Australian Army’s newest watercraft begins sea trials

Yamba Welding and Engineering (YWE) has begun conducting sea trials of a new watercraft slated for the Australian Army.

Designed by Naiad, the 12.5-metre regional support craft (RSC) will be operated by the army’s 51st Far North Queensland Regiment. Its missions will include border protection, search and rescue/recovery (SAR), casualty evacuation (CASEVAC), surveillance, and transport of stores, equipment, and personnel.

In the transport role, the craft will be used within the Torres Strait and Cape York area of operations.

The vessel is powered by COX CXO300 outboard diesel engines, which YWE claims consumes 25 per cent less fuel and has a service life three times that of petrol-powered outboards.

YWE said the recent extreme weather events experienced in northern New South Wales will provide an opportunity for the craft to demonstrate its performance and handling in elevated sea states, with sea trial operations undertaken in sea states up to sea state five.

The RSC will be handed over to the Australian Defence Force (ADF) later this month.