TNAG-0758-FCO40-962-Strength-of-UK-armed-forces-stationed-in-Hong-Kong-1978 — Page 26

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Hovercraft/Hydrofoil Options. Although the Study concluded

that both these types of craft had some attractions

the former

is comparatively inexpensive at £3M and the latter displays an

'advanced technology' image - both had significant disadvantages

within the concept of the Hong Kong role. The Study highlighted the

poor seakeeping qualities of the hovercraft and the high cost of

the hydrofoil (£6/7M) as the more major disadvantages.

NOTE: At a subsequent meeting with CAPIC Hong Kong two further

disadvantages were raised:

1.

The relatively small complements of these types

of craft might upset the present balance between UK

and LEP numbers in the Hong Kong unit.

2.

New support arrangements would be required to

maintain these craft.

d. Cost of Speed and Seakeeping. The Study concluded that, for

isplacement craft, a length of not less than 42 metres would be

necessary to meet the seakeeping requirements. If significantly

higher operating speeds than those of the TONS were required, this

length would need to be increased. The Craft Study included the

following graph to indicate the relationship between speed, cost and

size for conventional Patrol Craft.

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