UAE-based company ASIS Boats has unveiled its newest design model, called the Bluebird, at the regional naval and maritime security exhibition NAVDEX.
The Bluebird is a military rigid hull inflatable boat and production is limited to 10 vessels at this stage. It can be purposefully disguised and coloured to appear as a civilian or recreational vessel to provide tactical advantage when needed.
The 9.8-metre Bluebird is powered by twin 261kW outboard engines and is capable of reaching speeds of up to 56 knots, even in choppy waters. It combines the latest advances in maritime shock mitigation, including a three-axis fully shock-mitigated console that houses the operator seats and all equipment. The console design aims to maximise comfort and minimise crew fatigue.
The vessel is equipped with a headset wireless communications system that helps to cancel out intrusive, fatigue-inducing wind and engine noise, and enables full communication between crew and passengers. It is fully integrated with both the marine VHF and tactical radio systems. A Cool Suit device allows passengers to stay cool despite being in an open-air environment.
Other features include bulletproofing, bullet-resistant glass, a gyro-stabilised thermal camera, and multiple crew-serve weapon pedestals, supporting heavy machine guns and grenade launchers.
