HMVG Awarded Second U.S. Navy Contract In Two Months

The Hood Military Vessel Group (HMVG) has been awarded a $2.5 million procurement contract to build fiberglass target practice vessels for the U.S. Navy. It is the second Navy contract awarded to the firm in two months.

The base contract is for the production of five 56-foot target drones.

Contract options could authorize HMVG to build another 16 boats.

The drones are high-speed, remote controlled boats, used by the U.S. Navy as moving targets during live ammunition target practice at sea. The Navy is able to get long use out of the target drones because it programs its weapons systems to avoid actual "hits." Driven by four 450-hp, gas-powered inboard 454-cubic-inch gasoline engines with four separate shafts and propellers, the boats travel at speeds up to 50 knots.

The drones are scheduled for launch nine months after construction begins. Delivery to the U.S.

Navy will follow upon completing three months of comprehensive sea trials.

In August, HMVG began working on a $3 million U.S. Navy contract to build 26-foot fiberglass motor whale boats that are used to transport personnel and supplies from ship to shore.

HMVG markets military and municipal patrol boats and other vessels to governments, port authorities and agencies worldwide. In July, the firm completed delivery of eight interdiction patrol boats for the Taiwan Customs Service for use in combating smugglers in the Formosa Strait.

Hood Enterprises, Inc. is a privately held corporation in the marine trade market.

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