Halmatic legacy craft resurface at Seawork
A Pacific 24 as used by the London Metropolitan Police was on the floating pontoon at Seawork 2010.
When BAE Systems acquired VT Group's 45% shareholding in BVT in October last year, it brought the historic Halmatic range of small boats into full ownership of the global defence group.
Renamed BAE Systems Surface Ships, the business boasts an impressive portfolio spanning the whole spectrum of military vessels from aircraft carriers through to Fast Interceptors and Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs). Providing a complete design, build, integration, and support capability, it is a leader in the global market for naval ships and associated through life support.
Building on over 50 years experience of producing high performance military and paramilitary craft under its legacy Halmatic brand, BAE Systems has invested over £1.5 million to create a brand new small boats centre of excellence at its facilities in Portsmouth Naval Base.
The new purpose built facility utilises the latest thinking in lean manufacture to create a flexible pulse line capable of manufacturing a range of military and paramilitary craft. Its skilled engineers employ modern design techniques and wide ranging composite applications to produce craft that can withstand the challenges of the even the most demanding military, commercial and rescue roles. The facility offers a fully integrated service across the entire life cycle from concept, design and production through to repair, refit and maintenance.
Working closely with Special Forces, navies, armies, air forces and government agencies, BAE Systems’ small boats are now used in over 40 countries worldwide. Its customer list of RIB operators includes the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and many of the world’s leading military, special forces, police, customs and search and rescue authorities.
Several UK police forces across the country have the Artic 24, Pacific 24 and Pacific 28 RIBs in service including the Metropolitan, Northumbria, Essex, Hampshire and UK MOD police. A vital tool in law enforcement, they are used for hostile and none hostile boardings of shipping, commercial and pleasure craft, as well as coastal patrols and assisting specialist sections such as the tactical fire arms units.
BAE Systems demonstrated its latest P950 RIB at Seawork 2010. The craft is designed to meet the demands of Special Forces and is capable of reaching speeds of 40 knotswhilst carrying three ton payloads. The well established Pacific 24 was also on show. Used by police forces worldwide, it is the Royal Navy’s sea boat of choice, often deployed to tackle piracy in areas such as the Gulf of Aden.
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