H-class lifeboat
 RNLI hovercraft H001 Molly Rayner in 2005
| |
| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Name | H-class rescue hovercraft |
| Builders | Griffon Hoverwork |
| Operators |  Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) |
| Preceded by | None |
| Built | 2002–2009 |
| In service | 2002–present |
| Completed | 7 |
| Active | 7 |
| General characteristics | |
| Displacement | 3.86 tonnes |
| Length | 8.04 m (26.4 ft) |
| Beam | 3.36 m (11.0 ft) |
| Draught | N/A |
| Propulsion | 2 × VW 1.9 turbo diesels |
| Speed | 30 knots (35 mph; 56 km/h) |
| Endurance | 3 hours |
| Capacity | 10 |
| Complement | 2–4 |
The H-class lifeboat is actually a rescue hovercraft, deployed around the United Kingdom, as a part of the RNLI inshore fleet.
A modified Type 470TD design, built by Griffon Hoverwork, they were developed to operate on intertidal mudflats and sand, such as Morecambe Bay, in waters too shallow for normal craft, where strandings by incoming tides can have fatal consequences.[1]
A Hovercraft was first assigned to Morecambe in 2002, followed by Hunstanton in 2003, and at Southend-on-Sea and New Brighton in 2004. In 2016, the New Brighton Hovercraft H-005 Hurley Spirit was reassigned to Hoylake.[2]
In 2023, trials were carried out by the RNLI, assisted by the team at Hoylake station, to evaluate different crafts being considered as a potential successor to the current hovercraft.[3]
Construction
[edit]The hovercraft is manufactured by Griffon Hoverwork of Southampton, and is a modification of the standard 450TD, now designated the 470TD. This resulted in an increased length, greater stability, buoyancy and thrust, and decreased noise levels.[4]
The hull is constructed from marine-grade aluminium, with the superstructure and fan ducts manufactured from moulded FRC. The body of the hovercraft is 7.5 m (25 ft) in length, with the skirt bring the total length to 8.05 m (26.4 ft). The craft is powered by twin Volkswagen AVM 1.9 litre inline 4-cylinder turbocharged 84-hp diesel engines, and can achieve a maximum speed of 30 knots. The engines supply power both to provide air-pressure under the hull to lift the craft, and also to provide thrust through the fans mounted at the rear.[1][4]
Fleet
[edit]| Op.No.[a] | Name | In service[2] | Principal Station | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| H-001 | Molly Rayner | 2002– | Relief fleet | [5] |
| H-002 | The Hurley Flyer | 2002– | Morecambe | [6] |
| H-003 | 2003– | Hunstanton | [7] | |
| H-004 | Vera Ravine | 2004– | Southend-on-Sea | [8] |
| H-005 | Hurley Spirit |
|
[9] | |
| H-006 | John Russell | 2005– | Relief fleet | [10] |
| H-007 | Samburgh | 2009– | Relief fleet |
- ^ Op.No. is the RNLI's Operational Number of the boat.
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Rescue hovercraft". Our lifeboat fleet. RNLI. Retrieved 22 September 2025.
- ^ a b Leonard, Richie; Denton, Tony (2025). Lifeboat Enthusiasts Handbook 2025. Lifeboat Enthusiasts Society. p. 101.
- ^ "Hoylake RNLI trial new hovercraft models". Wirral Globe. Retrieved 3 September 2023.
- ^ a b "Come fly with me" (PDF). The Lifeboat. 58 (562): 10–11. Winter 2002. Retrieved 23 September 2025.
- ^ "This is the Royal National Lifeboat Institution's Hovercraft H-001, named Molly Rayner". UK Emergency Vehicles. Retrieved 19 August 2010.
- ^ "Morecambe RNLI celebrate 20 years of its inshore rescue hovercraft". RNLI. Retrieved 28 November 2022.
- ^ "Hunstanton Flyer is celebrating 20 years of saving lives at sea". Town&Around. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
- ^ "Southend-on-Sea RNLI mark the 20th anniversary of the hovercraft". RNLI. Retrieved 28 November 2022.
- ^ "20 years of saving lives: Hoylake RNLI mark the anniversary of the hovercraft". RNLI. Retrieved 28 November 2022.
- ^ "RNLI hovercraft launched". Motorboat & Yachting. Retrieved 8 November 2005.
External links
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