Bell Aerospace Canada Voyageur

[nuke11]

I did not know this hovercraft even existed. Supposedly the first 2 "might" have been built from some savaged SK-5 hovercraft.

Basically it is a cargo version of the SK-5 hovercraft.

If you search for "CCG Voyageur" you will come up with some interesting articles on it.

It most defiantly is a very good candidate for TMP.

https://www.ctvnews.ca/5-things/may-20-1972-canadian-coast-guard-tests-bell-aerospace-voyageur-hovercraft-1.2909053

https://waves-vagues.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/Library/40601584_v1.pdf

https://waves-vagues.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/Library/200096v1.pdf

[rcaf_777]

The US Navy still uses a variant of this called the The LACV-30 (Lighter Air Cushion Vehicle, 30 tons)

The LACV-30 was derived from the civilian Bell Voyageur air-cushion vehicle (hovercraft).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LACV-30

On a side note the Canadian Cost Guard still uses Hovercraft for sea search rescue. They currently have three AP1-88 ACV AP1-88 Air Cushion Vehicle

CCGS Mamilossa
CCGS Moytel
CCGS Siyay

An additional Type 400 was also in service CCGH Penac which served in the Coat Guard from 1984-2017

[nduffy]

I could see a few of these being in the Northern regions of the US and even an MP Canadian/ Alaskan team. They do make great search and rescue vehicles and for coastal areas. The weight capacity is just right for a decent amount of supplies or even getting recon teams land vehicles to and fro. Don't see them being used in swampy terrain though because of possible skirt damage but I could be wrong.

[nduffy]

I can also see the MP owning a few small to medium civilian landing craft for use in areas with lots of water ways. See them on TV being frequently used in Alaska. Although they have a limited haul capacity they non the less are an asset to anyone who owns one.

[StainlessSteelCynic]

Another article on the Voyageur but with some interesting images including one with a Bell Jet Ranger on the deck: -

http://www.hovercraftcanada.ca/builders/bell/voyageur.htm