$3.5-Million Navy Contract Awarded To Uniflite For Special Warfare Craft

The U.S. Naval Sea Systems Command has awarded a $3.5- million contract to Uniflite, Inc., Bellingham, Wash., for construction of 36-foot, Sea-Fox special warfare craft, including associated equipment, road trailers, and spare parts. The company did not disclose the number of units to be built, whose speed and mission are classified.

Under a previous contract, Uniflite developed the prototype of this new combat vessel, which has successfully completed an extensive operational evaluation by the U.S. Navy. The new contract covers the first of several procurements planned by the Naval Sea Systems Command over the next three years.

James J. Doud Jr., Uniflite president, said that this contract is an important milestone in the company's long-established history as a major supplier to the U.S. Navy of fiberglass boats and small craft for military application.

Delivery of the new boats will be to naval installations in San Diego and Norfolk, commencing in July 1981 and continuing through February 1982.

The Sea-Fox boats, to be built in the company's Bellingham plant, will have a 10-foot beam with 3-foot draft, and will be powered with twin GM Detroit Diesel engines rated at 450 bhp each.

Construction will be of fiberglass reinforced plastic. Each boat will be fitted with extensive communications and navigational gear, and will be equipped with light armament.

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First published in 1881 Maritime Reporter is the world's largest audited circulation publication serving the global maritime industry.