FCB2 experimental lifeboat
| Fast Carriage Lifeboat 2 | |
| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Builders: | SAR Composites[1] |
| Operators: | 23px Royal National Lifeboat Institution |
| Preceded by: | Mersey class lifeboat |
| In service: | from approx. 2013 |
| Completed: | 1 (experimental lifeboat) |
| General characteristics (1st prototype) | |
| Displacement: | 14.6 long tons (15 t) |
| Length: | 13.6 m (44 ft 7 in) |
| Beam: | 4.54 m (14 ft 11 in) |
| Draught: | 0.75 m (2 ft 6 in) |
| Propulsion: |
2 × Caterpillar C9 engines, 510 hp (380 kW) 2 × Hamilton HJ 362 Waterjets |
| Speed: | 27 knots (31 mph; 50 km/h) |
| Range: | 250 nmi (460 km) |
| Complement: | 5 |
The FCB2 (Fast Carriage-Launched Boat) will serve the shores of the UK as a part of the RNLI fleet. The FCB2 class is intended to replace the Mersey class carriage-launched lifeboat. The prototype, named Effseabee Too underwent sea trials during 2007-8.
It is based on a Camarc Pilot vessel design, with a Fibre Reinforced composite hull, powered by twin water jets. It currently has a top speed of approximately 30 knots (56 km/h), but will be rated down to 25-27 knots when the final design is put into production.
The FCB2 will use similar SIMS technology to that of the Tamar class lifeboat.
In 2008 the FCB2 was delayed due to hull shape issues, as trials showed crews would be subjected to unacceptable shocks and excessive horizontal shaking in high seas. The RNLI indicated that the project would be extended at least three more years to research a new hull shape.[2] In April 2009 it was announced a new hull had been chosen. The FCB2 prototype is due to start sea trials in 2011, with the first operational lifeboat on station mid-2013.[3]
External links
- RNLI Fleet
- Green Marine - Builders
References
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