Panambur Beach, near Indian Coast Guard (ICG) – Karnataka Head Quarters, Mangalore
It is the first time that a Hovercraft is stationed in Karnataka State. Monday, September 22nd, 2014
The 21m long Hovercraft H-196 is 3rd in the series of Air cushion vehicles manufactured in the United Kingdom.
This Hovercraft temporarily based in Panambur beach is first of the 2 scheduled for Mangalore. A permanent Hoverport facility will be developed over a 15-acre site at Tannirbhavi beach.
The amphibious vehicle with a speed of 45 knots (90Kmph) becomes the fasted vehicle in the Coast Guard fleet in the state. This will now boost the patrolling capabilities of the Indian Coast Guard in the State which will keep an eye on the 320-km long Karnataka coastline.
The crew manning the hovercraft had obtained specialised training in London.