ContiTech timing belts in hovercrafts of Griffon Hoverwork

The two new hovercrafts, which are currently under construction, each have two propellers and fans that interact in order to set the vessels in motion. The propellers and fans are driven by timing belts. Barrie Oldham, Industrial Sales Director ContiTech UK, explains: "Due to the high powers that are transmitted within the drives of the hovercrafts, the Synchrochain Carbon is the ideal belt for this application." The vessels are equipped with two 793kW (1079hp) engines. This high power is needed: the hovercrafts cover roughly the area of a tennis court, and carry up to 88 people.

Griffon Hoverwork has equipped the drives of their hovercrafts with timing belts for quite some time. However, in cooperation with ContiTech, the use of the Synchrochain Carbon and endless timing belts, which exceed the 5m mark, is new. Oldham says: "ContiTech is the only manufacturer who can craft timing belts in the required lengths."

Synchrochain Carbon is very wear resistant and abrasion proof, and reliably transmits high power. This makes it well suited for Griffon Hoverwork's hovercrafts. The heart of the belt is the carbon tensile member, which at the same load stretches less than an aramid tensile member. In addition, the high stiffness of the cord minimises pre-tension losses and the efficiency of the drive is further enhanced. The belt is thus virtually maintenance-free - which helps to minimise maintenance and replacement costs.

Griffon Hoverwork's two new hovercrafts will connect the city of Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight, and will start operation in the course of 2016. This ferry service already runs with two Griffon Hoverwork hovercrafts.

For more information about timing belts and Synchrochain Carbon from Contitech, please visit www.contitech.de.