum speed of 45 knots and a range of 400 nautical miles.

The AP1-88 was used for a range of purposes, including military and civilian applications. Its versatility made it a valuable asset in various environments.

The British Hovercraft Corporation AP1-88 is a remarkable machine, and here are some key specs to get familiar with.

It has a length of 21.3 meters and a beam of 8.1 meters.

The AP1-88 features a top speed of 75 knots, which is quite impressive for a hovercraft of its size.

The maximum power output of a typical engine is around 100-200 horsepower, as mentioned in the article.

This range is sufficient for most everyday driving needs, but may not be enough for heavy-duty applications or high-performance vehicles.

The average fuel efficiency of a well-maintained engine is around 25-30 miles per gallon, as seen in the data provided.

Regular maintenance is crucial to achieve this level of fuel efficiency, including regular oil changes and filter replacements.

The most common engine types are gasoline, diesel, and hybrid, each with its own unique characteristics and advantages.

Each type of engine has its own set of specifications and requirements, which must be carefully considered when choosing an engine for a particular application.

The hovercraft's power units are quite impressive.

The hovercraft is equipped with two Deutz BF12L 513FC air-cooled, turbo-charged diesel engines, each producing 525 bhp (392 kW) at 2300 r/min.

These engines power the lift engines, which are also two Deutz BF12L 513FC air-cooled, turbo-charged diesel engines, flat-rated for continuous cruise at 525 bhp (392 kW) at 2300 r/min.

Here's a breakdown of the hovercraft's propulsion and lift engines:

The propellers are quite large, measuring 9ft (2.755m) in diameter, and are fixed pitch Type HO-E-214P/D275BS Hoffmann propellers.

The British Hovercraft Corporation AP1-88 is a remarkable vehicle, and let's take a closer look at its craft details.

The AP1-88 is an AP1.88/100 Hovercraft, designed for amphibious passenger transport.

Its crew consists of a captain, a radar operator, and either one cabin crew or two cabin crew, depending on the configuration.

The AP1-88 is capable of transporting 100 passengers.

Here's a breakdown of the crew and passenger capacity:

The British Hovercraft Corporation AP1-88 was a significant development in hovercraft technology. Its design was influenced by the earlier AP1-61 model.

The AP1-88 was powered by a 1,200 horsepower Napier Deltic engine, which provided the necessary thrust for the craft to operate. This engine was a key component in the AP1-88's overall performance.

The AP1-88 had a crew of two, consisting of a pilot and a co-pilot, who worked together to operate the craft safely and efficiently.

The hovercraft lubrication system is a crucial component that keeps the engines running smoothly. It's responsible for lubricating the engines.

The lubrication oil used is Vanellus SAE 30 C3, which is stored in the engine sump. This oil plays a vital role in reducing friction and wear on moving parts.

The system consists of two engines: a propulsion engine and a lift engine. Both engines require lubrication to function properly.

Here's a breakdown of the lubrication requirements for each engine:

The propulsion engine requires a larger amount of lubrication oil compared to the lift engine. This is likely due to its more demanding operating conditions.

The hovercraft fuel system is a crucial component that powers the vehicle. It's designed to handle engine fuel and ballast transfer for adjusting running trim.

The fuel system requires diesel fuel that meets the BS.2869 Class A1 specification. This ensures the fuel is of high quality and suitable for the hovercraft's engine.

The maximum fuel capacity of the hovercraft is 3 x 250 imp gal (3 x 1136.5 ltrs.) in three fuel tanks. This is the maximum amount of fuel that can be stored in the tanks.

In normal operational conditions, the hovercraft typically carries around 550 gallons (2500 ltrs.) of fuel. This is the amount of fuel that's required for regular use.

Here's a summary of the hovercraft's fuel system specifications:

The design of the British Hovercraft Corporation AP1-88 was a key factor in its success. The hovercraft's hull was made of aluminum, which provided a lightweight yet strong structure.

The AP1-88's design was influenced by the need for a versatile and reliable vehicle. Its compact size allowed for easy transportation and storage.

The hovercraft's propulsion system consisted of two ducted fans, which provided a high degree of maneuverability. These fans were powered by a combination of diesel and electric motors.

The AP1-88's design also featured a unique cushioning system, which allowed the hovercraft to travel at high speeds while maintaining a stable ride. This system consisted of a layer of air trapped between the hovercraft's hull and a flexible skirt.

The AP1-88's design was also notable for its simplicity and ruggedness, making it well-suited for use in a variety of environments.

The AP1-88 was first completed in March 1983, with the second vehicle, Resolution, finished three months later.

The first AP1-88, named Tenacity, was completed in March 1983.

In 1985, a third AP1-88, Perseverance, was launched just prior to BHC's 20th anniversary.

The AP1-88 was used by Hovertravel for scheduled passenger service, but the company found that the vehicles lacked power in strong headwinds.

Hovertravel rebuilt their AP1-88-100s by extending the length by 3 feet and replacing the engines with more powerful MTU engines.

The Canadian Coast Guard operated two different versions of the AP1-88, the AP1-88/200 and AP1-88/400, which were constructed by Hike Metal Products in Wheatley, Ontario.

The two 400 series were completed in August and December 1998.

Here are some notable AP1-88 operations:

The AP1-88 hovercraft has had a fascinating operational history. The first AP1-88, named Tenacity, was completed in March 1983.

The AP1-88 quickly gained attention, and a second vehicle, named Resolution, was completed just three months later. It was promptly sold to the United States Navy in 1983.

In 1985, a third AP1-88, Perseverance, was launched just prior to BHC's 20th anniversary. This marked a significant milestone in the development of the AP1-88.

Hovertravel, a British hovercraft operator, procured a pair of AP1-88-100s for conducting scheduled passenger service. However, they found that the vehicles lacked the power to operate in strong headwinds.

To address this issue, Hovertravel rebuilt both of their AP1-88-100s, extending their length by 3 feet and replacing the engines with more powerful MTU engines. This modification significantly improved the vehicles' performance.

The Canadian Coast Guard also operated the AP1-88, with two different versions being ordered in the mid-1990s. The AP1-88/200 and AP1-88/400 were constructed by Hike Metal Products and completed in 1998.

Here are some of the notable AP1-88 operations:

The AP1-88 continued to serve until Hovertravel retired its last fleet in 2018.

The Canadian Coast Guard has a fascinating operational history, and one notable aspect is the use of the AP1-88 craft. The AP1-88 craft PENAC was seen operating with the Canadian Coast Guard, with photos showing it on hover and arriving at base.

The AP1-88 craft PENAC was also captured departing the slipway and arriving as seen from away from the slipway. This indicates the versatility of the craft and its ability to operate in various environments.

There are two AP1-88 craft mentioned in the records: PENAC and SIYAY. The SIYAY craft was photographed from in-front, showcasing its design and features.

The SIYAY craft was also seen at sea, off hover, with a crane deployed. This suggests the craft's capabilities in terms of cargo handling and deployment of equipment.

The SIYAY craft was observed departing the base and cruising the coastline, highlighting its operational range and flexibility.