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Designed and built by Hoverwork Ltd., UK, the BHT-130 is the modern successor in their line of craft to the widely used BHC/Hoverwork AP1-88. Using many of the design principles of the AP1-88 (centre, elevated cockpit, bilateral bow thrusters, ducted rear propellers and more) the BHT-130 provides a quieter, smoother ride than its predecessor, and increased capacity for both passengers or freight (in its "Well-Deck" variation) [Hoverwork, 2009].
Hovertravel currently use AP1-88's and the BHT-130 craft on their 10-minute Southsea to Ryde route from the British mainland to the Isle of Wight.
Specifications table
Gallery: BHT-130 on the Solent
Videos: BHT-130 on the Solent
Performance specifications for Hoverwork BHT-130
Source: Hoverwork, 2009
Feature
Specification
Length (m)
29.3
Beam (m)
15
Hull Length (m)
27.5
Hull Beam (m)
11.8
Service Speed (kts)
45
Max. wave height (m)
3
Engines
4x DDC/MTU turbo-diesel engines
Propulsion
2x 3.5m diameter 5-blade propellers within 4.5m ducts
Steering
Rudders on rear ducts accompanied by bilateral, lift-air-driven 360° rotating bow thrusters
Max. Passengers
133
Skirt type
Bag and finger
BHT-130 on the Solent
Video used with permission from YouTube user UKWMO (YouTube channel)
Onboard and external shots (March 2009).