May 1 2008, 05:36 PM
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's first locally-manufactured "flying hovercraft" was a crowd-puller at the 11th Defence Services Asia 2008 (DSA 2008) exhibition.
The hovercraft, fitted with Proton engines, is produced by GIG Technology Holdings Sdn Bhd at its plant in Kampung Baru Subang, Shah Alam.
GIG Technology executive director Megat D' Shahriman said the idea to build the hovercraft was conceived last April.
"Since the government had never purchased any hovercraft then, we thought it was the best time to produce one and it turned out that Malaysia became the first Asian country to manufacture the vehicle."
However, the "flying hovercraft" has not been officially launched as it is still on trial.
"But we are looking forward to launch it soon, maybe next year," Megat said at the exhibition.
He said the hovercraft could fly 2m above sea level and move at a speed of about 45 knots (60-70 kph) on water and during flying mode, the vehicle's speed is 75 knots (80-90 kph).
Megat said the company had already sold three units to the Philippines. "We will be looking at Jakarta, the Middle East and Africa to market our hovercraft."
Participating in the DSA 2008 and Langkawi International and Maritime Aerospace exhibition last year was part of the company's bigger marketing plans.
Megat said the hovercraft could be used for search and rescue operations, sea inspection routines, waterway patrols, anti-piracy operations and high-speed infiltration into hostile areas.
- Bernama -
GIG Technology / Proton Flying Hovercraft
Sources : http://gigtecholdings.com/
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