Page 25: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (August 1996)

p. 28 • New technology drives Gulf Coast oil business p. 30 • , New generation seIf-uhliiclifr|^sh)i

August, 1996

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An artist's rendition of a passenger version of the successful M-10 h<

Britain by ABS Hovercraft of Fareham, in southern England, is pictured on our August cover.

Strong interest in this craft is reportedly being demonstrated around the world. The machin- ery, skirt and hull of the P-89 are based on the proven M-10, which was designed for naval, coast guard, police and disaster relief operations. Recently, the M-10 became the first hov- ercraft to circumnavigate the Baltic Sea as part of a successful trials period with the Swedish and Finnish navies. The passenger version of the craft is capable of carrying nearly 90 pas- sengers at speeds of up to 40 knots. Inside, the layout is similar to an airliner, with three blocks of seats divided by two aisles. Forward access doors allow the craft to load and unload quickly, reducing turnaround time. The crew wheelhouse is situated forward for maximum visibility, and craft controls are kept to a minimum to allow one-person operation during daylight hours, with an additional position for a radar operator at night. The hov- ercraft is built of rugged composite material, designed to ensure high reliability and low maintenance time and costs. ^•^^OBBil For more information on ABS Hovercraft ^Circle 14 on Reader Service Card