Page 24: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (December 1994)

Saab has introduced a third generation of its

TankRadar level gauging system, which uses a light pen to activate the system's various func- tions.

The Saab TankRadar is a carrier wave, fre- quency-modulated radar. The signal is aimed at the surface of the tank contents and reflected back. When the signal is delayed, the difference frequency is proportional to the distance be- tween the level gauge and the surface of the tank contents. That frequency is used to determine the tank level to millimeter accuracy.

The signal can be guided to the tank contents in various ways: for the highest sensitivity, a parabolic antenna is used. This antenna pro- duces a very narrow radar beam, allowing the user to measure cargoes under demanding cir- cumstances — in deep tanks, tanks with waves, and tanks with restricted space — regardless of the contents. A cone antenna is for simpler applications. It is small, practical and easy to install for less demanding applications and shal- low tanks. A third alternative is a still pipe, which functions as a circular wave guide that directs the radar signal down into the tank.

The light pen interface is a recent addition intended to make system use simpler. By mini- mizing the risk of overspill, the new system protects the environment. It is intrinsically safe, so the equipment will not cause sparks on deck; and the system can be serviced while in opera- tion — without the need to open the tank.

For more information on Saab Marine Electronics

Circle 1 on Reader Service Card

Multi-Hull Designs (AMD) of Australia, and was christened Hayabusa, which means "fal- con." Hayabusa is the first Kawasaki jet piercer.

Hayabusa reportedly achieves excellent seakeeping with spear-like twin bows that pierce the waves rather than ride over them. Its pro- pulsion system consists of four marine diesels driving a KPJ-169A wateijet propulsion sys- tem, developed and designed by Kawasaki. Two engines are fitted on each twin hull.

The vessel features automated control for safe navigation by a reduced number of crew; a remote control and monitoring system for the main engines; and wateijets and main auxilia- ries. The vessel will be outfitted after launching and is expected to be delivered this month.

Hayabusa Particulars

Length (o.a.) 328 ft. (100 m)

Breadth molded 65.6 ft. (19.98 m)

Depth molded 23.9 ft. (7.3 m)

Gross tonnage 2,200 (Japanese system)

Capacity 460 passengers

Engine output 2 x 5,420 kW at 1,000 rpm 2 x 4,060 kW at 1,000 rpm

Speed (max.) 35 knots

The river icebreaker Rothelstein, for the

Osterreichische Donaukraftwerke AG, Austria, has been launched at Kvaerner Masa-Yards'

Helsinki New Shipyard. The vessel, to be deliv- ered in spring 1995, will operate in assisting river traffic and break ice formations at the power stations in the river Danube.

The new icebreaker has an extremely shal- low draft, only 7.2 ft. (2 m). In spite of this, the vessel can break more than 2.3 ft. (.7-m) thick level ice in continuous mode of operation. This is the result of extensive development work at

Kvaerner Masa-Yards' Arctic Research Center.

The vessel will be equipped with two azimuthing electric propulsion drives. The new azipod propulsion system has been jointly developed by

Kvaerner Masa-Yards and ABB Industry of

Finland. The ice trials of the vessel will be conducted in the Baltic in winter 1995.

For more information on Kvaerner Masa-Yards

Circle 12 on Reader Service Card

Rothelstein Particulars 138.8 ft. (42.3 m)

Breadth 32.8 ft. (10 m)

Draft 6.6 ft. (2.0 m)

Max. height 19.7 ft. (6.0 m)

Displacement 4001

Shaft power 1,100 kW

New Twin Disc Transmission

For High-Speed, High-Output Use

Twin Disc introduced the MG-5202DC (Deep

Case) transmission for use with high-speed/ high output diesel engines in heavy duty and intermediate applications including commer- cial workboats, fishing boats and military ves-

SQIS

The MG-5202DC is a vertical offset (400 mm/ 15.74-in. drop), single-reduction marine trans- mission covering a range of 368 to 731 kW (493 to 980 hp), available in ratios of 4.03:1, 4.59:1, 5.04:1, 6.10:1, 6.55:1 and 6.96:1. It can be operated at full rated capacity in either forward or reverse for ahead propulsion when installed on standard right hand rotation engines. It is equipped as standard with 14- or 18-in. tor- sional couplings and reportedly offers solid, predictable response through oil-controlled, oil- cooled clutches. Other standard features in- clude precision single helical gearing for smooth, quiet operation and oil filter/strainer. Accessi- bility for maintenance was stressed in the de- sign: it is not necessary to remove the transmis- sion or disturb alignment for most service func- tions.

Twin Disc's popular trolling valve option of- fers the ability to obtain propeller speeds lower than possible at engine idle with the clutch fully engaged. A live PTO option rated 112 kW (150 hp) at 1,800 rpm is also available.

For more information on Twin Disc

Circle 50 on Reader Service Card

AMBAR Introduces Bollinger-Built

RIB Line lo U.S.

Saab's Third-Generation lankRadar Diesel-Electric Icebreaker, Rothelstein,

Launched At Kvaerner's Helsinki Yard

AMBAR Marine, Inc., a subsidiary of AMBAR

Inc., introduced a new series of Rigid Inflatable

Boats (RIBs) in the U.S. ALsafe Severe Service/

Rescue Boats are built by Bollinger Machine

Shop & Shipyard in Lockport, La.

Although new to the U.S., ALsafe RIBs are based on a design used for more than 12 years in the North Sea in military and commercial appli- cations; over 200 are reportedly in service there.

The proprietary hull construction process for

ALsafe RIBs uses marine grade aluminum ex- trusions for the entire outer hull structure, reportedly providing a light but extremely rug- ged and durable hull with improved longitudi- nal rigidity. Continuous deadrise construction of up to 26 degrees provides seakeeping capa- bilities and for sustained high speed operations in high sea states. Low-density polyurethane foam is incorporated into compartments under the deck to provide positive floatation in all conditions.

ALsafe RIBs are available in standard lengths between 18 ft. (5.5 m) and 29.5 ft. (9 m). Custom construction is available in lengths up to 49.2 ft. (15 m). Standard propulsion is provided by wateijets coupled to marine diesel engines with hydraulic maneuvering controls and steering.

A coaxial reversing hydraulic gearbox is avail- able, and allows the flow of water through the wateijet to be reversed to clear the system of any debris, if necessary. The engine is designed and equipped to run dry prior to deployment.

Outboard propulsion is also available on some models.

The boats are designed with a carrying capac- ity that can exceed six tons and are intended to accommodate up to 10 personnel plus crew. The electrical system and the engine compartment are waterproof and the craft are totally self- bailing and self-righting.

For more information on AMBAR Marine

Circle 53 on Reader Service Card

Kawasaki Heavy Industries Inc. launched a wave-piercing catamaran aluminum high speed car ferry, type Kawasaki Jet Piercer AMD 1500

Mark II for joint owners Maritime Credit Cor- poration of Japan, Tokyo and Kyushi Ferry

Boat Co., Ltd., Yawatahama, Ehime Prefecture.

The vessel is based on a design from Advanced

Kawasaki Jet Piercer Hayabusa

Launched 26D Maritime Reporter/Engineering News