High speed Italian enforcer
The FB 60 is based on an 18.8-metre-long deep vee hull that is constructed in advanced composites FB Design has completed the prototype of a new patrol boat for the Guardia di Finanza, the Italian customs and financial enforcement force writes Dag Pike.
FB Design focuses on high performance craft and this new patrol boat design is the largest in their range. The same hull has been used for the world’s fastest lifeboat that FB Design developed two years ago and the new patrol boat version will have a similar capability to operate at speed in adverse conditions. With the launch of the prototype, the contract will see four of these boats delivered this year and the remaining six of the ten boat contact completed by the end of 2020.
The FB 60 is based on an 18.8-metre-long deep vee hull that is constructed in advanced composites with an ‘anti-stuff’ bow shape that was developed by FB Design. The stern shape is also modified to accommodate the FB Design surface drive system.
Power comes from a pair of MTU 10V2000 M96L diesels that each produce 1193KW of power which is transmitted through ZF gearboxes of type 3000 with a 1.343:1 reduction ratio. The drive units are a pair of Trimax 3500 units fitted with Radice five-bladed high rake propellers. These are fixed surface drives with the spade rudder located behind the propeller, a feature that reduces the chance of a spin out at high speed.
The displacement when fully loaded is 30,000kg and at this displacement the top speed is 55 knots. The cruising speed is 45 knots and at this speed the boat has a range of 445 miles. Fuel is carried in two fuel tanks built into the hull structure and these contain 4200 litres of fuel.
These patrol boats are designed for extended cruising along Italy’s extensive coastline and they are operated by a crew of six. To allow extended time at sea there are three en-suite cabins for the crew and a separate compartment is designed to house up to 54 survivors. In the wheelhouse there is FB Design developed special sprung seating and the crew face various dedicated consoles for engine monitoring, navigation, communication as well as the extensive helm station equipment.
