Willard Marine announced the acceptance trials of the 17-Meter Search and Rescue (SAR) boat to the Navy Office of Foreign Military Sales (FMS). In June, representatives from the U.S. Navy were in at the Willard Marine facility to take part in the successful Acceptance Trials which took several days and showcased the full capabilities of the boat.
A team from Willard Marine will travel with the Navy later this year to conduct boat familiarization training with the customer.
The SAR is a 60 ft. vessel, which was based on the design of the 56 ft. Septar Surface Target hull that has been built for the U.S. Navy for many years. This craft integrates a number of complex systems to meet the requirements of the contract.
Included is a fire fighting system powered by a Cummins 8.9 405 HP diesel engine driving a Hale pump with one remote controlled fire monitor station at the bow and two manual stations on the stern of the boat capable of shooting water 250 ft. @ 100 psi and 145ft. @ 100 psi respectfully. A water curtain system is included which envelopes the boat with a water spray for fighting shipboard fires. A 27 kw generator operates two A/C systems as well as other electrical components on the boat including a full kitchenette, berthing for seven and a full head, shower and MSD system.
The propulsion system for this vessel is comprised of twin Cummins QSC 8.3 600 hp diesel engines coupled to 322 water jets, and a bow thruster.