Waterjet thrust for Portuguese rescue craft

Three newbuild 15.5m rescue craft for the Portuguese Navy vessels are the first of their kind to be completely designed and built in Portugal by that countrys Arsenal do Alfeite.

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Providing rapid acceleration and high speed, shallow draft capability and excellent manoeuvrability, the craft make an excellent tool for search and rescue missions. They are also self-righting with six watertight compartments.

Power is provided by twin Scania DI12 66M 650 hp diesel engines turning 2,200 rpm with direct drive to twin UltraJet 376 waterjets. The UltraJet 376 waterjets also provide high bollard pull for vessel towing purposes. The propulsion package will also take the 17.5 ton displacement design to a speed of 31 knots.

The outstanding manoeuvrability, allowing survivor recovery and towing in heavy sea conditions, is provided by the Ultra Dynamics’ Electro-hydraulic control system fitted to each vessel. This includes a triple station multi axis joystick with twin control levers at the main helm position and on two auxiliary stations.