BHC BH.8
(Concept)

Click on thumbnails above for larger images

BH.8

Designed initially for military logistic support duties, the BH.8 was designed as a twin-engined 80-ton, open-water hovercraft with bow and stern loading doors.

The craft was designed as the largest hovercraft which could be readily transported in one piece as deck cargo, thus facilitating world-wide delivery. Capable of carrying 3-ton vehicles, the craft was to have been suitable for a wide range of civil, as well as military roles, including passenger ferry, mixed passenger / car ferry and freight carrier.

According to the projected internal arrangements, typical civil payloads at 90 tons all-up-weight would have been 280 passengers, 14 cars plus 110 passengers or 35 tons of freight.

Two 3,400 shp Rolls-Royce Marine Proteus gas turbines would have powered the integrated lift / propulsion system. The concept was never taken beyond the design stage.

EXTERNAL DIMENSIONS

Overall Length: 29.26 m
Overall Beam: 17.07 m
Overall Height on landing pads: 9.75 m

WEIGHTS

Maximum: 90 tonnes

PERFORMANCE
(At maximum operating weight at 15 ºC)

Maximum continuous calm water speed: 75 knots
Speed in 1.2 to 1.5 m waves: 45-55 knots
Maximum Endurance: 8 hours

Back to the Hovercraft Museum Home Page