Aluminium CSSV
According to Finnish boatbuilder Marine Alutech, its new Watercat M18 AMC combat support service vessel (CSSV) is the most advanced version of landing craft it has ever built.
The vessel’s predecessor landing craft type was the Watercat M12, of which the company manufactured 38 for the Finnish Navy during the 1990s.
The Watercat M18 AMC is a U-700 class landing craft (JEHU) and it has been developed on the needs and requirements, once again of the Finnish Navy. The Navy has ordered 12 of these landing craft of which four have already been delivered. The rest of the series will be delivered during 2015-2016.
Marine Alutech describes the craft as a ‘fast multipurpose boat that has both a large-scale transport capacity and effective countermeasure systems’. The vessels can be used both in the archipelago and coastal areas and open water. Effective heating and air-conditioning systems allows these vessels to be operated in cold as well in excessive heat. The ‘multipurpose’ part of the specification covers the fact that the vessels can be used for different purposes, such as troop transports, medical and evacuation tasks, landing, sea surveillance and escorting tasks, as well as for battle and battle support missions.
This vessel has state of the art integrated navigation and communication systems including satellite navigation and positioning systems, radar, forward looking sonar, AIS, Inmarsat-C, autopilot and onboard camera monitoring system. Comprehensive radio equipment includes sea-, authority- and data communications. Onboard communication is provided by an intercom system.
She has two 1150hp diesel main engines with Rolls-Royce 40A3 waterjet propulsion through ZF 665 gearboxes. This power is provided by a pair of Scania’s new DI16 076M V8 diesels, which we covered in more detail in last month’s Power & Propulsion section. The V8 version of Scania’s marine engine is based on the company’s tried-and tested 16.4-litre V8 for trucks, but for the first time for a marine engine uses the Swedish company’s XPI fuel injection system. The engine is the most powerful in the marine range and is capable of producing up to 1,150hp as it does in this Watercat specification. While this represents an increase in power on the previous generation, Scania says the physical size of the complete installation has actually decreased making it easy to upgrade an existing V8 installation to the new engine platform.
Scania’s modular system in combination with the company’s Engine Management System (EMS) allows for the same platform to be used in different applications. An engine solution can thus be tailored for completely different operating profiles without compromise.
Modern hull design combined with a high power-to-weight ratio guarantees excellent handling and sea keeping capability in all design sea states. A state-of-the art electronic propulsion control system (drive-by-wire) and network based vessel control system is distributed and duplicated to secure functionality in any situation. This capable vessel has a cruising speed of 35 knots and top speed exceeding 45 knots. Range in fully loaded condition exceeds 200 nautical miles.
The construction material of the hull and deck is aluminium. The hull is an all aluminium welded design. It is divided into seven watertight compartments to secure the unsinkability of the boat. The superstructure construction material is composite keeping the centre of gravity low and making it easy to remove. According to Project Manager Jouni Hirvenkivi the superstructure, which is attached by bolts and a resilient mounting system can, in a matter of hours, with a handful of personnel, be removed to make the boat low enough for road transport, or changed for a different superstructure to suit a different role.
These vessels are equipped with ballistic and CBRN (Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear) countermeasure systems. Additionally the vessels are equipped also with a Remote Weapon Station (RWS), which can be connected to several kinds of weapons.
The vessel’s builder develops and manufactures custom made products. Watercat M18 AMC landing craft can also be modified to meet customer requirements.
Marine Alutech claims to be the leading designer and manufacturer of fast patrol boats and government vessels (under 20m) in Northern Europe. The company also claims efficient and reliable operation, a long product life cycle and high resale value.
By Jake Frith
