Page 32: of Marine News Magazine (May 2012)

32MNMay 2012Responding to the rise in unmanned craft for use in reconnaissance, and direct action, Tampa Yachts is also working with several firms to offer low cost craft as unmanned Autonomous or Semi-Autonomous Surface Vessel (ASV) platforms for both ISR sensor platforms, as well as direct acting weapons platforms. According to TYM, delivering unmanned craft requires low procure- ment and life-cycle cost, mature, proven hulls, systems and machinery, and reliable service. Active in the military markets, TYM has already intro- duced several craft, including the 44 FCI for all littoral threats, the 35 SPC (Swat Patrol Craft) for clandestine operations, the 35 RHIB Outboard powered craft for inshore and inland waterways and, a the larger diesel pow- ered 40? RHIB version of the craft with fully enclosed cabin and RIB Collar with mid-shore capability for extended patrol and interdiction in all-weather conditions and the shallow draft, high speed 51? FAC (Fast Attack Craft) for over the horizon threats. Beyond this, and with the world?s MOD requirements as varied as the ocean itself, TYM is also competing to supply patrol crafts of various types to the Navy of Southeast Asia and the Middle East, as well as numerous other international regions. Significantly, all vessels are IACS Classified through RINA-MIL Military High Speed Craft Certification. Each Tempest Military Craft is custom con- figured with a range of propulsion, navionics, electronics, and weaponry systems to suit a variety of mission require- ments. Among TYM?s numerous entries into this demanding market, the Tempest 44-FCI, Fast Coastal Interceptor is a state-of-the-art high-speed coastal inter- ceptor boat. First introduced in 2006, the 44-FCI is a 44 ft. (13.2 m) interceptor-class vessel with a proven design heritage that has seen historic action with US Customs and the US Coast Guard for more than two decades. As a totally redesigned world class naval vessel, the 44-FCI is fully customizable with enhancements that can include360 degree pan and tilt infra-red night vision camera, 50- caliber machinegun mounts and threat level NIJ-III and IIIA ballistic protection. With a minimum range of 225 nautical miles at wide open throttle and a cruising range of 340 nautical miles, the fully-outfitted 44-FCI is a very capable and effective intercepting vessel of unmatched performance in its class, the Tempest 44-FCI is powered by a pair of inboard MAN R6-800 hp electronic con- trolled turbo-diesel engines. Each engine is fitted with a 1.12:1 gear ratio TwinDisc MGX gears for low-speed maneuverability and Arneson ASD-11 surface drives for optimum performance. Other propulsion options are available from Cummins, Volvo, Yanmar and FPT. Earlier this year, Willard Marine Inc. announced a by the U.S. Navy to build an undisclosed number of thecompany?s 7-meter aluminum hull Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) for the U.S. Navy FMS. Willard?s 7 meter RIB, in various configurations, is a proven veteran of countless operations. This particular group of RIBs will be outfitted with Yamaha?s large 440HP engine, and like the Silver Ship?s Riverine model, with Hamilton Waterjets transferring the power to the water. Constructed to be launched and retrieved from the stern ramps of larger patrol craft these boats will provide extended range and enhance the capabilities of the largerpatrol boats. Supporting U.S. Navy contracts that call for assistance in the build-up of the Iraq Navy, Willard will also be pro- viding in-country training and support of these boats once delivered and handed over to the Iraq Navy. Naval architect and engineer Nick Boksa of BoksaMarine Design, Inc. also weighed in on the growing trend for smaller, more versatile combat ready platforms. Boksa, who works with both end-use clients and boatyards, told MarineNews in April, ?I have noticed two main trends within the industry based on client interaction. First, the obvious increasing need for multi-mission craft and sec- Willard Marine, Inc. Boksa Marine Design, Inc. MN#5 (32-49):MN 2011 Layouts 5/7/2012 10:00 AM Page 32