Feature 6 | SMALL NAVAL/PARAMILITARY CRAFT An NVTi supplied Series 5000 or 6000


light intensifying, low lux and infrared thermal imaging sensor is fitted on the mast. Other sensors include Furuno radar and a mast mounted Furuno SC50 satellite compass.


Ballistic protection The SPC-SV are fitted with Safariland PROTECH ballistic protection kits which were acquired under a US$4.6 million contract. The CPI Marine supplied fender system is a hybrid comprising an air-backed foam collar covered by fabric. Powered by two 1360hp MTU 10V2000- M92 diesels matched to twin Hamilton Jet HM-571 waterjets the vessels are capable of speeds of 33knots fully loaded. Other engine combinations are possible allowing for a maximum speed of 40knots. For administrative reasons, the


The combination of waterjets and a deep-V hull with trim tabs gives the SPC-SVs extra directional stability.


For Gladding-Hearn, which depends


entirely on commercial sales, this first government order proved to be a lifesaver as the yard was experiencing a serious drop in commercial orders because of the 2008 economic downturn in the US. The SPC-SV is a flush-decked


aluminium hulled boat with a CPI Marine fender system. Its hullform is a deep-V, shallow-draft hull. While its design is based on Texas, a 69ſt pilot boat designed by naval architects C Raymond Hunt Associates that Gladding-Hearn built for the Galveston-Texas City Pilots Association, the SPC-SV is lighter than the 50tonne pilot boat. Te pilothouse, with forward-leaning


front windows, houses the coxswain’s station on the port side. Te coxswain drives the boat with a three-axis joystick control, mounted on either side of his chair, for precise manoeuvring; the engine throttles are mounted on a centre console.


Weapons control station The weapons control station, with a multifunction display and a Furuno radar display, is located on the starboard side. Other


equipment 28 includes


integrated navigation systems, crew communications radio and various other


displays for the coxswain. The forecastle is equipped with a


head, galley, five berths and lockers. Recessed person-in-water rescue platforms are located port and starboard amidships. Te interior is outfitted with Shockwave heavy-duty suspension seats, shock-absorbing floor matting as well as a heating and air-conditioning system. Te crew is typically 10-12 persons, including a boarding party. A remote-controlled gyro stabilized


gun mount with a 0.50inch calibre M2HB machinegun and an integral EO system (CCD TV camera and FLIR) is located on the foredeck. Te gun can be fired in all weather conditions. Details of the armament have not been revealed but the mount appears to be the GR Dynamics (a joint venture with Rafael and General Dynamics) Mk 49 Mini Typhoon Remote Operated Small Arms Mount (ROSAM) with auto-tracking capability. Te Mk 49 is two-axis stabilized with an elevation of -20 to +60 degrees. Te EO system can detect targets at a maximum range of 4400 yards (4023m) cooled and 2500 yards (2286m) uncooled. Apart


from


remote operation from the pilothouse, the gun can also be crew served in case of electrical failure.


SPC-SV, which has a length of 64ft 11inches – just under the 65ſt length of a commissioned cutter vessel per USCG regulations, is classed as a 64-footer. It has a beam of 19ſt and a draught of 3ſt 8inches. With the collar guard, overall length is 72ſt and maximum beam is 21ſt 4inches. Estimated displacement is less than 50tonnes. Tey have a fuel capacity of 1300 US gallons and carry up to 42 gallons of water. According to a recent article quoting


Peter Duclos, the President of Gladding- Hearn,


the combination of waterjets


and a deep-V hull with special trim tabs for the waterjets adds directional stability and counteracts the tendency of jets to suck the stern down, both at slower speeds and in the transition from displacement speeds to planning speeds. Tis results in a very stable and easy to drive platform. Having completed the screening escort


vessel programme successfully, Gladding- Hearn is in the running for a new class of naval riverine combat craſt designated Force Protection - Coastal (FP-C). Te FP-Cs will provide a capability to persistently patrol shallow littoral areas beyond sheltered harbours and bays and into less sheltered open water out to the Departure Sea Area (DSA). Tis capability will offer increased force protection of friendly and coalition forces and critical infrastructure, according to US Congressional documents. WT


Warship Technology January 2012


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36