Charitable project HeroCar donates unique hovercraft for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, highly sought after for special operations by NATO countries

03.10.2024

Hovercrafts serve as a platform for the military, capable of delivering troops, logistical support, and vehicles across some of the world's most remote, hard-to-reach coastlines. By lifting the hull above the surface, they can overcome physical obstacles and take a direct course to their destination.

Its length is 11.7 meters, width is 5.9 meters, and its full displacement is 3.5 tons. This craft has proven to be an effective tool in carrying out combat and humanitarian missions by the leading NATO armies.

For example, the British Royal Marines used a similar craft to break into enemy-controlled waters in southern Iraq. This allowed the Al-Faw peninsula to be cleared of enemy presence and mines, ensuring a path for armored forces to advance to Basra. Within a few days, most of the southern coast was under British control, opening up supply lines further inland.

Now, this hovercraft will serve in the Ukrainian Special Operations Forces, writing a new history of liberating Ukrainian lands from Russian invaders.

"We don't consider ourselves heroes; the heroes are those defending our country on the front line. Our task is to help in every possible way, to support Ukraine and the Ukrainian army, and to preserve our country. That's why the HeroCar project of the Ruslan Shostak Foundation has been providing the Armed Forces with the necessary pickups, equipment, such as heavy haulers for towing oversized cargo including F16s, vehicles for special forces, and today, a hovercraft," noted Yevheniya But, Director of the Ruslan Shostak Foundation.

"We thank the Ukrainian people for their support. We have a common enemy, and in this fight, we are united. On behalf of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, I want to thank Ukrainian businesses and the Ruslan Shostak Foundation for their assistance and support," emphasized Volodymyr Karpenko, Commander of the Logistics Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The Hovercraft Barbara A 999 was purchased and donated by Ruslan Shostak's Charitable Foundation and the HeroCar project.

Reference:

Hovercraft Barbara A 999 is a light hovercraft built in the United Kingdom by Griffon Hoverwork. It has been used primarily by military and rescue forces. The cost of a new craft of this type is approximately 5 million pounds.

HeroCar is a national platform providing the Ukrainian Armed Forces with wheeled vehicles. Since the beginning of the war, HeroCar has been supplying the military with reliable and durable Ford F250, F350, and SsangYong Actyon Sports pickups. These vehicles are effectively used in the hottest areas of the front line for mobile fire teams, reconnaissance, cargo delivery, and evacuation of the wounded, as well as drone launches and air defense with light systems.