Seattle, USA: Kvichak Marine Industries was recently awarded a contract by the United States Navy for the construction of five MPF utility boats following the delivery of 21 utility boats since February 2006.
The high-speed landing craft are replacing the navy's existing LCM-8 craft. The 12.2-metre by 4.3-metre landing craft have a loaded cruise speed of about 25 knots and a lightened flank speed of about 30 knots.
The propulsion package includes twin Cummins QSM11 engines rated for 447kW at 2,300rpm, ZF 325 marine gears, and Hamilton 364 water jets.
To ensure the safety and efficiency of transporting 30 troops, their gear and/or general cargo, the craft utilises a house aft configuration and an articulated bow door for beach deployment.
Delivery of the five all-aluminium craft is scheduled for completion by the first half of 2010.
